Lockport looks to work with property owner on closed Sonic site

Lockport — Following the unexpected closure of the Sonic drive-in location at 16031 Farrell Road in Lockport, the city is working with the property owner to find a new occupant.

According to Lockport City Administrator Ben Benson, the city had no notice that the shut down was coming at the end of 2024 from Sonic’s corporate team or the local management.

Benson said he is “not sure why” Sonic closed at the location as other fast food chains have been doing well in the same area, including Culver’s and the new Panda Express, and speculated it was likely part of a larger corporate decision.

Currently, he said there is no plan for what will replace Sonic and that city officials still have to meet with the property owner to discuss options.

“Nothing as of yet,” Benson said, when asked about rumors and hopes of other fast food chains taking over the space which have been circulating on social media.

“It would seem to lend itself to a root beer stand or something of that sort,” he added, noting the current drive-in set up of the property. “Maybe somewhere the car show guys would hang out. Who knows.”

Benson noted that the city works with property owners and developers to fill vacancies, and sometimes they are approached directly by potential tenants, as is currently unfolding with Wendy’s which has proposed a location on 159th Street and Adelmann Drive.