About D.L. Rogers Corp.

The D.L. Rogers organization was founded by Donald L. Rogers on March 1, 1967 when he opened his first Sonic Drive-In in Eureka, KS. This was early in the history of Sonic, and we believe that it was the 19th store in the chain. Don was 38 years old. He had previously worked in the oil field industry, but he wanted to be in control of his own destiny. He no longer wanted to work for others. Instead, he wanted to work with others, and he instilled this concept of Partnership in his new organization. He recognized the importance of providing opportunity through Partnership. Don set out on his personal journey and shared his vision with his new Partners. His philosophy was simple: If you do well – then I do well. He supplied the wisdom and the tools to his Partners, so they too, could achieve success. He taught his Partners how to handle money, and stressed that it was a tool. He told them that you get paid based upon your contributions, your people skills and your leadership. Your results are directly tied to your efforts – the harder and smarter you work, the more successful you will be.

The first couple of stores were not home-runs right out of the gate. However, Don and his Partners persevered, and developed the philosophy of treating each guest like they’re your only guest. Outstanding customer service became another founding principle of the business. In addition, Don realized that he was operating a penny-nickel-dime business, and knew that you must take care of the small things to ensure success in the long run. Don established the building blocks on which this company is based, and they are just as relevant today, as they were 70 years ago.

Don’s eldest son Darrell worked by his side in the family business since the age of 14. Darrell took over the helm of D.L. Rogers Corp. in 1983, upon Don’s passing. Darrell and his team of valued Partners, Supervisors and Directors continued to expand the business. Darrell’s personal goal was simple: Do a little bit better this year, then I did last year. The vision of growth through Partnership has always been at the forefront, and as opportunities arise, they continue to be pursued.

New store growth has always been steady at D.L. Rogers Corp. – but the concept of growing by leaps and bounds came into play when we acquired 6 stores in Joplin, MO on January 1, 2007. This acquisition proved to be so successful, that D. L. Rogers Corp. acquired 82 stores from SRI on May 1, 2009. In one fell swoop, we nearly doubled in size, as we had 86 stores at that time. Numerous other acquisitions have followed, and we continue to pursue any, and all, opportunities where they make sense. Additionally, we continue to build new stores and relocate old stores to drive sales in our existing communities and provide opportunities for our Partners.

Darrell has always been entrepreneurial and he realized that just opening new stores would not be sufficient to stay ahead of the competition. He has always been an innovator, and he introduced an expanded ice cream program to Sonic as a way to extend the business day to increase sales and maximize profit. He installed playgrounds and volleyball courts to drive sales and make Sonic a destination spot in each community. Darrell also brought

Electronic Message Centers (EMC’s) to Sonic after our test in Topeka, KS yielded a sales increase in excess of 7%. These innovations were put in place to increase sales and maximize profits in the quest to be the best in the Sonic system. Darrell has always believed in leaving things in better shape than he found them.

Darrell’s daughter Shawn joined DLR in 2005 at the age of 23 and took on the CEO role in 2012, as well as the role of Chairman in 2020. Darrell’s son Chris joined the company in 2008 at the age of 24, was named Vice President in 2012, and became Senior Vice President of Corp. & Real Estate/Managing Member of DLR Family Investments LLC in 2020. Darrell announced his retirement in 2018 and continues to serve in an advisorial role.

Shawn and Chris share their father’s vision of having the very best organization in the Sonic system and have continued to expand DLR to over 260 stores today, while maintaining Don’s legacy of partnership and passing on opportunity. The current Rogers generation is on a quest to take DLR from first-class to world-class, and they believe the journey is about everyone who contributes on a day-to-day basis to the success of the DLR organization.

DLR is committed to providing opportunities to everyone n our organization, as this truly is a Company of Owners. We all walk together on the path to success - as no one gets there alone.