Every October 12, we celebrate the slow-smoked meat that made us famous. National Pulled Pork Day started in 2016, but our history of pulled pork goes back to 1968. But since then, it’s always been Sonny’s Pulled Pork here.
How the History of Pulled Pork Started
Like many of you may already know, Sonny’s started with a man, a pit and a dream. That man was Sonny Tillman, and he opened the original Sonny’s on May 16, 1968 on Waldo Road in Gainesville, Florida.
Sonny’s Pulled Pork brought people from all around, including his neighbors, students at the University of Florida, and many more. Here’s a fun fact though, before Pulled Pork, Sonny started with Sliced Pork. It’s been a specialty of ours ever since, and it’s hard to find anyone doin’ it better than our Pitmasters.
In fact, want a taste of the past? You can visit Sonny’s Waldo today. We preserved the classic building and even added a bit of history to peruse along the walls.
What is Sonny’s Pulled Pork?
First off, let’s get the basics out the way, Sonny’s Pulled Pork is exactly what it sounds like. It’s that tender, juicy pork pulled right off the bone and mixed with just a touch of our signature Sweet BBQ Sauce.
Here’s another fact for you, Pulled Pork doesn’t come from the butt of the pig. Although we call them “Pork Butts”, that delicious meat comes from the shoulder of the pig. As Head Pitmaster Shannon Snell explains, when they used to transport those pork shoulders, they did so in large barrels called “butts”. Since then, the name stuck.
How We Cook it
We cook all Sonny’s Pulled Pork by slow-smokin’ it over oak wood. Sonny Tillman started the tradition back in 1968, and we’ve perfected it today. Each pork shoulder or collar is smoked overnight in all our restaurants. You may see our large rotisserie smokers when you step foot in our restaurants, but don’t worry, there’s real wood powerin’ those. It just helps us cook up enough BBQ to fill your table.
How We Feature it
We love our Sonny’s Pulled Pork, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy it on our menu, from our signature plates to smokin’ sandwiches. It’s great on a plate, but we’ve worked to innovate it over the years. For example, take our Sweet Carolina. It’s our signature Pulled Pork Sandwich, but we also top that meat with a mountain of coleslaw and drizzle it in our tangy Mustard BBQ Sauce.
That’s just a taste of our creations. Hungry for more? Get a closer look at our menu:
Recipe for Success
Now, unfortunately, we can’t share the exact recipe for our Pulled Pork, as that’s a trade secret. However, our Head Pitmaster Shannon has an incredible recipe you can make at home.
Follow all the steps we’ve got, and you’re sure to come out with a signature, smokin’ creation. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more tips, tricks and Tales from the Pit.
Taste our Smokin’ Legacy
Okay, you’ve got to be hungry already with all of this Pulled Pork talk. Come see us at your local Sonny’s and get a delicious plate full of flavor. Also, want to score free Pulled Pork? Don’t forget to sign up for the Sonny’s BBQ App. You’ll get points on every purchase that you can use to trade in for some sweet rewards.
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We’re wishin’ you a very happy National Pulled Pork Day, and remember, the years may go by and things may change, but at least one thing will stay the same. We’ll always be servin’ Sonny’s Pulled Pork here.
