By Sam Wroblewski 630wpro.com

Sonic restaurants have confirmed they will be expanding further into the northeast with its first Rhode Island franchise set to open mid-2015.

Sonic says the franchisee will be opening a restaurant to serve the Providence market with the hopes of opening a second establishment down the line. But the company doesn’t plan on stopping at two; Bob Franke, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development, says they ultimately have their sights set on opening 25 locations.

630wpro.com reported in January the restaurant chain was exploring the option of setting up shop in Smithfield where the now-defunct Wendy’s used to sit on route 44; however the chain is keeping mum on locations.

Sonic is already in 44 state and has a large presence in the south and Midwest areas. The restaurant chain has been making strides in recent years to push further into the northeast. Unlike previous franchises in the south, the northeast restaurants will include indoor seating for the harsher New England winters, according to the release.

Sonic management is current looking for franchise owners who would be willing to expand the brand further.

Sonic is known for its “car-hop” service reminiscent of 1950’s burger joints.