Sonny's BBQ

New Owners Bring Three Decades & Three Generations

Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q welcomes new owners to Mobile: Bryan K. Smith, Scott Frantz and David Ponti. The three have taken ownership of Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q located at 5428 Halls Mill Rd. and 770 Schillinger's Rd. South.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: 

Ms. Monique Yeager
Director of Corporate Affairs & Marketing
Sonny's Franchise Company
407- 660-8888
myeager@sonnysbbq.com

MOBILE, AL, December 27, 2006 - Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q welcomes new owners to Mobile: Bryan K. Smith, Scott Frantz and David Ponti. The three have taken ownership of Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q located at 5428 Halls Mill Rd. and 770 Schillinger's Rd. South. The new owners hail from Pensacola and were among the first group of individuals to franchise Sonny's in 1978. Bryan K. Smith is a second generation owner and started working with his father to build his franchise in the late 70's. "Sonny's is an outstanding concept! At Sonny's we offer exceptional, genuine Bar-B-Q at an inexpensive price, served fast and friendly in a family style environment,” says Bryan K. Smith. Bryan K. Smith has followed in his father's footsteps and has compelled his son, Andrew C. Smith, to do the same.

With the acquisition of the two Mobile restaurants, they now operate a total of 10 stores ranging from Mobile to Tallahassee, FL. "We are extremely enthused about the two additions and we are looking forward to serving Mobile the most superb Bar-B-Q in the Southeast,” says owner Bryan K. Smith. With so many stores already operating and the addition of the Mobile market, the goals have been kept simple; provide the customer with a great dining experience and Sonny's signature "Feel Good Bar-B-Q.”

A. L. Ribs, the name of the franchise company, is dedicated to carrying on the founder of Sonny's, Floyd "Sonny" Tillman, traditions of "Feel Good Bar-B-Q." Bryan K. Smith has met with Floyd Tillman on several occasions and describes him as a very friendly gentleman. "Floyd "Sonny" Tillman's innovative ideas are the foundation in which the success of Sonny's Corporate is built on today," says Bryan K. Smith. The franchise, A. L. Ribs, has been very successful in building the Pensacola market and hopes to do the same in Mobile. "We feel Mobile is the best market we have entered yet. The feedback we have received from the customers is unbelievable. The people of Mobile exemplify what true Southern Hospitality is all about," says Bryan K. Smith.

District Manager and fellow franchisee, Scott Frantz, was born in Mobile and attended Griggs Elementary until his family relocated to Pensacola. He has fond memories of the growing up in the Tillman's Corner area. "I am delighted to be back in the area with my family," says Scott Frantz. Mr. Frantz believes in hands-on training and has temporarily relocated to Mobile to hand-pick and train all current and new employees. David Ponti, a native of New Orleans and graduate of LSU, has been part of the A.L. Ribs team for over 10 years. He is the Controller of the company and handles all of franchise's business from the headquarters in Tallahassee. "I've been in Mobile every week since we've taken over to make sure all the details are being taken care of," says David Ponti.

Regular customers can expect to see immediate change in Sonny's appearance and over all feel. Store renovations have already started and include vibrant new colors on the walls, a freshly paved parking lot, new signage, and a new attitude. The owners agree that Sonny's in Mobile may have lacked consistency in the past, but they see a bright new future for the chain. "Sonny's continues to evolve and many changes are currently being tested by the Sonny's Corporation. Some of these changes include a new modern concept store, an expanded salad bar and several new menu items," says Andrew C. Smith. Andrew C. Smith, an avid snowboarder, is studying Business Management at Paul Smith's College in Paul Smith, New York, but will soon return to help his father build the Mobile market upon his graduation in 2007.

In addition to introducing a new Sonny's to Mobile, the Smith's, Scott Frantz and David Ponti are anticipating the chance to share with the community as they have in Florida. "Our family feels that is very important to give back to the community and to those that support us," says Andrew C. Smith. A. L. Ribs has supported several organizations in Florida, such as Girls and Boys Town, the Red Cross, Big Bend Junior Golf Tournament, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Katrina Relief efforts, and WWII Veterans Remembrance wall just to name a few.

The new owners admit that they have their hands full with revitalizing Sonny's in Mobile, but are confident that with a little time and effort Mobile will soon be enjoying a new twist on an old favorite.

Sonny's has two restaurants in Mobile located at 770 Schillinger Rd. S. and 5428 Halls Mill Rd. The Schillinger's Rd. S. location was temporarily closed during the transition of ownership, but is scheduled to re-open its doors on January 3, 2007.

Voted #1 in Southern Living Magazine 2002, 2003 and 2004 Readers' Choice Award for Best Bar-B-Q in the South.

Floyd "Sonny" Tillman founded Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q in 1968 in Gainesville, Florida. Today, Sonny's has more than 138 restaurants with over 7,000 team members in nine southeastern states. To view a menu or to learn more about Sonny's Bar-B-Q, visit www.sonnysbbq.com.

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