Sonic Corp. (Nasdaq/NM:SONC) expects to report positive same-store sales for the full fiscal year ended August 31,
2001, marking the company’s fifteenth consecutive year of same-store sales growth. The company
estimates that system-wide same-store sales for the fourth fiscal quarter were slightly ahead of the
company’s targeted range of 2% to 4%, continuing the increased sales momentum that began in the
third quarter.

“We are quite proud of our record of same-stores sales growth, which is unequaled in the industry,”
said Sonic’s chairman and chief executive officer, Clifford Hudson. “It is a testament to the strength of
our brand and the outstanding efforts of our employees and franchisees, who continually find ways to
surprise and delight our customers.”

Separately, the company reported that 191 new Sonic drive-ins opened during 2001, the highest
single-year count in the company’s history as a public company. This new restaurant development
represented a 10% increase over the previous year’s mark of 174 stores opened in fiscal 2000.
Considering the ongoing strength of Sonic’s sales, coupled with the record pace of restaurant
expansion during the last year, the company remains comfortable with the market’s expectations for
earnings growth for fiscal 2001, as indicated by the current analysts’ consensus earnings estimate of
$1.39 per diluted share. In fiscal 2000, Sonic reported revenues of $280.1 million and net income of
$32.6 million or $1.17 per diluted share. The company expects to report results for its fourth quarter
and fiscal year ended August 31, 2001, in mid-October.

Concluding, Hudson added: “As we end this fiscal year with solid momentum and healthy trends in all
aspects of business — reflecting the success of our multi-layered growth strategy — our excitement
grows for Sonic’s prospects and opportunities in fiscal 2002. Our goals include ongoing same-store
sales growth in the 2% to 4% range for the year and another record year for drive-in development in
2002, with the opening of between 190 and 200 new restaurants. These factors, coupled with the
ongoing benefit of our ascending franchise royalty rate, position us well to deliver 18% to 20% higher
earnings per share in the coming year and a return on equity of more than 20%.”

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities
laws. There are certain important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
anticipated by the statements made herein. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ
from predicted or expected results are: delays in opening new stores because of weather, strikes, local
permitting or other reasons; increased competition; cost increases or shortages in raw food products;
and the possibility of unforeseen events affecting the industry generally. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly release
revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of
unforeseen events, except as required to be reported under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Sonic Corp. franchises and operates the largest chain of drive-in restaurants in the United States. For more information about the
company, visit Sonic’s website at sonicdrivein.com.