The University of Minnesota debuted a Sonic restaurant Thursday on the ground floor of Coffman Union, replacing the University’s post office, print center and Gopher Express.
The new Sonic is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and closes at 3 p.m. on Fridays. With the restaurant’s inclusion, the printing, mailing and shipping center has moved the bookstore.
According to the University of Minnesota’s Capital Project Management site, the Sonic began construction in October 2023 and was estimated to have cost $4 million to build.
Sonic, an American fast food chain restaurant known for their drive-in model, rose to fame with their unique “carhops,” who deliver food to customers’ cars via roller skates. The location in Coffman will be a walk-up order style like the other restaurants in the building.
The five other Minnesota restaurants are in Bloomington, Columbia Heights, Elk River, Saint Paul and Savage.
Vice President of University Services Alice Roberts-Davis said in a statement that the University worked with Sonic to make the restaurant’s packaging sustainable.
“We are excited about the broad menu offerings for both meals and snacks throughout the day and the affordable price points of many menu items,” Roberts-Davis said. “Things we know make Sonic popular among students in other places.”
According to a statement from M Food Co., managed by Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services, there are 10,000 unique drink options. Chartwells Regional Marketing Director Chris Elrod said the company is excited to bring a new restaurant to campus.
“We listen closely to what students want in their dining experience,” Elrod said. “They crave variety, convenience and fun, and Sonic really checks all those boxes.”
Fourth-year CJ Julstrom said they do not often come to Coffman to eat, but they are glad there will be other food options.
“I’m glad there will be a place to get burgers now,” Julstrom said. “I remember their curly fries being good, too.”
Fourth-year Ashlynn Olesky said they had not heard of the new location in Coffman, but will try it when it opens.
“It sounds yummy,” Olesky said. “That is exciting.”`
