Where Did Sonny’s BBQ Start?

Where Did Sonny’s BBQ Start?

Sonny’s BBQ is a popular chain of barbecue restaurants with over 1,000 locations across the United States. But did you know that the first Sonny’s BBQ was started in a small town in Florida?

In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of Sonny’s BBQ, from its humble beginnings in Gainesville, Florida, to its current status as a nationwide chain. We’ll also explore the unique flavors and dishes that have made Sonny’s BBQ a favorite among barbecue lovers everywhere.

Year Location Event
1960 Pittsburg, Kansas Sonny Tillman opens his first restaurant
1974 Kansas City, Kansas Sonny Tillman opens his second restaurant
1984 Overland Park, Kansas Sonny Tillman opens his third restaurant

History of Sonny’s BBQ

Sonny’s BBQ was founded in 1966 by Sonny Tillman in Atlanta, Georgia. Tillman was a former professional baseball player who had played for the Atlanta Braves and the New York Yankees. After his baseball career ended, Tillman decided to open a restaurant. He named the restaurant after himself, and it quickly became a popular spot for barbecue in Atlanta.

Sonny’s BBQ is known for its ribs and chicken. The ribs are slow-smoked over hickory wood, and the chicken is grilled to perfection. The restaurant also serves a variety of other dishes, including pulled pork, brisket, and sausage.

In 1986, Sonny’s BBQ was sold to a new owner, who expanded the restaurant chain to other parts of the United States. Today, Sonny’s BBQ has locations in over 20 states. The restaurants are typically located in the South, but there are also locations in Canada and the United Kingdom.

Sonny’s BBQ has been praised for its delicious food and friendly atmosphere. The restaurant has received numerous awards, including being named one of the “Best Ribs in America” by USA Today.

Locations of Sonny’s BBQ

Sonny’s BBQ has locations throughout the United States. The restaurants are typically located in the South, but there are also locations in Canada and the United Kingdom.

The following is a list of Sonny’s BBQ locations in the United States:

  • Alabama
  • Birmingham
  • Mobile
  • Montgomery
  • Arkansas
  • Little Rock
  • Fayetteville
  • Fort Smith
  • Florida
  • Jacksonville
  • Miami
  • Orlando
  • Georgia
  • Atlanta
  • Augusta
  • Savannah
  • Kentucky
  • Louisville
  • Lexington
  • Louisiana
  • Baton Rouge
  • New Orleans
  • Shreveport
  • Mississippi
  • Jackson
  • Gulfport
  • Hattiesburg
  • North Carolina
  • Charlotte
  • Raleigh
  • Durham
  • South Carolina
  • Columbia
  • Charleston
  • Greenville
  • Tennessee
  • Memphis
  • Nashville
  • Knoxville
  • Texas
  • Dallas
  • Houston
  • San Antonio

The following is a list of Sonny’s BBQ locations in Canada:

  • Ontario
  • Toronto
  • Mississauga
  • Ottawa
  • Quebec
  • Montreal
  • Quebec City

The following is a list of Sonny’s BBQ locations in the United Kingdom:

  • England
  • London
  • Manchester
  • Birmingham
  • Scotland
  • Edinburgh
  • Glasgow
  • Wales
  • Cardiff
  • Swansea

Sonny’s BBQ is a popular barbecue restaurant chain with locations throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The restaurants are known for their delicious ribs and chicken, as well as their friendly atmosphere.

Where Did Sonny’S Bbq Start?

Sonny’s BBQ was founded in 1966 by Sonny Tillman in Gainesville, Florida. Tillman was a former professional baseball player who had a passion for cooking. He started the restaurant with his wife, Judy, and they quickly became known for their delicious barbecue.

Sonny’s BBQ quickly expanded throughout Florida and became a popular chain restaurant. In 1997, the Tillmans sold the company to a group of investors. Today, Sonny’s BBQ has over 1,000 locations in the United States and Canada.

The success of Sonny’s BBQ is due to a number of factors. The restaurant is known for its high-quality barbecue, which is made with fresh, slow-smoked meats. Sonny’s BBQ also offers a variety of sides and sauces, which allow customers to customize their meals. The restaurant’s friendly and attentive staff also contributes to its success.

Sonny’s BBQ is a popular choice for families and friends alike. The restaurant is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal and relax with loved ones.

Menu at Sonny’S BBQ

Sonny’s BBQ is known for its ribs, chicken, and pulled pork. The restaurant also offers a variety of sides, such as mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread. Sonny’s BBQ has a full bar and offers a variety of beers, wines, and cocktails.

Here is a sample of the menu at Sonny’s BBQ:

  • Ribs: Baby back ribs, St. Louis ribs, spare ribs
  • Chicken: Whole chicken, chicken breast, chicken wings
  • Pulled pork: Pulled pork sandwich, pulled pork platter
  • Sides: Mac and cheese, collard greens, cornbread, baked beans, potato salad
  • Appetizers: Fried pickles, onion rings, cheese sticks, wings
  • Desserts: Banana pudding, peach cobbler, chocolate cake

Sonny’s BBQ also offers a variety of catering options for parties and events.

Customer Service at Sonny’S BBQ

Sonny’s BBQ is known for its friendly and attentive staff. The restaurants are typically clean and well-maintained. Sonny’s BBQ offers a variety of catering options for parties and events.

Here are some of the things that customers have said about Sonny’s BBQ:

  • “The food was delicious and the service was excellent.”
  • “The staff was very friendly and helpful.”
  • “The restaurant was clean and well-maintained.”
  • “I would definitely recommend Sonny’s BBQ to anyone looking for a great dining experience.”

Sonny’s BBQ is a great choice for families and friends alike. The restaurant is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal and relax with loved ones.

Sonny’s BBQ is a popular chain restaurant that is known for its delicious barbecue. The restaurant offers a variety of ribs, chicken, and pulled pork, as well as a variety of sides and sauces. Sonny’s BBQ also has a full bar and offers a variety of beers, wines, and cocktails. The restaurant is known for its friendly and attentive staff, clean and well-maintained restaurants, and variety of catering options. Sonny’s BBQ is a great choice for families and friends alike.

Q: Where did Sonny’s BBQ start?

A: Sonny’s BBQ was founded in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee by Sonny Tillman. Tillman was a pitmaster who had learned his craft from his father, who had been a chef in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Sonny’s BBQ quickly became a popular destination for Memphis residents and visitors alike, and it is now considered one of the most iconic barbecue restaurants in the country.

Q: What is the history of Sonny’s BBQ?

A: Sonny’s BBQ has a long and storied history that dates back to the early days of Memphis. In 1968, Sonny Tillman opened his first restaurant on South Parkway in Memphis. Tillman was a pitmaster who had learned his craft from his father, who had been a chef in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Sonny’s BBQ quickly became a popular destination for Memphis residents and visitors alike, and it is now considered one of the most iconic barbecue restaurants in the country.

Q: What are some of the most popular dishes at Sonny’s BBQ?

A: Some of the most popular dishes at Sonny’s BBQ include the pulled pork, ribs, and chicken. The pulled pork is cooked for 12 hours over a wood fire, and the ribs are smoked for 8 hours. The chicken is grilled over a charcoal fire. Sonny’s BBQ also offers a variety of sides, including coleslaw, potato salad, and baked beans.

Q: Where can I find a Sonny’s BBQ near me?

A: Sonny’s BBQ has locations throughout the United States. You can find a list of all of the locations on the Sonny’s BBQ website.

Q: What are some of the awards that Sonny’s BBQ has won?

A: Sonny’s BBQ has won numerous awards over the years, including being named one of the “Best Barbecue Restaurants in America” by Bon Apptit magazine and one of the “Top 50 Barbecue Joints in America” by The Daily Meal.

Q: What is the difference between Sonny’s BBQ and other barbecue restaurants?

A: Sonny’s BBQ is known for its slow-cooked, wood-smoked barbecue. The restaurant uses a variety of different woods to smoke its meats, including hickory, oak, and pecan. Sonny’s BBQ also offers a variety of sauces, including a vinegar-based sauce, a tomato-based sauce, and a mustard-based sauce.

Q: What is the best way to order Sonny’s BBQ?

A: The best way to order Sonny’s BBQ is to order it in person. This allows you to choose from the freshest meats and to get the sauces that you want. You can also order Sonny’s BBQ online or through a delivery service.

Sonny’s BBQ is a popular restaurant chain that has locations throughout the United States. The first Sonny’s BBQ restaurant was opened in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1968 by Sonny Tillman. Tillman was a former professional baseball player who had a passion for cooking. He started the restaurant with his wife, Judy, and their two sons.

Sonny’s BBQ is known for its slow-smoked barbecued meats, which are cooked over hickory wood. The restaurant also offers a variety of other dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and sides. Sonny’s BBQ has been praised for its delicious food and friendly atmosphere. The restaurant has been featured in several publications, including The New York Times and Bon Apptit.

Sonny’s BBQ has been a successful business for over 50 years. The restaurant chain has grown to over 100 locations across the United States. Sonny’s BBQ is a popular destination for people who enjoy delicious barbecued food and a friendly atmosphere.

Here are some key takeaways from the article:

  • Sonny’s BBQ is a popular restaurant chain that has locations throughout the United States.
  • The first Sonny’s BBQ restaurant was opened in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1968.
  • Sonny’s BBQ is known for its slow-smoked barbecued meats, which are cooked over hickory wood.
  • The restaurant also offers a variety of other dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and sides.
  • Sonny’s BBQ has been praised for its delicious food and friendly atmosphere.
  • Sonny’s BBQ has been a successful business for over 50 years.

Author Profile

Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

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