Does Sonic Have a Fish Sandwich in 2023? Here’s What We Know

Sonic’s fish sandwich has been a popular menu item for years. But with rumors swirling about big menu changes coming in Fall 2023 Sonic fans are wondering – will the fish sandwich survive the menu revamp? As a long-time Sonic enthusiast myself, I decided to dig into this pressing question.

A Brief History of Sonic’s Fish Sandwich

Sonic first introduced their fried fish sandwich years ago as part of their “Local Favorites” menu. It quickly became a customer favorite, admired for its crispy golden batter encasing a flaky white fish fillet. The fish is paired with tartar sauce and shredded lettuce on a soft bun.

Over the years, Sonic has tweaked the recipe, modifying the type of fish and tweaking the batter. But the core of this sandwich has remained the same – a crispy, flavorful fish fillet sandwiched between a bun.

In my opinion, it’s one of the better fast food fish sandwiches out there. The fish always tastes fresh, not frozen. And the batter provides just the right crunch without overwhelming the flaky fish inside.

What We Know About Sonic’s 2023 Menu Changes

Of course, menus evolve over time. Nothing stays the same forever. Back in December 2022, some intriguing rumors started spreading on Reddit about big menu changes coming to Sonic in 2023.

According to Reddit user SonicInsider2022, who claims to be a Sonic employee, the chain will roll out a simplified menu this fall. Fan favorites like cheesecake bites, roast beef sandwiches, and more could get the ax.

SonicInsider2022 didn’t specifically mention the fish sandwich. But the ominous phrase “big menu changes” has Sonic fans worried. Will the fish sandwich survive the 2023 menupocalypse?

I scoured Sonic’s website and social media pages for clues, but found no mentions of specific menu items being discontinued. Sonic’s official online menu still shows the fish sandwich as available.

However, food menus change all the time. Until Sonic confirms upcoming changes, we don’t know for certain what will stay and what will go.

Factors That Could Influence the Fish Sandwich’s Future

If Sonic does simplify its menu this year, what factors might determine the fish sandwich’s fate? Here are some possibilities:

Sales Trends: Items with weak sales numbers seem most likely to get cut. But by all accounts, the fish sandwich remains popular. If sales are solid, Sonic would be wise to keep it around.

Ingredient Costs: Rising food costs could force Sonic to nix pricey ingredients. Fish can be more expensive than chicken or beef. But since the fish sandwich has been on the menu for years, Sonic has likely already optimized costs.

Supply Chain Issues: Disruptions in the seafood supply chain could make the fish sandwich harder to profitably offer. But Sonic has weathered supply issues before. They likely have contingency plans to keep key items like the fish sandwich available.

Menu Saturation: Does Sonic need to trim down an overcrowded menu? Possibly. But as a classic item, the fish sandwich probably isn’t at risk of removal due to menu bloat alone.

Brand Identity: Sonic wants to focus its menu on core offerings that align with its brand identity. As a long-time menu item, the fish sandwich fits well with Sonic’s identity. This improves its odds of sticking around.

Will Sonic Discontinue the Fish Sandwich This Year? My Prediction

Analyzing all the evidence, I don’t think Sonic will get rid of the fish sandwich in 2023. While the rumors of menu changes have some credibility, there are good reasons why Sonic needs to keep this customer favorite around:

• It’s a proven top-seller that customers actively seek out at Sonic. Removing it risks angering loyal fans.

• As an established legacy menu item, it’s engrained into the Sonic brand identity. Eliminating it could weaken brand recognition.

• With its devoted fanbase, the backlash from pulling the fish sandwich could outweigh any potential cost savings for Sonic.

Of course, I could be wrong. But based on historical sales and its entrenched spot on Sonic’s menu, I predict the fish sandwich will survive any 2023 menu changes intact.

I do think less popular items like roast beef sandwiches and cheesecake bites might not make the cut. But the fish sandwich seems safe. I’d be shocked if Sonic discarded this classic menu item that has delighted customers for years.

How to Ensure Your Sonic Fish Sandwich Fix in 2023

Want to enjoy Sonic’s fish sandwich now and through 2023? Here are my tips to make sure you can get your fix:

• Check the online menu frequently for changes. This is the first place updated menus get rolled out. If the fish sandwich disappears online, it’s likely gone for good.

• Ask restaurant employees if they’ve heard any updates from corporate about the sandwich. Frontline workers often know about menu changes before the public does.

• See if the sandwich is still pictured on menu boards next time you visit Sonic. Menus on display at restaurants are typically the last to change when items get retired.

• Follow Sonic on social media for any official announcements about menu updates. Facebook and Twitter are where they’ll share news of any discontinued items.

• Give your local Sonic feedback if you’re worried about losing the fish sandwich. Customer feedback does influence corporate decisions on keeping or cutting items. Don’t stay silent!

• Be prepared for substitutions just in case. If the fish sandwich does go away, the crispy chicken sandwich or grilled chicken sandwich would be your best bets to replace it.

The Fish Sandwich Has Endured – Don’t Count It Out Yet

Sonic’s tasty fish sandwich holds a special spot in the hearts and stomachs of many drive-in diners. As a long-standing menu offering, I’m optimistic it will survive any menu purge this year.

Of course, nothing is guaranteed. But based on the evidence, I’d say odds are good this sandwich will continue satisfying fish fans through 2023 and beyond.

The devoted followers of this sandwich certainly hope so! The potential disappearance of this crunchy, flavorful favorite would be a major loss for many Sonic customers. That’s why I and other fish sandwich lovers will be monitoring the situation closely as we head deeper into 2023.

Here’s hoping the new year brings positive news, and we can all keep enjoying this sandwich for years to come. Sonic would be making a risky move to discard such a well-loved legacy menu item. When it comes to the fish sandwich’s future at Sonic, I’m cautiously optimistic.