Unfortunately, I’ve had three pretty disappointing experiences at this Sonic over the past several visits.
**First visit:** I showed up about an hour before closing, only to find the entire building dark and the location completely closed. It wasn’t a holiday or anything unusual that would explain the closure. They were simply closed during their posted business hours.
**Second visit:** I came by another time and saw that the lights were on, so I assumed they were open. I went through the drive-thru and tried to place an order, but nobody answered at the menu. I eventually drove around to the main window, where I could clearly see an employee, and they completely ignored me. After waiting and getting no response, I gave up and went somewhere else. I genuinely don’t understand ignoring a customer standing at your window.
**Today:** I ordered through the Sonic app. The app itself worked great, and the food was good. However, there were still several issues.
First, the Sonic parking/dine-in ordering spots were apparently not available because they were short staffed, so customers were being directed to use the drive-thru instead. I completely understand being short staffed and having to adjust how you operate, but it would have been nice to have that communicated clearly rather than finding out when you arrive.
Then, after checking in for my mobile order, an employee came out and told me the ice cream machine was down. I understand that machines break—that part isn't really the issue. **What I don't understand is why the app still allows customers to order and pay for ice cream items if the machine is down.** If an item can't be made, it should be unavailable on the app.
I had already paid for the ice cream item, and instead of offering a refund, I was offered a slush that was several dollars cheaper or a handwritten note on my receipt saying I could get the ice cream item on a future visit.
I appreciate the employee trying to offer a solution, but a handwritten note on a receipt isn't exactly reassuring. There's no legitimate way to verify later that the note was actually written by an employee rather than by me. I was told they would know because the employee wrote a note, but if I don't come back for several weeks or months, how exactly is that supposed to work? I don't go out to eat very often, so I may not be back anytime soon.
I even took a picture of the receipt/note for reference, but this whole situation could have been avoided by simply refunding the item I paid for.
The frustrating part is that this isn't just one bad experience. **Three visits in a row have involved some kind of issue with basic service or availability.** The food I've gotten has generally been fine, and today's mobile ordering experience was actually smooth, but what's the point of good food and a working app if the location isn't reliably open, doesn't respond to customers, restricts ordering options without clear communication, or allows customers to purchase items that aren't available?
I really hope management takes a look at what's going on here, because this location has been consistently disappointing.
To the owner of the Sonic on Martin Way in Lacey, WA
After reading numerous complaints about the poor customer service at your establishment, it is frustrating to see that these issues persist. While there are frequent apologies regarding company "values," the actual experience on-site suggests otherwise. If those values were a priority, there would be accountability for employees who display unprofessional behavior.
This evening was my third experience here, and it is a matter of basic principle regarding how customers should be treated. I pulled into the drive-thru and ordered the $7 Big Deal Meal advertised clearly on the board. After receiving my food, I asked for the sundae. An employee named Nevaeh argued with me, claiming I didn't order that meal because there are supposedly "two different $7 meals." Your menu board prominently displays the $7 Big Deal Meal with a headline reading "NOW WITH DESSERT" and explicitly states in writing that it includes a SONIC Cheeseburger, Side, Drink, and Sundae. There is no mention of chicken on that sign.
Instead of resolving a simple menu clarification professionally, the employee took a hostile attitude and demanded, "What flavor do you want?" I declined because I was uncomfortable accepting food from someone acting so aggressive.
Judging by past reviews and the abysmal experience I just witnessed, it appears that no meaningful steps have been taken to improve the service at this location.