If you can imagine, there was a time when Sallisaw did not have a Sonic Drive-In.
Surely it’s hard to believe, because for Generation X, Sonic — whether on East Cherokee or Ruth — has always been a fixture for fast-food dining in Sallisaw.
But for baby boomers, in particular, when Chuck and Esther Sainer built Sequoyah County’s first Sonic in 1973 at 1703 E. Cherokee Avenue, the nifty dinein- your-car restaurant where carhops delivered food on trays to your car window — a blast from the past reminiscent of “American Graffiti” nostalgia — it was a godsend.
It was also a destination, especially for high schoolers who cruised Cherokee and inevitably ended up in a stall at Sonic where they often ordered a limeade, then conversed for hours with classmates and friends under the distinctive neon lights that served as an enticing beacon in the eastern Oklahoma night.
During the first 10 years, the novelty and mystique of “Service at the speed of sound” had not worn off. When Denise Sainer (now Norvell) was hired in 1983 to hand-bread onion rings — an important task, since the goldenfried side order was advertised atop the distinctive red sign. Norvell recalls her father-inlaw telling her that if she could handle the onion rings, she could handle everything.
She ended up handling everything. Within five years, she was a manager and was buying stock in the company. Then 25 years after her first day on the job, she and husband Toby Norvell purchased the franchise and built the current Sonic at 550 W. Ruth Avenue.
But after 41 years as employee then owner, Norvell has turned over the keys to the franchise to a new owner. That was Tuesday. And although there’s the inevitable glitches that come with a change in ownership, the previous owners are making the most of life after Sonic as retirees.
“My only worry today is my crew I left behind,” Denise wrote Wednesday on social media as she and Toby were on their way to Indiana.
Mutual admiration
And after more than four decades as one of the biggest supporters of the community, Denise can’t help but look back on those who might have been touched by her efforts on their behalf.
“The generations of kids, I am so proud of you all,” she wrote on social media. “The families knew they were our kids to share. We were hard on them, tough on them, laughed and cried with them. I’m not sure where we’d be without Sonic. I love helping so many families.
“With all my heart, I trust this new group to take care of Sallisaw as you take care of them. Toby and I love our Sallisaw families. Thank you all again for the sweet and lasting friendships,” Denise wrote.
“A business will not stand without its community,” Denise told business and community leaders in May when Sonic was named the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce’s Member of the Month yet again, a recurring honor that has occurred countless times in the past five decades. “Kindness is something anyone can give without losing anything of your own. So many of you are the backbone and on the frontline of the changes and growth for our town. Thank you for your kindness and support.”
But her love for the community and more than 40 years with her Sonic family were far from one-sided. As their employees said their goodbyes, the couple was presented a handwritten wooden plaque in tribute of the enduring relationship they formed over the years.
“We want to thank you both for the years of encouragement and support for each and everyone of your employees, for the advice when we all needed a shoulder, for the constant reassurance that we do a helluva job,” the inscription begins.
“Although we are sad that you are leaving, we are beyond happy for y’all for more than just being our bosses over these years. We have all developed a lifetime of friendships and a work family that we won’t ever forget. We know that we are strong and we are relentless thanks to both of you.
“We are gonna make it and continue to be the best crew that you both have taught us to be. We want to thank you both for the support that y’all have given us over the years. The life lessons, the constant phone calls, the endless hours that y’all have put in here truly mean a lot to us.
“This is not goodbye, this is farewell, and you both will always be inspirations to not only management, but to everyone that has walked through those doors over the years. We wish you both happiness and nothing but the best.
“Best wishes and farewell from the Sonic of Sallisaw crew. #2859Forever.”
A lifetime of Sonic
In announcing his mother’s retirement, Charlie Sainer paid tribute to her hard work and the example she set for him and his sister, Danielle.
“As a kid/teenager, I knew if she wasn’t at Sonic, she was working at Kerr-McGee or Clif ’s Pharmacy,” he wrote on social media. “Watching her hustle, work multiple jobs, let me know I had to work hard to get things done in life.
“Mom, your hard work did not go unnoticed.”
Charlie and Danielle have known nothing other than Sonic. Their grandparents started the restaurant almost 51 years ago, and their mother, father and stepfather spent most of their lives at Sonic.
“50 years of Sonic of Sallisaw officially changes ownership today,” Charlie wrote Tuesday. “My grandparents started it, both my parents were involved for many years, and then my mom and Toby as owners. The restaurant business is not easy. Hard to find workers, some customers have no patience, rising operating cost, social media blasters, etc. 50 years of perseverance.
“With that said, I will say thanks to the city of Sallisaw, surrounding communities, great and loyal customers, great employees, lifetime friendships for supporting a family-owned business. Sonic in one way or another obviously impacted my life and lots of lives around me.
“The new owner has other stores and a great team around him. I have no doubt they will continue the same great service to the community. Continue to swing by and get a burger, coney or drink, and tip your carhops,” he wrote.
Then, recalling trials and tribulations that come with serving the public, Charlie added a tongue-in-cheek post script: “Folks, don’t complain to me anymore about too much ice in your drink or cheese left off your burger. The Sainers/Norvells are out.”
As she transitioned to retirement, Denise couldn’t help but look back on her lifetime with melancholy and reflection.
“In my 20s, I was emotional, hot tempered and eager to learn,” she wrote on social media. “My 30s were stressful, I needed to get my head out of my hip pocket and commit. My 40s were fun. I was still loud, never lazy and really loved my jobs. My 50s were sad. I lost amazing friends, Clif and Chuck, my mom, and Toby’s and my best friend, Mark Phillips. During my 60s, my family patriarchs had started to pass.
“Toby has been my rock for over 20 years of Sonic,” she said of her husband.
And Charlie couldn’t help but observe — it’s unknown if it was with angst or anticipation — “you two are fixing to be around each other a lot more.”
