Exhibit 23.1



                         Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333-26359) pertaining to the Sonic Corp. Savings and Profit Sharing Plan
of our report dated February 26, 1999, with respect to the financial statements
and schedules of Sonic Corp. Savings and Profit Sharing Plan included in the
Plan's Annual Report (Form 11-K), for the year ended August 31, 1998, filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                            ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
March 4, 1999