MOSES LAKE - Sonic America's Drive-In is coming to Moses Lake.

Thom Kessler, of Sonic, confirmed this week the drive-in chain has plans to open a Moses Lake location within the next year.

Sonic has 10 locations in the state, including Bonney Lake, Ferndale, Kennewick, Pasco, Puyallup, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Wenatchee and Yakima. There are more than 3,500 drive-ins across the country, according to the company's website.

Kessler said Sonic drive-ins do well in small towns.

"That's been the backbone of our company," he said. "A lot of our stores succeed in small communities where they are locally owned and operated and there is a strong community involvement from the franchisor."

Kessler initially showed interest in bringing Sonic to Moses Lake during the International Council of Shopping Centers' RECon (Retail Real Estate Convention) in Las Vegas in May, Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Debbie Doran-Martinez said.

"He was at our booth and shortly after that sent me an e-mail confirming they want to be here in about eight to 12 months," she said.

Kessler mentioned Sonic would like to have a local franchisee operate the drive-in.

According to Sonic's website, the franchisee is required to have prior or current successful restaurant experience and/or strong entrepreneurial skills. The term of a Sonic franchise is 20 years, plus a 10-year renewal.

A traditional drive-in layout with 16 to 24 stalls requires about two-thirds of an acre of land, according to the website.

For more information on the franchising opportunity, visit www.sonicdrivein.com/franchise or contact Kessler at tkessler@sonicdrivein.com.