QSR Magazine: Energy-Efficient Programs Help Brands Save Money In The Long Run

When it comes to operating a profitable restaurant chain, energy costs have historically been lower on the priority list than food costs, wages, and real estate. Nevertheless, industry leaders say brands can reduce expenses long-term without dramatically changing the customer experience by investing in energy-efficient programs.

Corporate leadership at Sonic Drive-In began heeding this type of financial advice a few years ago, when several franchisees across the U.S. reported significant reductions in energy costs after installing solar panels on the roofs of their drive-ins.

To test the claims, the burger chain spent some $80,000 to have 90 solar panels installed on one of its corporate-owned restaurants in San Antonio in late 2015. The project earned a 50 percent solar rebate from local utility provider CPS Energy and a 30 percent federal tax credit.