Uncovering the Roots of Sonny’s BBQ: Exploring the History and Origins of This Beloved Southern Chain

AvatarByErick Benitez BBQ Info And Recipe

Barbecue is a beloved tradition deeply rooted in American culture. From mouth-watering ribs to charred brisket, nothing brings people together quite like a barbecue feast. And when it comes to mouthwatering barbecue, Sonny’s BBQ is a name that needs no introduction. But have you ever wondered where this iconic BBQ joint got its start? Well, we’ll be taking a trip down memory lane to uncover the humble beginnings of Sonny’s BBQ and how it has grown into the beloved chain it is today. Get ready to sink your teeth into the juicy history of Sonny’s BBQ and discover how it all began.

The Beginnings of Sonny’s BBQ

Since its opening in 1968, Sonny’s BBQ has become a beloved staple in the southern United States, known for its flavorful meats and mouthwatering sauces. But where exactly did this iconic barbecue joint begin? The story of Sonny’s BBQ starts in Gainesville, Florida with a man named Floyd “Sonny” Tillman.

After serving in the Air Force and working as a car salesman, Tillman decided to pursue his passion for cooking and opened up Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q restaurant. Settling on a small storefront with just four tables and eight bar stools, Tillman began his journey into the food industry.

With little experience but a lot of determination, Tillman worked to perfect his recipes and create delicious meals for his customers. He often experimented with different flavors and techniques, carefully honing each dish until it was just right.

The Secret Sauce

One of the key factors in Sonny’s BBQ’s success is their signature barbecue sauce. This secret recipe was created by Tillman himself and continues to be used in all their locations today. Made from a blend of tomato sauce, vinegar, spices, and other special ingredients, this sauce adds the perfect tangy kick to any meat dish.

Many have tried to replicate this famous sauce over the years, but none could quite match the original. Customers continue to rave about it and often purchase bottles to take home with them. It has even been featured in national publications such as Southern Living Magazine.

A Family Business

Sonny’s BBQ started as a labor of love between Tillman and his wife Lucille. Together they ran the small restaurant while raising their family. As their business grew, so did their passion for serving good food at affordable prices.

Today, Sonny’s BBQ remains a family-owned business with Tillman’s son, Robert, at the helm. The chain has expanded to over 100 locations across nine states, but they continue to stay true to their roots and prioritize quality food and exceptional service.

Expansion and Growth

After the success of their first location in Gainesville, Tillman decided to expand Sonny’s BBQ to other areas in Florida. In the 1970s, he opened locations in Orlando and Jacksonville, followed by more restaurants throughout the state in the following decades.

By the mid-1980s, Sonny’s BBQ started franchising and grew rapidly throughout Florida. In 1991, they opened their first location outside of Florida in Georgia and continued to expand across the southern states.

Community Involvement

As a family-owned business, Sonny’s BBQ is deeply committed to its local communities. They support various charities and organizations through donations and sponsorships. In addition, they also offer a Community First Dining Days program where a percentage of sales is donated to local schools or non-profits.

Sonny’s BBQ also gives back through their Random Acts of BBQ initiative where they surprise random groups with free meals as a way of saying “thank you” for their service or hard work. This program has benefitted firefighters, police officers, teachers, healthcare workers, and many others.

The Legacy Continues

Though Floyd Tillman passed away in 2013, his legacy lives on through Sonny’s BBQ. The restaurant continues to serve up delicious barbecue dishes using Tillman’s original recipes and secret sauce.

Through hard work, dedication, and a passion for great food, Sonny’s BBQ has become an iconic brand known across the southern United States. As they continue to grow and expand their reach while staying rooted in their values as a family-owned business, one thing remains constant – their commitment to serving up Southern hospitality and delicious barbecue.

The History of Sonny’s BBQ

Sonny’s BBQ is a beloved southern-style barbecue restaurant that has been delighting customers for over 50 years. It all started in 1968 when Floyd “Sonny” Tillman and his wife opened their first restaurant in Gainesville, Florida. Sonny, a high school dropout turned businessman, had a passion for cooking and wanted to share his love for barbecue with the world.

At the time, there were very few barbecue restaurants in Florida, so Sonny saw this as an opportunity to fill a gap in the market. He started small with just a smoker and a woodpile in the backyard of their home. But word quickly spread about his delicious ribs and pulled pork, and soon enough, lines were forming outside their home.

With such success, Sonny and his wife decided it was time to expand. In 1969, they opened a second location in nearby Waldo, Florida. This restaurant became so popular that they had to close their first location and focus solely on the Waldo restaurant.

By now, Sonny’s BBQ had become famous throughout Florida for its mouth-watering ribs, homemade sauces, and friendly atmosphere. In 1977, they opened their first franchise location in Orlando, paving the way for future growth.

Expansion Across the Southeast

Over the next decade, Sonny’s BBQ continued to expand across Florida and into other states like Georgia and Alabama. The popularity of their signature sliced smoked pork sandwich – known as “The Big Deal” – drew in more customers to try their other menu items.

In 1983, after years of steady growth, Sonny’s BBQ was acquired by Bob Yarmuth and Don Shula. Yarmuth had experience in building franchises through his involvement with Wendy’s restaurants while Shula was a renowned NFL coach looking to venture into the restaurant business.

Under their ownership, Sonny’s BBQ continued to grow and expand into new markets. By 1988, there were over 80 locations across the Southeastern United States. The new owners also made the decision to change the name from “Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q” to simply “Sonny’s BBQ,” as it is known today.

Award-Winning Recipes

One of the secrets to Sonny’s BBQ success is their proprietary recipes for their sauces and rubs. These recipes have been passed down through generations and are still used in all of their restaurants today.

Their signature Sweet BBQ sauce, in particular, has won numerous awards and accolades, including being named one of the top 10 sauces in America by Men’s Health Magazine. It is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors that complement their slow-smoked meats perfectly.

In addition to their famous sauces, Sonny’s BBQ also takes pride in using high-quality meats that are cooked low and slow over hickory wood for up to 12 hours. This process ensures tender, juicy meat with a perfect smoky flavor – a hallmark of authentic barbecue.

Community Involvement

Since its inception, Sonny’s BBQ has been deeply involved in giving back to the communities they serve. They established the “Lovin’ Spoonfuls” program in 2000, which has donated millions of dollars towards hunger relief efforts across the country.

They also support local schools through various fundraising initiatives and offer free meals for veterans on Veterans Day as a way to show their appreciation for those who have served our country.

Continuing with their commitment to serving others, Sonny’s BBQ has also partnered with Operation BBQ Relief – a non-profit organization that provides meals to first responders and those affected by natural disasters.

The Future of Sonny’s BBQ

Today, Sonny’s BBQ has over 110 locations across nine states and is still growing. The company remains true to their roots, serving up delicious barbecue with a friendly smile and a warm southern welcome.

They have also continued to innovate and adapt to the changing times, offering online ordering, delivery, and catering services. They have also expanded their menu to include healthier options like salads and grilled chicken dishes, while still staying true to their barbecue roots.

As for the future of Sonny’s BBQ, one thing is for sure – they will continue to serve up delicious, authentic southern-style barbecue while staying true to their core values of community involvement and exceptional customer service. Sonny Tillman’s legacy lives on through every bite of barbecue enjoyed at Sonny’s BBQ today.

1. Where did Sonny’s BBQ originate?
Sonny’s BBQ started in Gainesville, Florida in 1968.

2. Who founded Sonny’s BBQ?
Sonny’s BBQ was founded by Floyd “Sonny” Tillman, along with his wife and son.

3. When did the first Sonny’s BBQ restaurant open?
The first Sonny’s BBQ restaurant opened in 1968.

4. How many Sonny’s BBQ locations are there currently?
As of 2021, there are over 100 Sonny’s BBQ locations spread across nine states in the southeastern United States.

5. What type of barbecue does Sonny’s BBQ serve?
Sonny’s BBQ is known for its slow-smoked, Southern-style barbecue, including ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and chicken.

6. Is Sonny’s BBQ a franchise?
Yes, Sonny’s BBQ is a franchise with each location individually owned and operated.

In conclusion, Sonny’s BBQ has a rich history that can be traced back to its humble beginnings in Gainesville, Florida in 1968. From a small shack serving up delicious barbecue to now over 120 locations across the country, Sonny’s BBQ has become a beloved fast-casual restaurant known for their southern-style BBQ and warm hospitality.

Throughout the years, Sonny’s BBQ has stayed true to their roots and family values, which have been passed down through generations of owners. This commitment to tradition and quality can be seen in every aspect of their business, from their signature slow-smoked meats to their community involvement and support.

Furthermore, Sonny’s BBQ has expanded beyond just delicious food, becoming a sought-after franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs. Their success can also be attributed to adapting to changing times and consistently evolving their menu while still staying true to their original recipes.

But perhaps the most significant takeaway from Sonny’s BBQ’s journey is that passion and hard work can turn a small business into an iconic brand. The dedication of the founders and subsequent owners, as well as the loyalty of customers, have been crucial factors in the success of Sonny’s BBQ.

As they continue to grow and expand, it is clear that Sonny’s BBQ will remain a beloved

Author Profile

Erick Benitez
Erick Benitez
In 2003, the Coast Sushi Bar was founded, quickly becoming a beloved fixture in its trendy neighborhood, appreciated for its exceptional sushi and vibrant BYOB atmosphere.

The chefs at Coast have developed a mastery in blending subtle yet intricate flavors, establishing a reputation for pioneering innovative New-Japanese cuisine with only the finest global ingredients.

Building on decades of culinary success, the founder launched a new endeavor in 2024—a blog focused on Japanese snacks. This blog marks a significant shift from restaurateur to food blogger, motivated by a desire to share comprehensive insights into Japanese culinary arts and snack culture. The content covers traditional snacks, the evolution of snack culture in Japan, and the global influence and adaptation of these snacks.

Each blog post reflects the founder's commitment to quality and attention to detail, mirroring the standards of Coast Sushi Bar.

Aimed at both aficionados and novices of Japanese cuisine, the blog serves as a resource for deepening readers’ knowledge and appreciation of Japan's rich and diverse food culture.