New local operator, same slow-smoked BBQ. We fired up the smokers and rolled out the welcome mat for a sweet time in Wesley Chapel. Led by our very own Head Pitmaster (and Wesley Chapel native) Shannon Snell, it was a weeklong party honoring our community, our guests, and the spirit of BBQ.
Wesley Chapel Grand Reopening: A New Era
Shannon’s homecoming marks a new chapter for Sonny’s BBQ in Wesley Chapel. With deep roots in the area and a passion for great food and hospitality, Shannon is bringing hometown flavor and leadership to the place he calls home.
Just moments before he snipped the ceremonial ribbon, Shannon summed it up perfectly. “I grew up here in the Wesley Chapel area,” Snell said. “This couldn’t have been possible without the support from my family and team. I just love being back here.”
All that to say, we’re thrilled and excited to have him at the helm of this Sonny’s, and we know he’ll treat each and every guest with our signature brand of Southern hospitality.
A Week Full of Festivities
We didn’t just reopen our doors, we threw a weeklong celebration packed with family-friendly events, tasty deals, and plenty of BBQ. Here’s a quick recap of all the fun:
Ribbon Cutting & Grand Reopening Day
- October 29: Everything led up to the main event, a special ribbon cutting alongside the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. The first 68 guests, (honoring the year Sonny’s was founded), scored a Free Pork Big Deal, and everyone enjoyed $10.99 Rib Dinners and a whole lot of community festivities.
Community Heroes Day
- October 28: We honored our local heroes, police, firefighters, EMTs, nurses, teachers, and military, with a Free Pork Big Deal. It was our way of saying thanks for all they do!
Kids Eat Free & Trunk or Treat
- October 27–30: Families enjoyed Kids Eat Free deals all week long, perfect for gathering around the table.
- October 30: Our Trunk or Treat event brought out decorated trunks from local police, fire departments, schools, and community partners. Plus, $2 draft beers for the grown-ups!
Pitmaster Weekend
- October 31–November 2: The fun kept rolling with $12.99 All-You-Can-Eat Pork and $2 draft beers. BBQ lovers, this was your moment! On Saturday, Shannon hosted a rib demo, showcasing his incredible Pitmaster skills.
More Than BBQ, It’s About Community
This week wasn’t just about great food (though there was plenty of that!). It was about reconnecting with our neighbors, celebrating local heroes, and kicking off a new era of hometown hospitality.
Thanks for celebrating with us at our Wesley Chapel Grand Reopening! Ready to stop by and see Shannon? We’ll save you a seat.
