News & Events

Sonny's Bar-B-Q Announces Engauge as New Advertising Agency of Record

Maitland, FL, June 29, 2009 – Sonny’s Franchise Company, parent company of Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q, one of the largest Bar-B-Q chains in the Southeast, announced today that Engauge, will become its new agency of record as of July 1st. Engauge, a national marketing solutions agency is now retained for creative, media planning and buying, interactive and social media, and account management services under the direction of Sonny’s Franchise Company for its corporate and franchise restaurants. Engauge’s Orlando office will lead the account.

“After a lengthy RFP process involving sixteen prominent agencies, we chose Engauge because we were impressed with their creativity, reputation and industry experience,” said Monique Yeager, director of corporate affairs and marketing for Sonny’s Franchise Company.

“We are excited to see the contributions they will offer as we work together continuing to cultivate our celebrated brand while producing the utmost dining experience for our guests.” “We are very excited to begin working with Sonny’s,” said Barb Scherer, president of Engauge’s Orlando office. “It is a heritage brand that many of us grew up with in the South. We look forward to making the Sonny’s brand an even bigger part of people’s lives.”

The announcement comes as Sonny’s Bar-B-Q continues its growth with its newest location under construction in Orlando’s Lee Vista restaurant district. The 41 year-old restaurant company has 129 restaurants in nine Southeastern states and continues to grow.

Sonny’s Bar-B-Q was recently voted Top 5 Best-Value Chains nationwide by Consumer Reports Magazine, and Parents Magazine’s Top 25 Family Restaurant Chains. The readers of The Orlando Sentinel consistently vote Sonny’s as the Best Bar-B-Q in Central Florida and Southern Living Magazine named Sonny’s the overall Best Bar-B-Q award. Other notable honors Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q has received include numerous Best Bar-B-Q awards by the readers and editors of various state and local publications including Florida Today, The Orlando Business Journal, Ocala Magazine, South Shore News & Tribune, The Panama City News Herald and Tallahassee Magazine. Sonny’s has been recognized by the National Restaurant Association for its community involvement and is among the Top 10 List of The Orlando Business Journal’s privately held companies.

For more information or to find your local Sonny’s Bar-B-Q restaurant and hours of operation visit www.sonnysbbq.com.

About Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q
Floyd “Sonny” Tillman founded Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q in 1968 in Gainesville, Florida. Today, Sonny’s has more than 129 restaurants with over 6,000 team members in nine southeastern states. To view a menu or to learn more about Sonny’s Bar-B-Q, visit www.sonnysbbq.com

About Engauge
Engauge, a portfolio company of Halyard Capital, is a total marketing solutions agency, dedicated to delivering transformational ideas that move someone — to act, to choose, to believe in a brand. The agency focuses on discovering true insights, developing ideas with real impact, and then measuring that interaction and gauging the results. Engauge’s three Centers of Excellence combine the disciplines of branding, digital, and direct marketing to partner with clients such as Kraft Foods, Best Buy for Business, Chick-fil-A, The Home Depot, Sony, NGK, Galaxy Nutritional Foods, Huntington Bank, Baldwin Park, Florida Citrus Sports, Castle & Cooke and Rosen Hotels & Resorts. The company has offices in Columbus, Austin, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, and Orlando. Learn more about Engauge at www.engauge.com.

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Sonny's Partners with Boyscouts and Statewide Learning for Life Program for Second Annual Summer Camp

June 25, 2009, Maitland, FL – Sonny’s Franchise Company is hosting its Second Annual Sonny’s Summer Character Camp in partnership with the Boy Scouts’ Learning for Life program, offering a free opportunity for at-risk students in Orange County. Nearly one-hundred of Orlando’s youths are being served during the week-long day camp. Each child will receive critical life lessons in character development, positive team-building activities, two camp T-shirts, meals, and gifts throughout the week.

Sonny's Franchise Company Donates More Than $4,000 to Area Schools

May 27, 2009, Maitland, FL – Sonny’s Franchise Company raised over $4,000 during its Family Fun Nights during its Founder’s Day Promotion, a celebration of when Sonny’s was founded in 1968. Guests could have dinner at any Central Florida Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q Restaurant and a portion of the proceeds would be donated to various Public elementary schools.

Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q Raises Over $30,000 to Save Babies

January 16, 2009, Maitland, FL – Sonny’s Bar-B-Q restaurants across the Southeast, raised over $33,000 during its six week Baby Backs for Babies promotion. Baby Backs for Babies was an inaugural system-wide fundraiser whereby a portion of the proceeds for every baby back plate sold benefitted the March of Dimes in honor of the restaurant chain’s 40th anniversary.

Sonny's Blogging Soldiers

MAITLAND, FL, January 12, 2009 – Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q announced its first winning blogger. The blogging contest challenging Bar-B-Q lovers to share the farthest distance they have traveled to dine at a Sonny’s restaurant.

The Sonny’s Blog is one of the features added to the corporate website during the most recent redesign. The winning blog post was from Gena Landa of Gainesville, Florida.

Sonny's In Eustis: Grand Re-Opening Week

MAITLAND, FL – December 1, 2008 – Sonny’s Franchise Company celebrated the Grand Re-Opening of its Eustis location with several Eustis elected officials including Vice Mayor Scott Ales, Commissioner Karen LeHeup-Smith, and Commissioner Jonnie Hale.

Sonny's And Hasbro Partner for Big Giveaways

MAITLAND, FL – November 20, 2008, Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q and Hasbro jointly announce a new kid’s holiday program, “Truckin’ to The Toy Store”, where kids can register to win great prizes from Harbro toy company. Prizes include $100 Hasbro gift cards, Mr. Potato Head toys, and other popular Hasbro toys.

Sonny's Brings the Joy of a Toy for the Holidays

ORLANDO, FL – November 17, 2008, This year, Sonny’s is collecting for the Joy of a Toy program to benefit the BETA Center. BETA Center is a local charity, which provides children and parents the knowledge and support needed for healthy families. All Orlando Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-b-q locations will be collecting unwrapped toys, now through December 12th.

Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q Celebrates 30 Years in Palatka

October 23rd, Palatka, FL – J-Mill, Inc., a licensed franchisee of Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q, is celebrating its 30 year anniversary. The celebration will take place on Thursday, November 6th (4pm – 7pm) and will include kids’ activities, meet and greet with Sonny Tillman, founder of Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q, and a chance to win a year of free Sonny’s Bar-B-Q.

Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q and March of Dimes Partner During November to Help Babies Survive and Thrive

October 29, 2008, Maitland, FL – In honor of the chain’s 40th anniversary, Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q (Sonny’s) is launching Baby Backs for Babies, an inaugural system-wide cause-related effort to benefit the March of Dimes, From November 3rd thru December 14th, a portion of the proceeds from every baby back plate (in all participating locations across the Southeast) will benefit the March of Dimes and its work to help all babies be born healthy. Sonny’s has committed to raise a minimum of $25,000.

Sonny’s Bar-B-Q Launches New Web Site with the Bar-B-Q Lover in Mind

MAITLAND, FL, October 7, 2008 – Sonny’s Bar-B-Q Company has completely overhauled their website – www.SonnysBBQ.com – with a totally new creative design, cutting edge restaurant locater and ordering applications, interactive press room, Blog, online community relations center, and new employment page, in addition to making the site more informative and fun for visitors.

Sonny's in Atlanta Closes Locations

ATLANTA, GA – September 25, 2008, Greater Atlanta Bar-B-Q, LLC, a licensed franchisee of Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q (Sonny’s), announced the closing of four Sonny’s locations in the greater Atlanta area. Ron Donley, Owner of Greater Atlanta Bar-B-Q explained, “periodically, we must make the very difficult decision to close a store as we strive to renovate and/or relocate older locations in order to expand our presence in each market.” Additionally, he said, “our team members always remain our top priority.”

Sonny's in Wildwood Closes, Leesburg Re-Opens

MAITLAND, FL – October 13, 2008, Wildwood BBQ, LLC, a licensed franchisee of Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q (Sonny’s), announces the closing of its Sonny’s location in Wildwood, Florida.

Sonny’s in Daytona Closes; but Chain is Poised for Growth

MAITLAND, FL – October 7, 2008, Volusia Bar-B-Q, Inc., Ormond Bar-B-Q, Inc., and Port Orange Bar-B-Q, Inc. licensed franchisees of Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q (Sonny’s), announces the closing of three Sonny’s locations in the greater Volusia area. The restaurants in Daytona Beach (1500 International Speedway), Port Orange (1515 Dunlawton Avenue), and Ormond Beach (782 S. Yonge Street) will close by October 15th.

Sonny's in Starke is Back

Jackleg Enterprises, a licensed franchisee of Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q, re-opened the Sonny’s in Starke, FL on Monday, July 21st. The re-opening brings a number of updates and improvements to the restaurant including more space in the dining room and several design changes.

Sonny's Team Member Makes a Difference

An interview with Barbara Czipo, or Miss Barbara as she is known to the students who ride on her bus, has been driving school buses in Northwest St. Johns County for over 20 years. During that time Czipo has driven students to Julington Creek Elementary, Cunningham Creek Elementary, Switzerland Point Middle School, Bartram Trail High School and Nease High School. She enjoys driving the bus so much she has never once thought of it as a job.

Sonny's in Valdosta is Back with a Facelift

East Lowndes, Inc., a licensed franchisee of Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q, re-opened the Sonny’s in Valdosta, GA on Monday, July 21st. The re-opening comes with a number of updates and improvements including a full liquor bar, more space in the dining room and several design changes.

Sonny’s in Clermont Brings More to the Table

Sonny’s Franchise Company has renovated its Clermont location based on the new prototype model. The restaurant in Clermont boasts a full service liquor bar, more space in the dining room and many design changes.

Sonny's Team Marches for Babies

April 1st thru April 25th, for the third consecutive year, Sonny’s Bar-B-Q restaurants will raise much needed money for the March of Dimes, March for Babies (formerly known as WalkAmerica). Each store will receive a packet of “baby step” cut-outs in their payroll packs on Monday.

Same Faces, But Big Changes at Bar-B-Q Leader

Monique Yeager, Director of Corporate Affairs for Sonny’s Franchise Company, has assumed a new role, Director of Corporate Affairs & Marketing. Monique’s new position will include overseeing community relations programs, as well handling public relations, government affairs, and marketing for the company.

Nothing Stacks Up to a Sonny

In honor of Sonny’s 40th Anniversary, the first promotion of the year is a time-honored tradition of All You Can Eat Bar-B-Q Chicken with the choice of two great sides plus garlic bread or cornbread for $6.99.

Sonny's Brings the Joy of a Toy For the Holidays

This year, Sonny’s is collecting for the Joy of a Toy program to benefit the BETA Center. BETA Center is a local charity, which provides children and parents the knowledge and support needed for healthy families.

2nd Annual Babybacks for Babies

During the month of November, Prematurity Awareness Month, Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q will donate a portion of the proceeds from the Signature Baby Back Ribs sales to the March of Dimes, Central Florida Division. WHTQ radio station and Sonny's have partnered to help save babies at all Central Florida Sonny’s locations.

Latimer Accepts New Position

Barbara Latimer has accepted the position of Director of Training and Development at Sonny’s Franchise Company. In her new role, she will oversee the company’s training and development programs for hourly team members, restaurant managers, and the corporate office.

Sonny's and the University of South Alabama Pig Out

Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q and the University of South Alabama (USA) held its first ever Greek Pig Out on Thursday, September 27, 2007 at the university’s Student Government Association Pavilion. The main event was a two-round rib-eating contest, challenging contestants to eat as much rib meat as possible within three minutes.

Sonny's Announces “The Big Three Courser” Fall Promotion

“The Big Three Courser” First Course includes choice of soup or salad. Second Course includes choice of catfish, chicken tenders, charbroiled chicken, pulled pork, beef brisket, sliced beef, Bar-B-Q chicken, big salads, and smoked turkey. Final Course includes a dessert choice of homemade fruit cobbler or banana pudding. The offer is available for $9.99.

Sonny's is Best in Florida

Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q was voted the #1 Bar-B-Q restaurant in Florida by Florida Monthly Magazine. The September "Best of Florida" issue of the magazine included several other categories such as Best Coffee Shop, Best Local News Station and many more.

First Sonny's Prototype in Brevard County

McNab & McNab Enterprises, a franchisee of Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q, announced today that they will officially open the first Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q in Melbourne, Florida on Monday, August 13th. The Melbourne location is the first new Sonny’s prototype in Brevard County designed with a full service liquor bar, an outside patio, a drive-thru, more space in the dining room and many design changes.

Sonny's Franchise Company Designs New Look For Bar-B-Q

Sonny’s Franchise Company launches a new interactive website with new creative design, new music, focus on food as well as a greater focus on catering services. The new website captures Sonny’s overall growth strategies for 2007 by revealing the new architectural design of the restaurants to include a full liquor bar and outdoor patio.

Sonny’s Bar-B-Q in Palm Harbor to Unveil a Whole New Sonny’s

Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q, the largest barbecue chain in the country, is temporarily suspending service in its Palm Harbor location on February 19th with plans to resume service Early June –unveiling a whole new look, including a new full-service liquor bar with Flat Screen TV’s as well as a new outdoor patio. A Starbucks Coffee will be built on the same site adjacent to the New Sonny’s Bar-B-Q.

Sonny's University Location Raises Money for Winter Park High School

Sonny’s Franchise Company announces a fundraiser to benefit Winter Park High School. Sonny’s will host Winter ParkHigh School’s Family Night, which will take place on the third Tuesday of every month. The fundraiser is set to begin on February 20th and will end in May.

New Owners Bring Three Decades & Three Generations

Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q welcomes new owners to Mobile:  Bryan K. Smith, Scott Frantz and David Ponti.  The three have taken ownership of Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q located at 5428 Halls Mill Rd. and 770 Schillinger’s Rd. South.

Baby Backs for Babies

In honor of Prematurity Awareness Month, Sonny’s Franchise Company will donate a portion of the proceeds from Baby Back Rib purchases to the Central Florida Division of the March of Dimes.

New Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q Location Opens in Oviedo

Sonny’s Franchise Company announced that they have officially opened their 11th Central Florida Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q location in Oviedo. The Oviedo location is the first in Central Florida with the new Sonny’s “look” including a full service liquor bar, an outside patio, more space in the dining room and several design changes.

America’s Biggest Bar-B-Q Chain Joins Relief Effort to Raise Money for Hurricane Victims

Sonny's Bar-B-Q, the largest barbecue chain in the U.S., announced its participation in Dine for America Day, a nationwide fundraising event to support the American Red Cross Relief Fund and help those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Sonny's in Bushnell Re-Opens

BUSHNELL, FL – February 4, 2009 – Bushnell BBQ, Inc., a licensed franchisee of Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q, re-opened the Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q restaurant on West County Road 48 in Bushnell, Florida the week of March 2nd. The restaurant offered daily specials all week including Law Enforcement/EMS/Military/Teacher Appreciation Day, a benefit for Sumter County Schools, and Sonny’s All You Can Eat Signature Sweet & Smokey Ribs for $7.99.

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