Pitmaster Profiles

Read the stories, learn the secrets, and get inspired by the hearts and souls behind the pit.

From The Smoker

Meet Sonny’s Franchisee Brad Fink

Sonny’s Franchisee and Pitmaster Brad Fink is going on 30 years with Sonny’s BBQ, currently operating stores in Warner Robins, Perry and Macon, Georgia. We sat down with him to learn what it means to own a Sonny’s in Middle Georgia. What does being a Sonny’s Pitmaster mean to you? “It’s learning and sharing not […]

Read article
International Women’s Day with Sonny’s: Meet 4 Powerful Female Pitmasters

Strong, Powerful, Innovative. These words just begin to describe the female Pitmasters changing the barbecue game every day at Sonny’s. For International Women’s Day, we’re introducin’ you to four Pitmasters who spark inspiration for everyone around them. Patti B. Patti B. is comin’ up on 30 years of slow-smokin’ barbecue with Sonny’s. She started in […]

Read article
Top BBQ Questions Answered by Pitmaster Shannon Snell

From startin’ up your smoker to knowin’ which wood is best, there’s a lot to learn about the Art of BBQ. That’s where Sonny’s Pitmaster Shannon Snell steps in. We asked him some of your Top BBQ Questions, and he gave us some delicious answers. Let’s get cookin’. What are the easiest meats to smoke? […]

Read article
Inside the Pit Academy: How a Sonny’s Pitmaster is Certified

So, you know and love BBQ. You regularly sharpen your skills and work towards masterin’ the fine art. You’re close with your community and love givin’ back. Sounds like you’re ready to be a Sonny’s Pitmaster. So how do you become one? First, it starts with joinin’ the Sonny’s family. Then, it’s time to enroll […]

Read article
The Sonny’s Pitmaster® Recipe

At Sonny’s BBQ, you hear the word Pitmaster a lot. In fact, the next words that usually come up are “Local Pitmasters since ‘68”, and every word of that is true. A Sonny’s Pitmaster is not someone who slow-smokes BBQ and calls it a day. They treat BBQ as an art. From the different cuts […]

Read article
Pitmaster Spotlight: Meet Josh McCall

Josh was hired as a dishwasher at Sonny’s over 30 years ago. Now, he’s a franchisee and one of the Pitmasters behind our famous BBQ Egg Roll. Learn more about Josh’s story, the lessons learned throughout his Sonny’s journey and the parallels between a successful barbecuer and a successful fisherman. Where did you get your […]

Read article
Pitmaster Spotlight: Get to Know Football and BBQ Star, Shannon Snell

Football, faith and BBQ. Pitmaster, Shannon Snell believes he was put here to influence people, and he feels strongly that he was given the platform to do it with BBQ. Where did you get your start in BBQ? It started at the University of Florida. I met Sonny Tilman while I was here, I met […]

Read article
Meet Pitmaster Beth Kanupp

Meet Beth Kanupp, the Pitmaster behind the Real Deal Rib Sandwich. She started her BBQ journey here at Sonny’s BBQ as a 16-year-old server. With her hard work and dedication, she worked her way up to becoming a Pitmaster, and she’s been spreading the spirit of BBQ ever since. Beth is one of the kindest, welcoming women in BBQ out there. Which is […]

Read article