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.

So, to our long-time customers in Central Texas – a sincere “thank you” for continuing to choose to come to our SONIC Drive-Ins. We hope to continue to earn your business! For those that it has been a while since you last stopped by, we would like to welcome you to a new and improved party! And for those who have never been to a SONIC before, come on by! We hope to make you a lifelong customer!

We look forward to our next opportunity to serve you!

 

Our Team

  • Jim Prentice

    PRINCIPAL PARTNER

  • Paul Ratliff

    DIRECTOR OF ADMINSTRATION

  • Grant Jondahl

    FINANCIAL OPERATIONS PROJECT MANAGER

  • Amanda Gifford

    COMMUNITY MARKETING SPECIALIST

  • Devin Rosas

    COMMUNITY MARKETING SPECIALIST

  • Jordan Lim

    COMMUNITY MARKETING SPECIALIST

  • Pam Nixon

    HR MANAGER

  • Lisa Trevino

    HR SPECIALIST

  • Raelynn Dyer

    HR SPECIALIST

  • Shelley O'Neil

    OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

  • Kevin King

    R&M SUPERVISOR

  • Chris Irwin

    INFORMATION SYSTEMS SERVICES

  • Melinda Zamora

    DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

  • John Bigham

    ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

  • Daniel Sheppard

    SR. SUPERVISOR

  • Michael Baldobino

    SR. SUPERVISOR

  • Aaron Garcia

    SUPERVISOR

  • Fran Hellmich

    SUPERVISOR

  • Graham Wyllys

    SUPERVISOR

  • Irene Trevino

    SUPERVISOR

  • Javier Garcia

    SUPERVISOR

  • Joey Velez

    SUPERVISOR

  • Matt Harrell

    SUPERVISOR

  • Melinda Solis

    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…

    1. Sacrifice long-term value for short-term gain

    2. 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…

    1. 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…

    1. 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…

    1. 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…

    1. Rely on power and authority

    2. Take individual credit for team success

    3. Blame individuals for bad team performance or decisions

 

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

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People & Passion

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

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Open Communication

“Relationships”

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Partner Store Focus

“Entrepreneurship”