You might have heard some rumors swirling about Sonny’s BBQ closing down for good. Maybe it’s because you saw that your favorite local spot suddenly turned off the lights, or maybe a friend sent you a worried text after seeing photos of a closed sign online. It’s only natural to wonder—especially if you’re a fan of classic southern barbecue—if Sonny’s BBQ is really going out of business. So, let’s get to the bottom of it.
Sonny’s BBQ: Still In Business—Just Not Everywhere
Here’s the first and most direct answer: No, Sonny’s BBQ is not going out of business as a company. The chain is still very much active and still operating about 100 restaurants across the southeastern United States.
It’s true, though, that Sonny’s isn’t quite as spread out as it once was. Over the past decade, they’ve closed a scattering of locations. This happens sometimes in the restaurant industry, and it can stir up concern. But the company hasn’t announced any plans to shutter the whole chain. In fact, if you check their website or drive through many towns in Florida and nearby states, you’ll see those familiar Sonny’s BBQ signs still lighting up the evening.
So, What’s Going On with The Closures?
The concern probably started with some recent closures—most noticeably, the one in The Villages, Florida. That particular Sonny’s BBQ had been a local staple at 1128 Canal Street, right in Lake Sumter Landing. After staying open for over a decade, it closed its doors, which set off a lot of talk online and in the community. Folks who relied on it for a family dinner out or for takeout after a long day were genuinely disappointed.
Some longtime fans wondered if this was a warning sign for the whole brand. But Sonny’s BBQ addressed the issue directly. They let people know that their dedication to smokey classics and southern hospitality is still strong, and that other locations aren’t going anywhere. Patrons were told they could head over to other Sonny’s restaurants nearby, like Bushnell, Inverness, and Belleview.
Why Do Some Sonny’s BBQ Locations Close?
This is something that happens in pretty much any restaurant chain. Individual locations sometimes shut down, even if the larger company is healthy. Restaurant leases end, or foot traffic drops, or the local economy changes in a way that makes one spot less profitable. Sometimes, it’s just time to make a change.
In the case of The Villages, the closure seems to be a one-off decision rather than part of a larger contraction. It can be tough for regulars, but it’s not a sign that all Sonny’s BBQs are packing up. In fact, the company went out of its way to reassure people that this wasn’t part of a bigger trend.
Then there are the closures that aren’t really closures—at least, not in the permanent sense. For example, when Hurricane Milton hit Florida, some Sonny’s BBQ spots closed up for a stretch. But those were because of the weather, not business problems. As soon as it was safe again, the restaurants opened their doors.
Other Places You Can Still Get Sonny’s BBQ
If you’ve lost your closest Sonny’s BBQ (like the folks in The Villages), the company reminds you there are alternatives. Within about a 45-minute drive of The Villages, you’ll find active Sonny’s locations in Bushnell, Inverness, and Belleview. Lakeland still boasts a lively Sonny’s BBQ as well.
This isn’t just about central Florida. Across the southeastern U.S., Sonny’s is still serving up ribs, pulled pork, and those signature garlic rolls to hungry fans. The chain’s presence might look a bit different depending on where you are—some smaller towns lost their locations, but loads of others have operational restaurants.
How Widespread Is Sonny’s BBQ Right Now?
Right now, Sonny’s BBQ is holding steady with about 100 locations. That’s a sizable footprint for a regional chain, even if it doesn’t have the near-ubiquity of a fast food giant. Most of those spots are in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. So, if you’re living or traveling anywhere in Florida, chances are, you’re not too far from a location.
Sonny’s BBQ isn’t growing at a wild clip, but it’s also not shrinking at a dangerous rate. The way the restaurant business works these days, staying steady is actually a real accomplishment.
The Reality Behind Restaurant Closures
For anyone watching the restaurant industry, this isn’t really a wild story. Even big, successful chains have to make tough choices about which locations make sense to keep open. Sometimes a spot that worked years ago gets too expensive to operate, or the crowd just disappears.
There’s also a shift in eating habits to consider. People might be cooking at home more or looking for a wider range of food choices. For barbecue joints, especially ones tied so closely to southern flavors and sit-down dining, keeping every single location healthy can be tricky.
Still, the bigger picture matters. Sonny’s BBQ is a brand that has been around since 1968, and it still has a loyal following. If you drive around the southeast, you’ll see locations with plenty of cars in the lot, especially during dinner hours and on weekends.
Sonny’s BBQ Responds to Customer Concerns
Every time a Sonny’s BBQ closes, there’s a quick and honest response from the company. Management often shares updates on social channels and in local news, reassuring folks that one closure doesn’t mean a chain-wide shutdown.
For example, after the closure in The Villages, Sonny’s responded by pointing customers toward nearby options and thanking the community for years of support. They made it clear that team members and guests are important and that the rest of their network is still very much open for business.
What’s Happening with the Lakeland and Other Florida Locations?
Some people have wondered if their favorite Sonny’s location has quietly closed. But, as of now, places like Lakeland’s Sonny’s BBQ remain open. Folks stop in for smoked meats, collard greens, and the rest of the classic menu.
That’s true for other longtime locations too. If you look for updates on local Facebook groups or news outlets, you’ll find people sharing their own recent visits. Most of these posts are about dinner plans, not goodbye notes.
Fans React to Changes—And Keep Showing Up
Of course, whenever a restaurant closes, people notice. For many, it’s more than just losing a food option—it’s memories, birthdays, or just a handy place for lunch breaks. The reaction in The Villages was especially strong, with a lot of folks sharing stories about favorite meals and longtime staff.
But fans don’t just complain online. They’re also heading out to nearby Sonny’s BBQ restaurants, sticking with the brand they know and like. That says something about the connection between a community and its barbecue joint.
If you’re curious about how other restaurant chains are doing, or like reading business updates about your favorite places to eat, publications like Business Republic Magazine often break down these stories with numbers, interviews, and case studies on regional chains.
The Bottom Line: Sonny’s BBQ Isn’t Disappearing
If you take anything away from this story, let it be this: Sonny’s BBQ, as a company, isn’t going away. Some locations have closed, sure, and that always stings for local fans. But across the southeastern United States, Sonny’s still has its neon signs lit and its smokers running.
So if you’re craving a pulled pork platter or those cinnamon-sweet barbecue beans, chances are, there’s still a Sonny’s BBQ not too far from you. Check online, call ahead if you want to be sure, and go see what’s cooking.
Business changes. Restaurants come and go. But for now, Sonny’s BBQ continues to offer those classic southern meals—smoked low and slow—just like it has since 1968. If you’re anywhere near one of their remaining locations, now’s a fine time to stop in and see for yourself that the fire’s still burning.
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