In 1968, Floyd ¨Sonny¨ Tillman and his wife, Lucille, founded Sonny´s in Gainesville with the intention of creating a casual restaurant that offered the very best barbecue in town. Less than 10 years later, the Tillmans began franchising and in 1991, Sonny sold the company and retired, leaving behind a thriving enterprise that currently boasts more than 150 restaurants in nine Southeastern states. Of course, the place couldn´t have made it so far if it didn´t have some darn good ´que; all of the meats — chicken, turkey, beef, pork and even catfish — are slow-smoked over hard wood to tender, flavorful perfection.
Locations throughout Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. Visit www.sonnysbbq.com.
