Waterloo restaurant Sonny’s up for sale (update)

It's been a beloved eatery in Waterloo for decades, and now, Sonny's on Weber Street North is up for sale.

Sonny's Drive-In was established in 1965 and is best known for its burgers, fish and chips, and onion rings.

Current owner, Paul Noussis, spoke with CityNews 570 on Friday morning. 

“We're selling the business for $775,000 and the purchaser has the option of buying the property as well for up to $3-million.”

Noussis said there's been a lot of interest since it hit the market. 

“We just listed it this week and my agent has said that he's never had as much interest in a property than he has with Sonny's. He pretty much said we broke the internet with the amount of media exposure that we've gotten and people on social media talking about it, it has just been a tremendous response.”

He explained just because the restaurant and property are up for sale, that doesn't mean it's the end for Sonny's. 

“I'm hoping that when the new buyers take over, we continue the tradition here and keep serving great food to the community which is growing at a rapid rate and that we're around for another 50 to 60 years.”

Noussis would even be willing to help the new owners with operations, as he said he understands how important Sonny's is to the community.

“A lot of people have been coming here all their lives,” said Noussis. “The one thing that's been constant here in Waterloo is that there has been Sonny's. I think if they see it go, they're going to be sad — but I reassure them, that it's going to be here.”

Since word of the restaurant's sale broke this week, Noussis said Sonny's has been extremely busy.

As for why Noussis is stepping away, he said he's been in the industry for 35 years and has owned Sonny's for 13. He's now looking to spend more time with family.