Sonic Drive-In: Started as a root beer stand named the Top Hat Drive-in, it exploded into popularity in 1954 after adding intercoms, carhops and canopies to park under. The name change to Sonic came shortly thereafter, based on their slogan “Service with the Speed of Sound. There’s 3,000 Sonic Drive-Ins now, mostly in south and southwestern states. Holly recommends the chicken-fried steak sandwich and tots.