About Us
What started with a man, some meat and a dream turned into a beloved brand of American BBQ.
The Sonny’s Story
In 1968, Floyd “Sonny” Tillman and his wife, Lucille, opened a local BBQ joint in Gainesville, Florida. Fifty years later,
although expanded to eight states, we’re still a local BBQ joint. We’re just in more locations. We still slow-smoke over oak. We still serve generous portions slathered in Southern hospitality. And we still believe people should be able to go out to eat and feel right at home.
Now’s your chance to join in the success
Sound like something you want in on? We’d love to hear from you. We’re looking for people passionate about great BBQ and great service to help drive us forward while carrying on the time-honored traditions.
Our Cherished History
Sonny’s Starts Smokin’
Floyd “Sonny” Tillman and his wife, Lucille, open up shop on Waldo Road in Gainesville, Florida.
1st Franchised Restaurant Opens
The love of Sonny’s spreads and John Kirkpatrick bought in as our first franchisee.
Bob Buys In
Bob Yarmuth, current Sonny’s Chairman & Director, buys his first Sonny’s BBQ restaurant.
The Torch is Passed
Founder Sonny Tillman sells his BBQ chain to Bob Yarmuth.
100th Restaurant Opens
Officially servin’ BBQ in eight Southeastern states.
A New Sonny’s
We refreshed our brand and restaurants to showcase our craft and put the focus on our Pitmasters.
We created a holiday
We established National Pulled Pork Day as a nationally recognized holiday and broke the Guinness Book of World Records by creating the world’s largest Pulled Pork Sandwich.
‘Q the Kindness kicks off
From Southern Hospitality to Random Acts of BBQ, kindness has always been in our DNA. Our ‘Q The Kindness initiative promotes doing more kind deeds through touching examples and reminders.
Fired-up Future
Our continued success puts us on track to surpass our ambitious growth objectives. Which is why there’s never been a more exciting time to become a part of our franchise family.
Pitmaster Led
Pitmasters. The Many Faces of Our Food
We were founded by a Pitmaster in 1968. And you’ll find a certified Pitmaster at the heart of each of our restaurants to this day. Cuts of meat. Cooking times and temperatures. Sauces and rubs. You name it, they know it. We make sure of it, thanks to our intensive Pitmaster training program, where potential Pitmasters learn the science of smoking from some of BBQ’s best. They compete in BBQ competitions and go head-to-head with other Pitmasters before earning their spot behind our smokers.
Why do we put so much energy and effort into preparing our Pitmasters? Because they are the faces of our food. Their personalities light up our restaurants and their knowledge, skills and passion for BBQ give our guests confidence knowing our food is prepared by tried and true experts.
Leadership
James Yarmuth
Chief Executive OfficerSince joining Sonny’s Franchise Company in 2017, James Yarmuth is responsible for the brand’s strategic vision and total performance of the franchise system. James is committed to Sonny’s core values and believes it is critical to continually evolve, perfect our craft, and fine-tune how we do business. Prior to assuming the role of Vice President at Sonny’s Franchise Company in 2017, and Chief Executive Officer in 2020, James worked as a Leadership and Customer Experience Consultant at The Michelli Experience and founded a clothing retail shop in Colorado. James is a graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Bob Yarmuth
Director & ChairmanBob Yarmuth was born in Louisville, Kentucky. He graduated from the University of Michigan and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Louisville. Bob became a Sonny’s franchisee in 1980. In 1991, Bob and his cousin, Jeff, purchased Sonny’s from Sonny Tillman, the chain’s founder. Bob served as CEO until 2020, and is currently the Chairman & Director.
George McAllan
President
Matt Zeiger
Chief Financial & Development Officer
Katie Love
Chief Marketing Officer
Patrick Sullivan
Vice President, Operations
Lisa Arnone
Director, Franchise Growth & ComplianceCommunity Involvement
Being a part of Sonny’s means you’re part of a company that believes in giving back to the community and doing kind deeds every chance we get.
Giving pillars
We support many diverse charities and causes, but we focus a majority of our larger-scale efforts on three main areas we are passionate about.
First Responders & Military
We’re proud to serve those who serve our communities and our country.
Hunger & Food Insecurity
We partner with hunger-related charities to help support those in need.
Natural Disasters
We help feed first responders and residents impacted by devastating events.