Little Rock, Arkansas – Fast-food giant SONIC is giving back to the Little Rock community with a generous $30,000 donation aimed at funding classroom projects across public schools in the area. The donation comes as a result of multiple local SONIC locations being recognized among the top 50 SONICs in the country for 2025, highlighting both the dedication of the crews and the company’s commitment to supporting local education.
According to the SONIC Foundation, the $30,000 donation is divided into $10,000 per recognized location, benefiting schools, students, and educators. The three standout SONIC crews in the area are:
• 2917 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, Arkansas – Top 12
• 820 N. Fourche Avenue, Perryville, Arkansas – Top 12
• 919 Highway 65 North, Marshall, Arkansas – Top 50
The recognition was earned during the 2025 Dr. Pepper SONIC Games, an annual competition that evaluates the performance of SONIC teams across the nation. Two of the three Little Rock crews ranked in the top 12, earning them a trip to Nashville in October to compete for the title of the top SONIC in America.
In a statement, Kevin Knutson, Vice President of Restaurant Experience at SONIC, emphasized the importance of celebrating team achievements while supporting the local community. “The Dr. Pepper SONIC Games are an incredible opportunity to showcase the hard work and dedication of our SONIC teams,” Knutson said. “We’re excited to celebrate the success of our highest-performing teams and support the local community through our donations to schools. It’s a perfect example of how SONIC continues to foster excellence both on-lot and in the neighborhoods we serve.”
The funding will be used to support a variety of classroom projects, helping teachers provide students with enhanced learning experiences. SONIC has encouraged local schools and teachers to submit proposals for classroom funding, ensuring the resources reach programs that will have a meaningful impact on students’ education.
This $30,000 contribution is part of a larger $500,000 donation initiative SONIC is making nationwide in September, which stems from the results of the Dr. Pepper SONIC Games. The competition involved over 3,100 locations this year, underscoring the scale and reach of the company’s community support efforts.
The recognition of the Little Rock-area crews reflects not only operational excellence on the part of SONIC employees but also a broader commitment to giving back to communities where the company operates. By linking performance rewards to educational support, SONIC is fostering both professional growth and community development simultaneously.
For local teachers and schools, the donation represents a valuable boost, providing resources for projects that might not otherwise have the necessary funding. Schools and educators in Little Rock are encouraged to utilize these funds to enhance classroom activities, purchase supplies, or implement innovative learning programs that benefit students directly.
As the two top-ranking local SONIC crews prepare for the national competition in Nashville, the local community benefits from their success, demonstrating the ripple effect of hard work and recognition. The initiative highlights SONIC’s dual focus on employee excellence and community engagement, ensuring that achievements within the company translate into meaningful contributions beyond the restaurant walls.
For a complete list of Little Rock teachers and schools that received project funding from nearby SONIC crews, residents are encouraged to visit the official SONIC Foundation resources online. The initiative reflects a growing trend among corporations to directly support educational efforts, creating opportunities for students while celebrating workplace achievements.
