Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Que

Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Que is a barbecue restaurant chain built on authentic pit-smoking traditions and a straightforward commitment to quality. The company was founded in 1968 in Gainesville, Florida, by Sonny and Lucille Tillman, who opened the original location with a focus on hickory-smoked meats and a family-friendly dining experience. That flagship restaurant still operates today, anchoring the brand's identity and serving as proof of concept for a model that has endured for more than five decades.

The chain has grown to 104 locations as of November 2025, concentrated across the Southeastern United States with particular strength in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. The menu centers on slow-smoked pork, ribs, chicken, and brisket prepared using traditional pit-smoking techniques, complemented by a bottomless salad bar, burgers, wings, and regional side dishes. The brand has evolved its offerings over time, introducing items like Smokin' Ranch and barbecue pork egg rolls while maintaining the core recipes that built its reputation.

Sonny's operates primarily through a franchise model, which has enabled local ownership and regional flexibility while keeping the core brand experience consistent. Over the past five years, the company has pursued steady expansion across its core Southeast markets, targeting high-growth suburban and regional trade areas. The brand shows particular interest in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and North Carolina, with a preference for freestanding and end-cap retail sites that support its full-service dining format and parking requirements.

For landlords and developers, Sonny's represents a regionally credible tenant with demonstrated operational longevity, established brand equity in its markets, and a proven ability to perform in both standalone and multi-tenant environments. The franchise network provides stability and support infrastructure, while the company's steady growth posture reflects measured expansion rather than aggressive overreach. The combination of regional focus, operational consistency, and franchise-backed resources makes Sonny's a reliable anchor or co-tenant option for retail properties across the Southeast.