Lockport looks to work with property owner on closed Sonic site

Lockport — After 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.

Lockport City Administrator Ben Benson said the city had no notice from Sonic’s corporate team or local management that the shutdown was coming at the end of 2024.

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. He speculated it was likely part of a larger corporate decision.

Benson said there currently is no plan for what will replace Sonic, and 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 circulating on social media of other fast-food chains taking over the space.

“It would seem to lend itself to a root beer stand or something of that sort,” he added, noting the current drive-in setup 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.