Sonic Drive-In could open this spring in Kent

After a few delays, it appears Sonic Drive-In will be opening this spring in Kent.

And a new Starbucks will join Sonic on the northeast corner of 116th Avenue Southeast and Kent-Kangley Road.

“I am happy to report they have picked up their permits and they are under construction for both a Sonic Drive-In and a Starbucks coffee,” said Ben Wolters, city economic and community development director, at the Jan. 2 City Council meeting. “There will be two opportunities there and certainly a much-needed improvement for that long derelict corner.

“We anticipate a spring opening and our fingers are crossed that we will be able to continue to work with them to meet that goal.”

The closest Sonic’s to Kent include Bonney Lake, Puyallup, two locations in Tacoma, Lacey, Olympia and Poulsbo. Starbucks has 17 locations in Kent.

Developers delayed plans last spring for a summer 2017 opening of Sonic when they had to find a new lender after the first one pulled out. City officials had announced in 2016 a potential 2017 opening.

It took longer because of more challenging financing and development issues, Wolters said last fall. City staff worked with the developer to allow access closer to the corner at the busy intersection.

There are more than 3,500 Sonic restaurants in 44 states. Sonic started in 1953 in Oklahoma and its headquarters are in Oklahoma City.

In addition to Sonic, Dick’s Drive-In announced plans last fall for a new location on Kent’s West Hill. Construction is expected to start in the spring at a site just south of the Lowe’s store on Pacific Highway South near South 240th Street. Dick’s hopes to open the Kent location in the fall.