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100-unit Sonic franchisee sees power in expansion100-unit Sonic franchisee sees power in expansion

Franchisee executive gets workforce enthusiastic with growth

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

October 9, 2017

4 Min Read
100-unit Sonic franchisee Buddy McClain
Courtesy of Sonic

Expanding job opportunities has helped 100-drive-in franchisee MVP Sonics recruit, retain and promote staff members, the CEO of the franchise group says.

Buddy McClain, CEO of the Ridgeland, Miss.-based franchise group, said the company will soon open its 101st Sonic restaurant in Seabreeze, Fla., a debut delayed by September’s Hurricane Irma.

The franchise group, which McClain created in 1978 with business partner Bruce Vaughn, now employs 4,500 people, and MVP Sonics capitalizes on its growth in the states of Alabama, Florida and Mississippi.

“We try to build a successful environment,” McClain told NRN. “People want to be part of a company that is growing. If you want to move, like to Florida, you can do that.

“If you are a general manager...

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About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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