Oklahoma-based Sonic Faces Rough Weather

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma City-based Sonic restaurants has faced some rough weather in recent weeks.

Hundreds of stores temporarily closed along the Gulf Coast as a result of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

Last week, the company reported more bad news -- sluggish sales at its partner drive-ins, which are restaurants in which the company owns a majority interest. That prompted several analysts to trim their fourth-quarter profit estimates for the company.

And Republican presidential nominee John McCain pointed to Sonic as an example of businesses feeling the pinch of the tightening credit market. The company says the story was inaccurate.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officers Cliff Hudson says the company is facing challenges as it transitions from a regional to a national brand.

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