At Sonny’s BBQ, you hear the word Pitmaster a lot. The next words that usually come up are “Local Pitmasters since ‘68”, and every word of that is true. A Sonny’s Pitmaster® is not someone who slow-smokes BBQ and calls it a day. They treat BBQ as an art. From the different cuts of meat to the flavorful sauces and rubs, they know all the ins and outs. A Sonny’s Pitmaster® is what makes BBQ and our restaurants special.
The Origin of the Sonny’s Pitmaster
To find the origin of the Sonny’s Pitmaster®, we have to head back to 1968. That’s when Sonny Tillman and his wife Lucille opened the original Sonny’s on Waldo Road in Gainesville, Florida. Sonny knew his community, and every time they came to visit, he served up generous plates of slow-smoked BBQ slathered in Southern hospitality. His signature style influenced much of what our Pitmasters focus on, and that’s the meat, the craft, and the community.
What Does a Pitmaster Learn?
When it comes to BBQ, a Sonny’s Pitmaster® knows what’s best. They can show you a cut of meat and exactly how we use it in our signature plates. They know where it comes from, what it looks like, and how to prepare it. Lookin’ for someone with the necessary knowledge for your next grocery trip? Just ask them.
They don’t know all of this right off the bat. Any of our Team Members can work toward becoming a Sonny’s Pitmaster®. They start on their journey by becoming an Apprentice in their own restaurants, before enrolling in the Pit Academy. It’s a jam-packed two-day course filled with hands-on experience that will get them ready to roll.
Slow-Smokin’ Skills
Sure, you can tell BBQ apart, but now, it’s time to put that expertise to the test with the smoker. You show a slab of meat to a Sonny’s Pitmaster, they will know exactly what temperature it needs, and how long it has to smoke. Brisket, Pulled Pork, Ribs. You name it, they know it like the back of their hands. Plus, they’re always lookin’ to perfect their craft by enterin’ competitions across the country. When one Pitmaster meets another, it’s a meeting of great BBQ minds.
Our Head Pitmaster Shannon Snell sure knows a thing or two about competitions. He’s competed locally and on TV, and took home some trophies of his own. Check out his journey from Florida Gator to Sonny’s BBQ, while you’re there, get a taste of some of his recipes with our Tales from the Pit.
Warm, Southern Hospitality
Next to our BBQ, our restaurant guests are number one in our eyes, and a Sonny’s Pitmaster® knows that very well. They’re always checkin’ in to make sure your BBQ is flawless and you leave the restaurant satisfied and smiling. But their hospitality goes beyond that. They foster kindness, are leaders in their communities and are always willing to make sure everyone has a seat at the table.
Kindness extends far beyond our Pitmasters. With ‘Q The Kindness, we’re all about sparkin’ kindness in our communities, because one small act can make a big difference. That includes going into our communities for Random Acts of BBQ, where we throw BBQ feasts for those local heroes who make a difference in their communities.
A Sonny’s Pitmaster Focuses on Passion & Perfection
To put in simply, a Sonny’s Pitmaster is passionate about BBQ. Sonny Tillman set the standard back in 1968, and they’re keepin’ his legacy going strong every day. To see them in action, check out some of their stories on YouTube with our Pitmaster Profiles.
