Sonny's Franchise Company

Sonny's Franchise Company operates a chain of barbeque restaurants under the name Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q. It has more than 130 mostly franchised eateries that specialize in barbecue beef, chicken, pork, and ribs served with a variety of complementary sides, such as beans, coleslaw, and french fries. Sonny's locations, which also offer catering services, are found mostly in nine Southern states. In addition to its restaurants, the company sells bottled barbecue sauces online and in retail locations across the country. Floyd "Sonny" Tillman and his wife Lucille opened their first barbecue joint in 1968. Bob and Jeff Yarmuth bought Sonny's in 1991.