Update: I reached out to the owners, who were prompt in responding. They explained that the outdoor cleanliness issue was due to broken equipment they are working to replace/repair, and apologized for the cold food issue. I will give the location another try to see if improvements have been made.
This is a Sonic I've frequented for YEARS. Made a visit with a friend today (4.4.26) to grab a quick bite before running a few errands and was absolutely disappointed with the entire experience.
Placed the order (2 #3 Combos) at 1:01 PM according to the receipt; however, the food did not arrive until nearly 1:25 PM, and although there were a few cars there, the place didn't seem to be super busy.
The food was COLD. When I say that, the burgers felt like they had been sitting on the counter for like a good half hour before someone decided to send them out to a customer -- the meat and the bun were room temperature. The fries, though crispy, were barely warm -- like they, too, had been ready and just sitting around for a good while before being delivered. Each burger had a special item added to them, and both orders were correct, so I guess that's a small plus.
Also, I will give credit to the young lady who brought out the food; she apologized for the wait and was extremely pleasant. I appreciate that, but it wasn't enough to wash away the bad taste in my mouth over the cold food.
Additionally, it's like they've stopped caring about the place. Sonic has always been an establishment known for keeping the grounds clean -- even to the extent of pressure-washing the parking stalls and the roof over it. This location looked sad and dingy today, like it was in sore need of a good deep cleaning that probably wasn't coming.
I love Sonic, and enjoy visiting for hot food delivered quickly, but this experience was a complete disappointment, and makes me more likely to choose another company the next time I want to eat out in the Pearl area -- a place that is clean and where the customers are better cared for.