Sonic Will Open New Fort Wayne Restaurant

The drive-in chain returns to the city with a new location on Bass Road this Tuesday.

Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Exterior of a modern suburban drive-in restaurant building with clean architectural lines, steel awnings, and large windows under a hazy sky. — Sonic returns to the Fort Wayne market with a new location on Bass Road opening to the public this Tuesday. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Sonic will open a new restaurant at 4615 Bass Road in Fort Wayne on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. This launch marks the company's return to the city after previously operating two locations until 2010.

Why it matters

The opening represents a significant return for the brand to the Fort Wayne market after a 16-year absence. Residents will gain a new dining option as the chain restores its local presence.

The new restaurant located at 4615 Bass Road will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. This single site represents the first Sonic presence in the city since the closure of two prior locations in 2010.

The players

Sonic

Sonic is an American drive-in fast-food restaurant chain known for its signature menu items and carhop service.

The details

The restaurant prepares for its grand opening following a Community Heroes Day event held last Friday for military members, first responders, and school staff. While in-person dining begins Tuesday, the company plans to introduce online ordering and delivery services in the future.

Friday, September 18, 2026: Community Heroes Day event.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026: Official restaurant opening at 10 a.m.

Market Landscape

This opening reverses the trend established by the 2010 closure of Sonic restaurants in Fort Wayne. The company is re-entering a competitive local fast-food market, shifting its strategy to regain a footprint where it previously consolidated.

Local customers can visit the new Bass Road location starting at 10 a.m. this Tuesday. While traditional service begins immediately, diners should note that online ordering and delivery capabilities are not yet active.

The takeaway

The return of this national chain signals renewed investment in the local restaurant sector. Consumers should monitor the restaurant website for future updates regarding the launch of mobile ordering features.