How to Start a BBQ Business

Starting a BBQ business can be a rewarding and profitable venture, especially if you have a passion for smoked meats, great food, and community engagement. Whether you choose to start an independent BBQ joint or partner with an established franchise like Sonny’s BBQ, careful planning and execution are key to success. 

Step 1: Develop a Business Plan

A well-thought-out business plan serves as the foundation of any successful BBQ business. Your plan should include:

• Concept and Branding – Define what makes your BBQ restaurant unique. Will you specialize in Texas-style brisket, Carolina pulled pork, or Memphis ribs?
• Market Research – Analyze your target audience and competition.
• Financial Projections – Outline your startup costs, revenue expectations, and funding needs.
• Location Strategy – Choose an optimal location based on foot traffic, demographics, and competition.
• Menu Planning – Develop a menu that balances classic BBQ staples with innovative offerings.

Step 2: Choose Between an Independent Business or a Franchise

You have two primary options when you are considering how to start a BBQ business:

Independent BBQ Restaurant

• Full creative control over the menu, branding, and operations.
• Higher risk and required investment in marketing and brand development.
• Must establish supplier relationships and operational procedures from scratch.

Franchising with a Brand like Sonny’s BBQ

• Proven Business Model: Sonny’s BBQ offers a tested system with decades of success.
• Brand Recognition: Benefit from a loyal customer base and a trusted name in BBQ.
• Comprehensive Support: From training to marketing assistance, Sonny’s BBQ provides extensive resources to ensure franchisees’ success.
• Diverse Revenue Streams: Enjoy multiple revenue channels, including dine-in, drive-thru, catering, and online ordering.
• Strong Financial Performance: Sonny’s BBQ franchisees see average annual sales of $3.2 million per restaurant.

Step 3: Secure Funding

Funding is vital for covering startup costs, which can include real estate, equipment, inventory, and marketing expenses. Options include:

• Personal savings
• Bank loans and Small Business Administration (SBA) loans
• Investor partnerships

Step 4: Obtain Licenses and Permits

When you start a barbecue business, compliance with local, state, and federal regulations is essential. You will likely need:

• Business license
• Food service permit
• Health department inspection approval
• Fire safety inspection
• Alcohol license 

Step 5: Find the Right Location

One of the key questions to address when you are considering how to start a BBQ business is the location. The success of your BBQ business depends to a great extent on location. Consider factors such as:

• High foot traffic areas
• Visibility and accessibility
• Proximity to competitors
• Space for dine-in, drive thru, takeout, and catering operations

Step 6: Invest in Quality Equipment and Ingredients

Your BBQ joint’s reputation will be built on the quality of your food. Investing in top-tier smokers, grills, and kitchen equipment is vital. When starting a BBQ business, you should be able to find dependable and consistent sources for premium meats, fresh ingredients, and authentic BBQ rubs and sauces.

Step 7: Hire and Train Staff

Your team will be the backbone of your endeavor to start a barbecue business. If you franchise with Sonny’s BBQ, you will benefit from comprehensive Pitmaster Training, ensuring your staff is well-versed in:

• Meat preparation and smoking techniques
• Customer service excellence
• Food safety and hygiene

Step 8: Market Your BBQ Business

An effective marketing strategy will drive customer traffic and build brand loyalty. Marketing channels include:

• Free Sampling – Catering or free sampling allows the business to market the brand outside of the four walls of the restaurant.
• Social Media Marketing – Engage customers on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
• Local Advertising – Use flyers, radio ads, and billboards to attract local customers.
• Loyalty Programs & Promotions – Offer discounts and rewards through the app to repeat customers.
• Community Involvement – Partner with local organizations to boost brand awareness.

Sonny’s BBQ franchisees benefit from Local Store Marketing Support, helping them execute promotional campaigns tailored to their communities.

Step 9: Launch and Scale Your Business

After successfully launching your BBQ business, continue refining your operations by:

• Collecting customer feedback and making improvements.
• Expanding revenue streams (e.g., catering, online orders, drive-thru service).
• Keeping up with menu innovations and BBQ trends.

Why Sonny’s BBQ is the Ideal Franchise for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Seeking How to Start a BBQ Business

For entrepreneurs passionate about starting a BBQ business and seeking a franchise with a proven track record, Sonny’s BBQ is the ultimate opportunity. With over 50 years of success, a strong brand presence, and industry-leading franchise support, Sonny’s BBQ offers aspiring business owners the perfect blend of tradition and innovation to thrive in the competitive restaurant industry.

A Resilient and Established Brand

Founded in 1968, Sonny’s BBQ has evolved into one of the most beloved BBQ brands in the Southeastern United States. With a commitment to serving real, slow-smoked Southern BBQ at an exceptional value, the brand has built a loyal customer base that drives robust average annual sales of $3.2 million per restaurant. Sonny’s has continued to expand, thanks to its high off-premise sales and diverse revenue streams, including dine-in, drive-thru, catering, third-party delivery, and online ordering.

Strong Franchisee Support and Training

Sonny’s BBQ provides exceptional franchisee support, ensuring new owners have the tools they need to succeed. Their comprehensive training programs include Pitmaster Certification, equipping owners and their teams with expert BBQ knowledge. Franchisees also benefit from hands-on operational training, marketing support, and cutting-edge technology to streamline sales, inventory, and customer engagement.

Menu Innovation and High-Tech Capabilities

Sonny’s BBQ remains at the forefront of the industry by continually innovating its menu. Limited-time promotions and new offerings like Brisket Egg Rolls and Certified Angus Beef® Brisket Grilled Cheese keep customers coming back for more. Additionally, Sonny’s leverages advanced technologies to analyze guest behavior, enhance marketing strategies, and provide seamless online ordering, ensuring franchisees stay ahead of market trends.

A Brand with Purpose and Community Impact

Beyond serving award-winning BBQ, Sonny’s BBQ is deeply committed to giving back to the community. Franchisees become part of an organization that values kindness and actively engages in charitable initiatives, strengthening their local presence and customer loyalty. Sonny’s BBQ runs two programs that celebrate people in the community: “Q The Kindness” and “Random Acts of BBQ.”

A Streamlined Path to Ownership

The franchise process with Sonny’s BBQ is designed for ease and success. From the initial inquiry to the grand opening, their eight-step process guides aspiring entrepreneurs through applications, site selection, training, and launch.

Start a Barbecue Business With a Trusted Franchise

Starting a BBQ business requires strategic planning, investment, and dedication to delivering top-quality food and service. Partnering with an established brand like Sonny’s BBQ can significantly reduce the risks and challenges associated with launching an independent restaurant. 

With its renowned brand, strong sales metrics, and extensive franchisee support, Sonny’s BBQ provides the perfect platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their BBQ passion into a profitable business. To learn more about how to start a BBQ business with Sonny’s BBQ Franchise, call our franchise team today at (407) 917-8720.