Sonny’s BBQ founder Sonny Tillman was honored Saturday by the National Barbecue and Grilling Association (NBBQA) for his success and dedication to the business of barbecue. The event, which took place at Yalaha Bootlegging in Yalaha, Florida., included local NBBQA members and businesses.

“It is an honor to recognize Sonny for his overall achievement and impact to the BBQ industry,” says NBBQA president Patrick Murty. “Sonny built a famous brand; he built a business model that helped to bring BBQ into the homes of many across the southeast and the nation.  All the while, Sonny made sure to stay true to the time-honored traditions of BBQ and to serve his community. NBBQA is proud to present this award of great accomplishment to Sonny Tillman.”

Tillman founded Sonny’s in 1968 with his wife Lucille in Gainesville, Fla. His vision of serving up BBQ slathered in Southern Hospitality continues today with locally owned and operated Sonny’s locations spanning the Southeast in eight states. Despite its growth, Sonny’s still maintains many of the same principles it was founded on by Tillman 51 years ago, including passion for BBQ, respecting time-honored traditions and putting others first.

“It’s a real honor to accept this award from the NBBQA,” says Tillman. “BBQ has been great for me and for my entire family. There are some truly amazing pitmasters out there so it’s really a privilege to receive this award.”

Founded in 1991, the NBBQA includes over 530 industry members collectively dedicated to bringing all interests of the barbecue industry together to share, connect, celebrate and educate. Its goals are to promote the image of the industry, facilitate networking, foster new business opportunities and educate the public about the art and enjoyment of barbecue.