A couple of months ago, we reported that Havas Chicago had lost a small chunk of its Sonic business, specifically in-store work that entailed POS, menus and packaging among other components (the agency retained its CRM and digital business for the brand). Well, a friendly tipster alerted us yesterday to the news that the drive-in fast-food chain has found a successor in Kansas City-based Sullivan Higdon & Sink, which Sonic itself has now confirmed is the new below-the-line agency for the brand.
A company spokesperson tells us that the appointment of SH&S consolidates work previously done by Havas Chicago and TracyLocke. In a statement, Sonic VP of marketing Todd Smith adds, “SHS brings a wealth of talent and experience that will complement Sonic’s current agency roster with creative execution at the drive in and local market levels. Plus, selecting SHS consolidates several marketing practices to one agency that will provide synergies and efficiencies.”
As a result of Sonic’s decision, which was actually made before the holidays, SH&S will be partnering with the brand on on-lot and in-store communications, merchandising, menus, field and local store marketing efforts. Meanwhile, Goodby Silverstein & Partners remains Sonic’s creative AOR while ZenithOptimedia continues as media AOR. Sonic would not reveal the names of the other agencies that participated in the below-the-line review, which was assisted by Joanne Davis Consulting.