Sonic's Hawaii franchise has been voted a "Best of Maui" winner for drive-in dining, good news for the local family-owned business and the community programs it funds.

• Sonic entered Hawaii through Maui first and now also operates on Oahu, run by a local family-owned franchise.
• The Maui menu adds a local twist, including a teriyaki smash burger, a cinnamon-sugar sweet pretzel, and a "Maui Maker" series featuring products from other local businesses.
• The franchise donates $10,000 to local schools with every store opening and supports youth sports, Little League, and the Maui Basketball Association.
• It hires many local teens, promoting some to management and helping others move on to paths like culinary school.

Outlook: More local-partner menu items are planned, and the school-donation pledge will continue with each new store opening in Hawaii.