Sonny's BBQ
- Ownership Requirement
- Full-time
- Business Type
- Franchise
Slow-Smoked Southern BBQ Since '68
Join a franchise rooted in real pitmasters, community kindness, and resilient sales.
Brand overview
Sonny's BBQ has been serving authentic Southern-style barbecue since 1968, crafting meals that bring communities together. Every location features real pitmasters dedicated to the craft of slow-smoking meats. Owners operate full-service restaurants offering lunch, dinner, dine-in, takeout, drive-thru, catering, and online ordering. The brand is deeply committed to using the goodness of BBQ to do more good in the world, serving great food slathered in Southern hospitality and empowering franchisees to rise to the occasion for their neighbors.
Availability
We are currently accepting inquiries in these states:
Gallery
Why choose Sonny's BBQ
Sonny's BBQ delivers resilient performance across shifting market conditions, backed by strong average annual sales per restaurant. A genuine commitment to giving back ensures franchisees lead with kindness in every community they serve. Franchisee-included task forces allow owners to significantly impact the trajectory of the brand. Multiple revenue streams drive profitability, including dine-in, takeout, drive-thru, catering, third-party delivery, and in-store merchandise.
Revenue Potential & Investment Requirements
Average Annual Sales per restaurant
The average annual sales for the Franchised Restaurants for the calendar year 2025. 38 Restaurants (45%) reported attaining or exceeding this average. This information is found in Item 19 of the Sonny’s Franchise Company Franchise Disclosure Document dated May 15, 2026. Your results may differ. There is no assurance that you will earn as much.
Total investment
$717,500–$1,110,500
Cash Required
$1,000,000
Net worth
$1,800,000
Franchise fee
$35,000
Total units
91
Real estate required
Not Specified
Growth Trends
Training & support
The franchise application and onboarding process begins with an initial inquiry, interview, and comprehensive review through the Franchise Disclosure Document. Owners participate in a site analysis and visit to develop a thorough business plan. Franchisees also attend a Meet the Team Day at BBQ HQ to meet the Leadership Team before approval and the journey toward grand opening.
Ideal candidate
The ideal Sonny's BBQ franchisee is an operator passionate about serving award-winning BBQ and eager to be a generous community partner. Candidates should be aligned with the brand's purpose of leading with kindness and doing more good in the world, committing to authentic hospitality and neighborhood support.
Bring the craft of slow-smoked barbecue and Southern kindness to your community. Explore the opportunity to own a Sonny's BBQ franchise and build a business rooted in resilience and generosity.