After being closed for 85 days, Sonic has their grand reopening today, April 7.

“It felt weird to be off for so long…it was a fun little vacation though,” senior employee, Myca Kieth said.

Unlike most companies, the employees were still paid during this time. Their pay was based on their typical hours worked per week, and was paid their regular wage.

“It was nice to still get paid to be on the roster,” Keith said. “It would’ve been really annoying to have to find a new job just for a few months and learn a whole new procedure.”

The inside of the building was expanded, adding a second ice cream machine, a new drink station, new computers and much more. Along with the inside, the company also added more tables to the outdoor seating and new mobile lanes.

“The remodel looks really nice: everything is so shiny and clean,” Keith said. “I really like the reorganization of the front of house. The outside of the building is finally up to date and looks…modern.”

While many civilians are excited about the reopening, it’s more complicated for the employees.

“It’s bitter sweet to be back,” Keith said. “I like that I can have real paychecks again, but I didn’t miss having to work eight hour shifts.”