Exhibit 16

December 18, 2001

Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20549

Gentlemen:

    We have read Item 4 of Form 8-K dated December 18, 2001, of Sonic Corp. and are in agreement with the statements contained in the second and third paragraphs therein. We have no basis to agree or disagree with other statements of the registrant contained therein.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP