Demolition of Old Kennewick SONIC Paves Way for New Burger Restaurant
Permits have been issued, and this week, demolition of the old SONIC Drive In at Gage and Grandridge Boulevard began in Kennewick. (this image is from May of 2026, prior to the demolition process).
SONIC Closed in September of 2022
After much anticipationi, in 2008 SONIC opened their first location in the Tri-Cities, at Gage and Grandridge, and a location in Pasco. However, 14 years later, following some surprising news, both closed.
Olympic Cascade, who owned a number of PNW franchises, was sued by Sonic Corporate, over unpaid franchise and royalty fees, among other complaints. After several years, a settlement was reached out of court, terms not disclosed.
The Property Abruptly Closed, Then Boards Over the Windows
The property had sat boarded up for several years until it was sold to Vancouver-based Burgerville, who plans to set up shop there. According to the Tri-City Area Journal of Business, no timetable has been set for when it will open, but demolition work began this week.
Founded in 1961 Burgerville has 40 locations. most of them in and around the Portland-Vancouver region. According to the TCAJOB:
"As its name implies, Burgerville is notable for its hamburgers but also for its fries and shakes. More than 75% of its menu comes from Pacific Northwest-sourced products such as Tillamook cheddar cheese and onion rings made from Walla Walla onions."
Any News on Other Locations Re-Opening?
The closure of SONIC was over $2 million in unpaid fees, besides Kennewick, it affected the locations in Ellensburg, Yakima, Wenatchee, Pasco, Poulsbo (WA) Renton, and in Oregon, Salem and Keizer. Several sources say although the Olympic lawsuit was settled, corporate would require any new fanchisees to pay any outstanding 'leftover' fees, making it an 'unattractive' business proposition.
Those closed locations are not likely to re-open.
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Gallery Credit: Liz Barrett Foster