Do Sonic Carhops Really Have to Roller Skate? (And How Do They Not Spill?)

When you think of Sonic Drive-In, you immediately picture a teenager on roller skates balancing a tray of Route 44 cherry limeades. It’s the brand’s most iconic image.

But if you are applying for a job as a Carhop, you might be terrified of the idea of strapping wheels to your feet. Do you have to skate? And if you do, how are you supposed to carry a massive tray of liquid without dropping it?

Is Skating Mandatory?

The short answer is: No, skating is almost never mandatory. While Sonic heavily promotes the skating image in their commercials, whether or not you actually skate depends entirely on the local franchise owner.

• The Walking Carhop: The vast majority of Sonic Carhops simply walk the orders out to the cars. You wear special non-slip shoes just like any other fast-food worker.
• The Skating Carhop: If you want to skate, you usually have to pass a basic proficiency test with your manager. If you pass, you sign a liability waiver.
• The Incentive to Skate: So why do it? Money. Skating Carhops often earn a slightly higher hourly wage, and more importantly, they make significantly more in tips. Customers love the nostalgia, and they tip skaters much better than walkers.

How Do They Not Spill the Drinks?

If you do choose to skate (or even if you just walk), balancing the iconic Sonic tray is an acquired skill.

• The Tray Clip: You don’t hand the customer the food individually. You carry a custom red tray that has a massive clip on the edge. You attach this clip directly to the partially rolled-up window of the customer’s car.
• The “Palm” Technique: When carrying the tray from the store to the car, you do not grip the edges with two hands. You splay your fingers wide and balance the absolute center of the tray directly on your dominant palm, holding it slightly above your shoulder like a waiter. This allows your arm to act as a shock absorber.
• Drink Placement: You always place the heaviest items (like a 44-ounce slushie) directly in the center of the tray, directly over your palm. Lighter items, like a bag of tots, go on the outside edges.