ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Sonic Drive-In restaurant at 1753 Airport Road closed Friday, marking the end of the last Sonic location in the Lehigh Valley.
Community members reported the closure on social media Friday morning. A visit to the site confirmed that all signage had been removed and drive-thru menus were gone with a closure notice taped to the order box. Equipment, including what appeared to be fryers, was observed in a dumpster.
No official reason for the closure was provided or posted at the location. Attempts to reach the restaurant by phone were unsuccessful, with the number appearing to be disconnected.
According to online reviews and social media comments, the location had received numerous complaints citing slow service, staff shortages, and managerial issues. Online reports also alleged mold in frozen drinks and ice cream.
Doug Easterly, who identifies himself as a real estate manager at Spark Car Wash, commented on a Facebook post about the closure that he was involved in a deal to convert the property into a car wash.
The claim could not be independently verified.
The nearest Sonic locations to the Lehigh Valley are now in Flemington, N.J., and Bartonsville, Pa.
