Bulldogs at Work: Sonic

By Hailey Gregory and Addison Kettler

Have you ever been to Sonic? If you live in Garnett, chances are you’ve grabbed a drink or ordered food there at least once. As one of the few fast-food spots in town, it’s also a popular workplace for Anderson County High School students—especially because Sonic hires younger than most places. While many businesses wait until applicants are 16, Sonic starts hiring at age 14. As a result, lots of local students work there during weekends or over the summer to earn extra money.

In this article, we look at why students choose to work at Sonic, what they think about their jobs, and the reasons behind the recent reconstruction of the Garnett location.

Why Students Work at Sonic
The most common answer we heard was simple: Sonic hires younger. Students like Brody Clark and Sarah Price emphasized that getting a job at 14 gives them a head start on saving money and gaining work experience. For many teenagers, it’s one of the few places in Garnett where they can start working before they turn 16.

What Students Think About the Job
Overall, students say working at Sonic isn’t bad. Just like any job, there are occasional annoyances—difficult coworkers, shift changes, or busy rushes—but nothing out of the ordinary. Some community members still remember an incident from about a year ago when a customer claimed to find a roach in their food. However, the students who work there said they have never seen any roaches inside the building or near the food areas.

Why Sonic Underwent Reconstruction
According to employees, Sonic’s remodeling happened for a few reasons. After the roach report, the business wanted to reassure the public that cleanliness was a top priority. The building also needed updates; several parts were old or breaking down, so it made sense to renovate everything at once. Another factor was a new manager who wanted to improve the space and create a better environment for both workers and customers. Though the project was big, many students said the reconstruction was worth it in the end.

Conclusion
Sonic continues to be a popular first job for high school students thanks to its flexible schedule, early hiring age, and friendly atmosphere—especially when you’re working with friends. The recent renovation has made the building cleaner and more modern, benefiting both employees and customers. Sonic is a solid option for students looking for work experience or extra income. The real question is: would you work at Sonic?