Crews have begun tearing down part of the restaurant that formerly housed a national fast food chain in preparation for a Pacific Northwest favorite’s first Tri-City location. 

Demolition of the car canopies and other improvements follow the city of Kennewick issuing building permits for the former Sonic Drive-In at 8600 Gage Blvd. earlier this spring. 

Vancouver-based Burgerville has confirmed it will open a restaurant there though has not provided a timeline. 

The local Sonic restaurants closed in 2022 in the wake of a federal lawsuit by Sonic Drive-Ins, the parent company, against franchisee Olympic Cascade for missed royalty and fee payments, as well as reports of unsafe food and drinks being served. 

The lawsuit was dismissed more than a year ago following a negotiated settlement, the terms of which were not disclosed. 

Burgerville was founded in 1961 by George Propstra in Vancouver. It is currently owned by The Holland Inc. and has 40 locations, most in close proximity to the Portland metropolitan area. 

As its name implies, Burgerville is notable for its hamburgers but also for its fries and shakes. More than 75% of its menu comes from Pacific Northwest-sourced products such as Tillamook cheddar cheese and onion rings made from Walla Walla onions. 

The company is also big on sustainability, having its used fry oil converted to biodiesel and buying enough credits for wind-generated power to cover the power needs of all its facilities.