Danville’s New Sonic Makes it Official

 ABOVE: Sonic Franchisee Jake Barnard prepares to cut the ribbon while Sonic workers await the moment. (Danville’s Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr and Sonic owner Patrick Wampler are to the right of Barnard.)

Owner Patrick Wampler’s plans for a relocated Jimmy John’s and a brand new Sonic Drive-In on the northwest corner of North Vermilion and Fairchild were a long time in the works; with the Jimmy John’s recently opening and the new Sonic having its ribbon cutting with Vermilion Advantage Monday morning.  Just prior to the ribbon cutting, Wampler said; sure, there were days that seemed longer than others during the wait.

AUDIO: It feels very good.  Yes, there were points where I felt like we weren’t going to make it.  But; a lot of hard work, a lot of help from the city, a lot of help from a lot of people.  And we finally got there.

Franchisee and General Manager Jake Barnard said eyes were always on the finish line.

AUDIO: There’s highs and low points in anything you do.  So, it’s never about that.  It’s about getting ready, and doing the best we can to be here.

Vermilion Advantage CEO Mike Marron said this was a perfect moment for North Vermilion and Fairchild.

AUDIO: It’s good to see all of this development happen.  And it’s been a long time coming; but it’s worth it, I think.

For Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr; he was looking across the street at what Royal Donut already does for that corner, then next door to that at the cleanup from the old gas station, and he’s thinking; this is just the beginning.

AUDIO: This is one of the highest traffic counts in the entire county, right here at Vermilion and Fairchild Streets.  I think this is going to spark off major redevelopment on this corner.

Jake Barnard stated that 6 AM to 10 PM all week will be Sonic’s hours.