Sonny's BBQ Names George McAllan as New Chief Growth Officer

Industry leader to drive operational excellence and ignite brand's growth 

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sonny's BBQ, the industry-leading BBQ restaurant rooted in quality food and spreading kindness, announced today the addition of George McAllan, new Chief Growth Officer, to the Sonny's leadership team. George brings decades of experience working in both the franchisor and franchisee roles.

"George's extensive experience leading operations for some of America's most-loved restaurant brands is an incredible asset to our team as we continue to expand our footprint and serve our famous BBQ to fans across the South and beyond," said Jamie Yarmuth, Sonny's BBQ CEO. "George will serve an important role overseeing the systemwide operations to support the growth and profitability of our brand in the coming years. I look forward to working hand-in-hand with him as we continue to strengthen and develop all facets of operations at Sonny's BBQ."

Before joining Sonny's, George spent the past five years serving as chief operations officer with two different franchisee groups, leading up to 350 restaurants during his tenure. He's also worked on the franchise side of the business and served a variety of roles with Dunkin' Brands, including as international vice president responsible for 4,000 Dunkin' and Baskin Robbins restaurants in South Korea, Japan, China and Latin America. In these previous roles he's been responsible for operations, development, marketing, and increasing sales and profitability.

"Sonny's BBQ is a brand I have long admired and loved for its commitment to kindness, Southern culture, and, of course, its incredible menu of slow-smoked BBQ with all the fixins'," said George McAllan. "I look forward to supporting the entire Sonny's team and share our commitment to providing a great customer experience. It's an exciting time to join Sonny's BBQ and I am proud to be a part of this great and storied restaurant brand."

Growth will be a core pillar for Sonny's BBQ in 2025, with George playing a leading role. Amid economic challenges, Sonny's aims to strengthen its market presence and continue its legacy of serving quality BBQ by attracting qualified franchise candidates to expand its franchise network. It will also focus on meeting guest expectations for personalization, convenience and the unmatched hospitality Sonny's BBQ is known for.

For more information about Sonny's BBQ, visit SonnysBBQ.com or follow along on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok and YouTube. Franchise opportunities can be found at https://sonnysbbqfranchise.com/.

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About Sonny's BBQ

With nearly 100 locations spanning the southeast, Sonny's BBQ® is one of the largest barbecue restaurant brands in the country. Its signature pulled pork, sweet tea, and unique appetizers have afforded the restaurant the title of "Best Barbecue Chain in America" by The Daily Meal. Floyd "Sonny" Tillman and his wife, Lucille, founded Sonny's BBQ in 1968 in Gainesville, Fla. in hopes of creating a local BBQ joint for their community to enjoy. 55 years later, Sonny's BBQ continues to do just that under the direction of CEO Jamie Yarmuth and local pitmasters spreading the spirit of BBQ in each of their communities through the Q the Kindness and Random Acts of BBQ initiatives. The brand gives back more than $1.2 million annually across the eight states it serves, and reaches tens of thousands of community members with its generosity. Sonny's BBQ is a leader in the hospitality industry with its commitment to creating unique consumer experiences, ability and willingness to utilize cutting-edge technology, and network of successful franchisee relationships. For information and to find the Sonny's BBQ location closest to you, please visit www.SonnysBBQ.com.

SOURCE Sonny's BBQ