The Sonic in Gladstone is officially back in business. It was recently shut down for remodeling beginning on Sept. 5 and is back with a plethora of new upgrades.

These upgrades include a completely new and redesigned building altogether, a brand new software system, touchscreen menus, touch screen switchboards and a new system of headsets for taking orders. The kitchen also got eight brand new fryers and a brand new grill. Another addition was the new ice cream machine, so no more “Sorry our ice cream machine is down right now.” This is perfect timing, as half price shakes after 8 p.m. comes back this February.

Another convenient addition to the store is the “drive through hop out door” and drive through lane. The door is located on the south side of the new building and is very practical because it allows employees to deliver orders. If you’re in drive thru stuck behind someone who’s order is taking a long time to make, the carhops can come bring you your food, collect your money or run your card and you can drive around that needy customer in front of you and be on your way again. This increases traffic flow and decreases the average amount of time it takes to get orders out, and that means happy customers.

Right now, Sonic offers tons of great deals. Morning Drink Stop is a deal that offers 99 cent large drinks every single morning before 11. Every Monday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to close is Buy-One-Get-One-Free Boneless Wings. And of course, every day from 2 to 4 p.m. is half price drinks, slushes and 99 cent corn dogs.

So stop by the new store today. It’s located on the intersection of North Oak Trafficway and 72^nd, and is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays, and open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.