Sonic opens in Bartlett

Sonic Drive-In has 3,500 outlets across the country, but only recently arrived on McDonald's home turf in the Chicago area, where it's the latest fast-food phenom.

For hours, there were lines of people at the opening of the first in Aurora last August, and there was also a big crowd for the opening of one in Algonquin in December. But on a gloomy, rainy morning Wednesday in Bartlett, business at 6 a.m. was slow.

"We are very excited to open a new Sonic in Bartlett," Seth Wolken, a representative from Boom Enterprises, the franchise owner, said in a news release.

The Sonic at 1121 Stearns Road features 24 drive-in stalls and a drive-through. It's the fifth in the Chicago area.

Sonic, which traces its roots to 1953 in Shawnee, Okla., sells made-to-order food and is known for its carhop service.

While its arrival has attracted lots of attention and many more outlets are planned, it remains to be seen if Sonic can achieve lasting White Castle-like cult status here.