There’s a lot we get asked every day. From the wood we choose to how we all got started, we’re here to help with some of those Sonny’s BBQ facts. Consider this your one-stop shop for answers to all of those burnin’ questions.
Sonny’s BBQ Facts: Our Origins
When did Sonny’s start?
Sonny’s was founded on May 16, 1968 on Waldo Road in Gainesville, Florida by Floyd “Sonny” Tillman. We’ve been going strong since then, and that original location is still there if you’d like to visit. Be sure to look for the first table on the right when you walk in. That’s “Tillman’s Table”, where Sonny would sit every time he visited the location.
Who founded Sonny’s BBQ?
Sonny’s was founded by Floyd “Sonny” Tillman. His vision was to create a neighborhood BBQ restaurant where community members could gather and bond over quality food. He always kept sight of that through all of his years, building us into one of the premier BBQ restaurants in the country.
What does the ’68 stand for?
This one’s simple. The ’68 icon on our restaurants is our nod to the year we were founded: 1968. It’s our way of sayin’ no matter how far we go, we never forget our roots in Gainesville.
Sonny’s BBQ Facts: Our BBQ
What kind of BBQ style is Sonny’s?
Just like one of our plates, Sonny’s is a little bit of everything, but we’re mostly Kansas City style-BBQ. Many consider that the home of barbecue, and our Sweet BBQ Sauce is based off a Kansas City sauce. That means it’s very sweet and made with genuine brown sugar.
Does Sonny’s actually smoke its BBQ?
Yes, we smoke all of our meat fresh in-house with our rotisserie smokers. They’re fueled by wood and run all day and night. Trust us, there’s no “smoke flavoring” here.
What wood does Sonny’s Use?
Sonny’s smokes with oak wood. We have since ’68, and we continue to do so now. Oak wood gives that hearty, smoky flavor to all of our BBQ. It’s also a great wood for anyone to use, because it pairs well will all kinds of meat, from pork to chicken.
Where is Sonny’s located?
There are about 90 Sonny’s locations across the southeastern US in states like Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, North & South Carolina and Kentucky. We’re always lookin’ to expand, so if you know someone interested in franchising, let us know!
What is a Sonny’s Pitmaster?
Puttin’ it simply, a Sonny’s Pitmaster is a BBQ expert. They know all the ins and outs of how we smoke meat at Sonny’s. They’re also very involved in their communities, and go above and beyond to spread kindness at every opportunity they can. There’s even more in the recipe that we can’t fit here.
Sonny’s BBQ Facts: Our Menu
What meat does Sonny’s specialize in?
Our speciality is all kinds of BBQ favorites, meaning pork, chicken, turkey and Certified Angus Beef® brisket. We do have our fair share of specialties though. Our sliced pork is a variety you can’t get at many other BBQ joints, so be sure to stop in. Here’s a pro tip: pile it high on a sandwich for a taste of classic Sonny’s.
Does Sonny’s have brisket?
Yes, we have brisket, and it’s Certified Angus Beef® so you know it’s quality BBQ. It’s smoked overnight to perfection before it’s loaded onto your plate when we open our doors.
Is Sonny’s BBQ Sauce mustard-based or tomato-based?
We have both! Many of the sauces you’ll find on our table are tomato-based, like Sizzlin’, Smokin and more. However, our Mustard BBQ Sauce is just like the name implies. It’s a tangy favorite that’s perfect on our Sweet Carolina sandwich.
What’s the BBQ Pork Egg Roll recipe?
Unfortunately, that’s under lock and key by our Pitmasters. Sorry, we wish we could share it, but we can say it’s the perfect combination of coleslaw, pulled pork and pepper jack cheese. Grab some in the drive-thru and experience them for yourself, and don’t forget the Smokin’ Ranch!
What should I order at Sonny’s?
It’s best to give us a try yourself, but we could help with some sweet suggestions. For a good taste of all we have to offer, try a Pick 2 Combo. Then, load your plate with Pulled Pork and St. Louis Ribs. For the sidekicks, we’d recommend our BBQ beans and coleslaw. Finally, don’t forget the cornbread. Also, you got to wash it all down with a sweet tea, freshly brewed every day.
Hungry for more? Get our app or start your order right now. Our smokers are ready.
