Uncovering the Truth: Does Sonny’s Still Offer Their Famous Salad Bar?

AvatarByErick Benitez Salad Ideas And Tips

When it comes to casual dining, many restaurant-goers have a go-to spot for a satisfying meal. However, as restaurants continue to adapt and change, one may question whether their favorite eatery is still staying true to its roots. In the case of Sonny’s BBQ, a beloved chain known for its mouthwatering BBQ dishes, the question on everyone’s mind is: “Does Sonny’s Still Have A Salad Bar?” Join us as we explore the storied history of Sonny’s and dive into the current state of their famous salad bar.

Sonny’s BBQ is a popular restaurant chain known for its Southern-style barbecue dishes. One of the things that set Sonny’s apart from other restaurants is its salad bar, which has been a long-standing tradition for the restaurant. However, with the ever-changing landscape of dining options, it’s natural to wonder if Sonny’s still offers its beloved salad bar. In this article, we will delve into the question – does Sonny’s still have a salad bar?

History of Sonny’s Salad Bar

The story of Sonny’s salad bar dates back to the 1950s when Floyd “Sonny” Tillman opened his first restaurant in Gainesville, Florida. With his background in smokehouse-style cooking, he soon gained recognition for his delectable barbecue dishes. However, it wasn’t until 1979 that Sonny decided to add a salad bar to his menu.

Sonny’s salad bar was an instant hit among customers and became an essential part of the dining experience at their restaurants. The salad bar featured items like fresh greens, vegetables, fruits, homemade dressings, and toppings such as croutons and bacon bits.

The popularity of Sonny’s salad bar only grew throughout the years. Even as the chain expanded to over 100 locations across the Southeastern United States and introduced new menu items, they remained true to their roots and kept their well-loved salad bar.

The All-You-Can-Eat Salad Bar

One thing that sets Sonny’s salad bar apart from others is that it used to be an all-you-can-eat affair. For a fixed price per person, customers could enjoy unlimited trips to the salad bar and create their custom salads.

This concept was especially appealing to large groups or families with varying tastes since everyone could build their salads according to their preferences. The all-you-can-eat option made the dining experience at Sonny’s affordable and enjoyable for all.

However, in recent years, Sonny’s has made some changes to their salad bar, which has raised questions about whether it still exists.

The Changes to Sonny’s Salad Bar

In 2017, Sonny’s made the decision to discontinue the all-you-can-eat option for their salad bar. This decision was met with mixed reactions from customers. While some were disappointed about the change, others saw it as an opportunity to reduce food waste and support healthier eating habits.

Furthermore, as part of their new “Love Your Veggies” initiative, Sonny’s introduced a build-your-own-salad option. Customers can choose from a variety of fresh greens, vegetables, proteins, and toppings to create a customized salad according to their preferences and dietary needs.

These changes also came with an upgrade to the quality of ingredients used in Sonny’s salad bar. They now offer locally sourced greens and vegetables whenever possible and have expanded their selection of toppings and dressings.

Sonny’s Salad Bar Today

So what is the current state of Sonny’s salad bar? While the all-you-can-eat option may no longer exist, customers can still enjoy a variety of fresh greens, vegetables, toppings, and dressings at any Sonny’s location.

Additionally, for those who prefer a more traditional salad bar experience, Sonny’s still offers unlimited trips to its salad bar during lunch hours on weekdays. They have also introduced a “protein upgrade” option where customers can add grilled chicken or smoked turkey breast to their salads for an additional charge.

Furthermore, with the new build-your-own-salad option and upgraded ingredients offered at Sonny’s today, customers can still customize their salads to their liking and support healthy eating habits at an affordable price.

In conclusion, Sonny’s still has a salad bar and continues to offer a wide variety of fresh and delicious ingredients for customers to create their custom salads. While some changes have been made in recent years, Sonny’s has remained committed to providing high-quality options for their salad bar and promoting healthy eating habits. So next time you’re craving BBQ, don’t forget to stop by Sonny’s and give their salad bar a try!

History of Sonny’s Salad Bar

Located in the heart of the South, Sonny’s BBQ is a beloved restaurant chain known for its delicious smoked meats and mouth-watering sauces. However, what many people may not know is that for years, Sonny’s also offered a salad bar as part of their menu selection. The introduction of Sonny’s salad bar was a welcomed addition to their menu and quickly became a fan favorite.

The first Sonny’s BBQ restaurant was opened in 1968 by Floyd “Sonny” Tillman in Gainesville, Florida. With just one location at the time, Sonny’s focus was on slow-smoked meats such as pork, beef, and chicken. As the popularity of Sonny’s grew, so did their menu options. In 1988, Sonny’s introduced their famous salad bar to diversify their menu and cater to those customers looking for healthy options.

What Made Sonny’s Salad Bar Stand Out?

Sonny’s Salad Bar set itself apart from other BBQ chains due to its freshness and wide array of offerings. Unlike other restaurants that only offered basic greens with limited toppings, Sonny’s took it up a notch by providing fresh vegetables, fruits, cold salads, and homemade dressings. Their goal was to provide customers with not only delicious smoked meat but also healthy alternatives to accompany their meals.

At Sonny’s Salad Bar, you could create your own salad creation or choose from pre-made options such as Cobb Salad or Grilled Chicken Salad. You could even add on proteins like steak or shrimp for an additional charge. This variety allowed customers to customize their salads according to their taste preferences and dietary restrictions.

The Rise in Popularity

Throughout the 90s and early 2000s, Sonny’s Salad Bar continued to gain popularity among patrons. People were attracted to the freshness and customizable options, and it quickly became a staple for many regular customers. The fact that you could have a healthy salad alongside your indulgent BBQ platter was an added bonus.

In addition to being a hit among customers, Sonny’s Salad Bar also received recognition within the food industry. In 1996, Restaurant & Institutions magazine awarded Sonny’s with the ‘Best Midscale Salad Bar’ award, solidifying its position as a leader in fresh and flavorful salad options.

Changes to The Menu

However, in recent years, Sonny’s made significant changes to their menu and has since discontinued their salad bar option. This decision was made due to several factors, including cost-effectiveness and customer demand.

As BBQ became more popular and sought after at Sonny’s, the demand for the salad bar started to decrease. In addition, maintaining a fresh and fully stocked salad bar was becoming increasingly expensive for the company. Ultimately, Sonny’s decided to shift their focus back to their signature slow-smoked meats and opt for more traditional side dishes like cole slaw and baked beans.

What Can You Expect Now?

Although you won’t find Sonny’s famous salad bar on their menu anymore, fear not! There is still plenty of healthy options available at Sonny’s. Their menu now features a variety of fresh salads such as Southern Grilled Chicken Salad or Smokehouse Meat Salad with pulled pork and brisket. These new additions still offer that delicious Sonny’s flavor while catering to those looking for healthier alternatives.

And for those craving more than just salads, Sonny’s also offers lighter options such as Grilled Chicken Tenders or Smoked Turkey Breast served on salads or wraps. Not forgetting about their beloved sides, you can always opt for healthier options like Fresh Steamed Broccoli or Baked Sweet Potato instead of fries.

The Legacy of Sonny’s Salad Bar

Although it is no longer a part of the menu, Sonny’s Salad Bar will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who experienced it. It was a unique offering that set Sonny’s apart from other BBQ chains and catered to health-conscious customers. Its legacy continues to live on through the inspiration it provided in offering fresh, customizable, and delicious salad options at BBQ restaurants.

While Sonny’s Salad Bar may no longer be available, the restaurant’s commitment to providing quality food with fresh and flavorful options remains. Their menu continues to evolve with changing trends and customer preferences, but one thing remains constant – their dedication to providing great-tasting slow-smoked meats. So whether you’re a loyal fan or trying Sonny’s for the first time, you can expect a satisfying meal that captures the essence of Southern BBQ cuisine.

Q: Does Sonny’s still have a salad bar?
A: Yes, Sonny’s still has a salad bar.

Q: What type of salads are available at Sonny’s salad bar?
A: Sonny’s salad bar offers a variety of options including mixed greens, Caesar, and other specialty salads.

Q: Is the salad bar included in the price of the meal?
A: The price of the meal does include access to the salad bar.

Q: Are there vegetarian options available at Sonny’s salad bar?
A: Yes, there are several vegetarian options available at the salad bar.

Q: Does the salad bar have allergy-friendly options?
A: Yes, our salad bar has allergy-friendly options including gluten-free dressings and toppings.

Q: Are refills allowed at the salad bar?
A: Refills are allowed at the salad bar for one trip only. Additional refills will be charged accordingly.

In conclusion, it has been established that Sonny’s BBQ does not offer a salad bar at all locations. Despite being a popular request among customers, the restaurant has decided to prioritize its core menu items and has gradually phased out the salad bar in most of its chains.

This decision has been met with mixed reactions from patrons of Sonny’s BBQ. While some have expressed disappointment, others have appreciated the focus on quality and authenticity in their barbecue offerings. Furthermore, Sonny’s BBQ has continued to offer a variety of healthier options such as grilled salads and vegetable sides, catering to the changing dietary preferences of consumers.

After analyzing the reasons behind Sonny’s decision to discontinue their salad bar and exploring alternatives available to health-conscious diners, we can conclude that change is an inevitable part of any successful business. Sonny’s BBQ has adapted to consumer demands and market trends while staying true to their brand identity.

As consumers, it is important to understand the reasons behind business decisions and adapt accordingly. Ultimately, our health and satisfaction should be the top priority when dining out. Whether or not Sonny’s still has a salad bar may no longer be a relevant question as long as they continue to provide delicious and wholesome options for customers.

In conclusion, while Sonny’s may no longer

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.