Drive-in coming to Wallingford?

Date AddedAugust 22, 2009 10:46:52 PM

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WALLINGFORD - New England's first Sonic fast-food restaurant is scheduled to open in Peabody, Mass., in August. Could the next location be Wallingford?
A want ad for district managers and managers posted to an online job site states that Sonic is coming to Connecticut and gives a Wallingford post office box for a mailing address.
The Oklahoma-based Sonic chain is known for its carhop service, tater tots and fountain drinks and has more than 3,500 drive-ins from coast to coast, but only a few in the Northeast. Recently, however, Sonic has been creeping closer to this area, with restaurants opening in New Jersey and Binghamton, N.Y.
A corporate spokeswoman said each restaurant is an independent franchise. She did not return a phone call asking specifically about Wallingford and Connecticut.
Town officials said no plans have been filed in the town planner's office, nor had program planning or economic development officials spoken with any developers or franchisees. Program Planning Director Donald Roe said he had heard Sonic mentioned recently, but wouldn't elaborate.
The online ad seeks seasoned managers with experience in high-volume food environments and boasts a multiple store opportunity. It asks qualified candidates to mail resumes to Sonic of Connecticut at a post office box at 994 N. Colony Road - the location of the UPS Store. There is no phone or fax number or e-mail address listed.
Sonics tend to locate on busy strips, such as Route 5, and near other national chains. The former home of the Yankee Silversmith on Route 5 could be a potential location. Co-owner of the property Robert Mesite said he and his brother Ralph are in talks with several potential developers of the site, representing several uses. Robert Mesite said that, while the economy has slowed retail and fast-food development, he acknowledged Sonic was one of many potential tenants the brothers had spoken to.
"There are a lot of people talking," he said, "but there is nothing in writing."