Sonic to open fourth restaurant in Minn.

I've always kind of liked Sonic, not just because of the whole novelty drive-in thing, but also for its slightly off-the-burger-beaten-path options, like tator tots, chili cheese dogs and the limeade slushes (cherry = best).

And don't forget the ice. Sonic's ice is crushed and softish and therefore somehow more satisfying.

Apparently, I'm not the only one digging. Minnesotans appear to have become quickly attached to the chain - no longer confined just to the South - as it is slated to open its fourth restaurant in the state perhaps by the end of this year, in Columbia Heights.

No longer just a Southern specialty, the restaurant will join fellow franchises already up and running in St. Paul, Elk River, Savage, the first of which (St. Paul) opened less than a year ago.