About Us

Who We Are

The first SONIC Drive-In in Central Texas opened in New Braunfels on Seguin Avenue in March 1973.

Over the next 30 years, MHR Austin Sonics grew its SONIC franchise footprint to 102 restaurants, including drive-ins in Austin and San Antonio. During the following 20 years to the present, we sold the San Antonio market and focused our SONIC business on our remaining Central Texas territory with headquarters in Austin. As of April 2022, MHR Austin Sonics, through its operators and partners, owns and operates 60 SONIC Drive-Ins stretching from Llano to Rockdale and Lampasas to Cibolo.

We firmly believe that our 50-year SONIC track record in Central Texas is based on two foundational resources – 1) we have hardworking employees who care about Texas hospitality; and 2) we have loyal guests who love to “SONIC!”

It is our ambition that the SONIC Drive-Ins in Central Texas will see another 50 years, and to accomplish that, we are intent on creating a culture in our organization that is lively, contagious, and makes our employees genuinely excited to come to work (please see our Core Values below). Additionally, looking for fun and creative ways to give back to the local communities that surround our drive-ins (we hope you see this in our new Community Partner programs).

More to the heart of who we are – the following individuals, including countless others, make up MHR Austin Sonics…if we listed everyone, you would be scrolling for a while!

We are always collectively striving to: do the right thing, every time, without exception; honor the Lord in all we do (those that have a faith in Jesus Christ); and live authentically.

We look forward to our next opportunity to serve you!

MHR Austin Sonics

Meet the Team

Jim Prentice

PRINCIPAL PARTNER

Jim Prentice

PRINCIPAL PARTNER

Paul Ratliff

DIR. OF ADMINSTRATION

Paul Ratliff

DIR. OF ADMINSTRATION

Grant Jondahl

FINANCIAL OPERATIONS P.M.

Grant Jondahl

FINANCIAL OPERATIONS P.M.

Amanda Gifford

COMM.  MKTG. SPECIALIST

Amanda Gifford

COMM.  MKTG. SPECIALIST

Devin Rosas

COMM.  MKTG. SPECIALIST

Devin Rosas

COMM.  MKTG. SPECIALIST

Jordan Lim

COMM.  MKTG. SPECIALIST

Jordan Lim

COMM.  MKTG. SPECIALIST

Pam Nixon

HR MANAGER

Pam Nixon

HR MANAGER

Lisa Trevino

HR SPECIALIST

Lisa Trevino

HR SPECIALIST

Raelynn Dyer

HR SPECIALIST

Raelynn Dyer

HR SPECIALIST

Shelley O’Neil

OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Shelley O’Neil

OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Kevin King

R&M SUPERVISOR

Kevin King

R&M SUPERVISOR

Chris Irwin

INFOSYS.

Chris Irwin

INFOSYS.

Melinda Zamora

DIR. OF OPERATIONS

Melinda Zamora

DIR. OF OPERATIONS

John Bigham

ADOp

John Bigham

ADOp

Daniel Sheppard

SR. SUPERVISOR

Daniel Sheppard

SR. SUPERVISOR

Michael Baldobino

SR. SUPERVISOR

Michael Baldobino

SR. SUPERVISOR

Aaron Garcia

SUPERVISOR

Aaron Garcia

SUPERVISOR

Chelsie Santa Ana

SUPERVISOR

Chelsie Santa Ana

SUPERVISOR

Graham Wyllys

SUPERVISOR

Graham Wyllys

SUPERVISOR

Irene Trevino

SUPERVISOR

Irene Trevino

SUPERVISOR

Javier Garcia

SUPERVISOR

Javier Garcia

SUPERVISOR

Joey Velez

SUPERVISOR

Joey Velez

SUPERVISOR

Matt Harrell

SUPERVISOR

Matt Harrell

SUPERVISOR

Melinda Solis

SUPERVISOR

Melinda Solis

SUPERVISOR

Obed Diaz

SUPERVISOR

Obed Diaz

SUPERVISOR

MHR Austin Sonics Lives Its Core Values

Having An Ownership Mentality; Attention To Detail

We WILL…

  • Seek to understand how personal role impacts others in the organization
  • Maintain high standards for employee and guest health, safety, and hospitality
  • Act responsibly with company assets
  • Think big and constantly innovate!

We will NOT…

  • Sacrifice long-term value for short-term gain
  • Use the excuse, “we’ve always done it that way”

Your Character Is Our Destiny

We WILL…

  • Act with the highest ethical standards
  • Honor our promises and obligations to work, family, faith, and community
  • Admit mistakes and accept accountability

We will NOT…

Tolerate dishonesty, intimidation, or retaliation

Your Opinion Matters!

We WILL…

  • Communicate freely, clearly, and concisely
  • Listen for understanding
  • Encourage diverse opinions and constructive debate

We will NOT…

  • Knowingly mislead or intentionally withhold information

It Is All About The People

We WILL…

  • Recognize and reward strong performance
  • Respect others by seeking genuine conflict resolution; not gossiping
  • Create a high-energy environment
  • Learn and continuously develop ourselves and others

We will not…

  • Allow enthusiasm to overwhelm reason

Leading By Serving

We WILL…

  • Seek to serve others
  • Place the success of others above our own
  • Exhibit personal humility and professional courage

We will NOT…

  • Rely on power and authority
  • Take individual credit for team success
  • Blame individuals for bad team performance or decisions

Ways the Core Values Can Show Up in the Drive-Ins…

People & Passion

“Surprise & Delight”, “The Special Things”, “Have Fun”, “Work Hard”, and “Laugh Harder!”

Open Communication

“Relationships”

Partner Store Focus

“Entrepreneurship”