Sonny’s BBQ is a popular chain of barbecue restaurants located across the southeastern United States. With its mouthwatering smoked meats, homemade sides, and sweet tea, Sonny’s has become a favorite destination for barbecue lovers. But what time does Sonny’s BBQ close each day? Knowing the operating hours can help you plan your next barbecue run.
Typical Hours of Operation at Sonny’s BBQ
Most Sonny’s BBQ locations are open 7 days a week and have the following standard hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
However, hours may vary by location, so it’s always wise to check your local Sonny’s hours. The best way is to check the store locator on the Sonny’s BBQ website or call ahead.
Morning Opening Hours
Every Sonny’s BBQ opens its doors to customers bright and early at 11:00 AM. This is when you can start enjoying Sonny’s smoked brisket, pulled pork, chicken, ribs, and sausage 7 days a week.
So if you’re craving brisket for breakfast, you can get your fix at Sonny’s starting at 11:00 AM. However, Sonny’s is not open for breakfast service.
Evening Closing Hours
On weeknights, Sonny’s BBQ locations close at 9:00 PM. This allows plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely dinner or pop in for some takeout on the way home.
Friday and Saturday nights, most Sonnys restaurants stay open an hour later, closing at 10:00 PM. This gives customers a little more flexibility for weekend evening dining.
On Sundays, Sonny’s closes at the earlier time of 9:00 PM across all locations. So be sure to visit before then to end your weekend with Sonny’s famous baby back ribs or pulled pork sandwich.
Variations in Sonny’s BBQ Hours by Location
While the standard hours noted above apply to most Sonny’s BBQ joints, there are some location-based variations:
Mall and Amusement Park Locations
Sonny’s restaurants situated in malls or amusement parks may adhere to different hours in alignment with the opening hours of those venues. For example, a Sonny’s BBQ at a mall will be open during regular mall hours, which are commonly 10 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday and 11 AM to 6 PM on Sundays.
Urban Locations
Sonny’s BBQ joints located in downtown or urban areas may stay open later, sometimes to 11 PM or midnight, especially on weekends. This caters to urban dwellers with later dining habits.
Non-Traditional Structures
Some Sonny’s BBQ locations are housed in non-standard restaurant buildings such as food trucks, concession stands, and kiosks. These units may maintain more abbreviated schedules tailored to events, crowds, and seasons.
Newer Locations
When opening a new location, Sonny’s BBQ may start with shorter hours, then expand based on customer demand. So check timings when visiting a recently opened Sonny’s, as they could adjust hours after the grand opening phase.
Seasonal Variations
Sonny’s restaurants in tourist destinations may trim hours during their off-season when customer traffic is slower. Peak summer and holidays are when seasonal locations offer extended hours.
How to Check Sonny’s BBQ Hours for a Specific Location
Because operating hours can vary by Sonny’s BBQ location, it’s wise to verify the hours for the specific restaurant you plan to visit. Here are some tips:
- Check the Sonny’s website store locator: Punch in a zip code or address and it will display hours for Sonny’s locations nearby.
- Call the restaurant directly: Find the phone number on Sonny’s site or Google Maps and call to double check their hours that day.
- Check Sonny’s Facebook page: Many individual Sonny’s locations maintain Facebook pages with hours listed. Search Facebook for “Sonny’s BBQ [city]” to find yours.
- Look for posted hours: When you arrive at a Sonny’s BBQ, check the front door or windows where they usually post opening hours.
Knowing the correct hours for your Sonny’s BBQ prevents wasted trips if they close earlier than expected. A quick call or look online gives you the exact times to satisfy your barbecue cravings.
Why Sonny’s BBQ Hours May Vary
There are some key factors that contribute to variations in operating hours between different Sonny’s BBQ locations:
Customer Demand and Sales
Managers can adjust hours based on customer traffic patterns and sales revenue at each unit. Locations with later dining crowds or weekends packed with hungry barbecue fans will stay open later to serve more customers.
Staffing
Having enough staff is key to sustaining longer hours. If short on crew, restaurants may close earlier until they can ramp up hiring. Urban restaurants especially need reliable late-night staff.
Location Factors
As noted, malls, airports, downtowns, and seasonal tourist areas influence hours. Sonny’s BBQ must align its schedule with the surrounding retail, business, and tourist activities.
Competition
If nearby barbecue joints stay open late or offer late-night menus, Sonny’s BBQ may extend hours to remain competitive in that market.
Operating Costs
Keeping a restaurant open requires utility costs, staff wages, and other expenses. Limited budgets may force some locations to close earlier to save on operating costs.
So in summary, Sonny’s BBQ dining times are adjusted based on local customer habits, staff availability, costs, and competitor actions – leading to variations across locations.
Sonny’s BBQ Drive-Thru, Takeout, and Delivery Hours
In addition to in-restaurant dining, many Sonny’s BBQ locations offer drive-thru, takeout, and delivery service. Here are the typical operating hours for these options:
Drive-Thru
Most Sonny’s drive-thrus are open during the full restaurant hours – 11:00 AM to 9:00 or 10:00 PM daily. Exceptions are mall locations or other sites without drive-thru access.
Takeout
Takeout hours match the full restaurant hours as well, allowing takeout orders to be placed in person or online until closing time.
Delivery
Sonny’s BBQ provides delivery services through third parties like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub. So delivery is available during the hours those services operate in the area, which is commonly until 9:00 or 10:00 PM.
The convenience of drive-thru, takeout, and delivery allows customers to enjoy Sonny’s barbecue favorites even when the restaurant dining rooms are closed. Just double check your location’s kitchen hours which can impact late-night ordering.
Dining In at Sonny’s BBQ Before Closing Time
Sonny’s BBQ serve their barbecue dishes fresh and piping hot at every meal. To allow time to enjoy your food in the dining room before closing, follow this guideline on the latest to arrive:
- On weeknights, arrive by 8:00 PM at the latest
- On Friday and Saturday evenings, arrive by 9:00 PM
- On Sundays, arrive by 8:00 PM
This gives you 1 hour to order, eat, and finish up before the 9:00 or 10:00 PM closing time. If you want a more relaxed dining experience, aim to arrive even earlier.
Of course, if you are just grabbing takeout or eating in your car, you can swoop in later right before closing to quickly pick up your order. Just be considerate by not arriving in the last 5 minutes before shutdown.
Does Sonny’s BBQ Ever Close Early?
While every effort is made to stick to its posted operating hours, Sonny’s BBQ may close early on occasion for reasons like:
- Weather emergencies – Such as hurricanes or snowstorms that disrupt business operations or access.
- Holidays – Sonny’s locations may close early on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, July 4th or other major holidays.
- Staff shortages – Illness, appointments or inadequate staff may force sudden closures.
- Maintenance issues – Equipment malfunctions or utility failures that impact service.
- Slow business – Extremely slow days like Super Bowl Sunday may result in early shutdowns.
- Local events – Nearby occurrences like festivals may make accessing Sonny’s difficult.
So before making the trip, check Sonny’s website or social media pages for any announcements about shortened hours that day. Calling ahead also lets you confirm they are still open and serving.
Being aware of any early closures prevents disappointment – and ensures you can get your Sonny’s BBQ fix.
Sonny’s BBQ Kitchen Closes Prior to Restaurant Closing
One important note – while Sonny’s BBQ remains open until 9:00 or 10:00 PM, their kitchen stops accepting orders 30 minutes to 1 hour prior to closing.
This kitchen closure time allows the Sonny’s staff to properly clean up and shut down equipment while still serving any existing dine-in customers. So remember these tips:
- Check when kitchen orders stop to avoid showing up too late
- Come before kitchen closure if you want the full menu available
- Dine-in customers can stay until official closing time
Plan your Sonny’s BBQ visit keeping the kitchen closure time in mind. You want to get there with enough time to order Sonny’s signature brisket, ribs, chicken and sides fresh off the smoker.
When Does Sonny’s BBQ Open and Close on Holidays?
Sonny’s BBQ holiday hours vary depending on the specific holiday and location. Here is a general overview of Sonny’s hours on major US holidays:
New Year’s Day
Most Sonny’s locations are closed on New Year’s Day or have shortened hours, such as noon to 9PM.
Easter Sunday
Sonny’s BBQ is open regular hours on Easter Sunday, from 11AM to 9PM.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day holiday hours are the regular hours – 11AM to 9 or 10PM based on location.
Independence Day
All locations are closed on July 4th Independence Day.
Labor Day
Sonny’s restaurants are open regular hours on Labor Day, which is 11AM to 9 or 10PM.
Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving is treated as a Sunday, with locations closing at 9PM.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Sonny’s BBQ is typically closed on Christmas Day. Christmas Eve hours may be shortened, such as 11AM to 6PM.
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve often has shortened hours, closing at 9 or 10PM instead of later.
As always, check the Sonny’s BBQ website or call your local restaurant to confirm holiday hours. Be prepared for shortened schedules on major holidays, especially Christmas Day and Independence Day when all locations close.
Sonny’s Late Night and 24/7 Operating Hours
Currently Sonny’s BBQ does not have any locations that stay open late into the night or are 24 hours. Even the latest closing restaurants shutter at midnight.
Here are the reasons why Sonny’s BBQ maintains more limited hours:
- Sonny’s focuses on fresh, smoked barbecue, which requires overnight prep. Staying open 24/7 would be challenging for smoker schedules.
- As a sit-down restaurant, Sonny’s would need large late-night staff. Quick-service chains are better suited for 24-hour service.
- Safety and security are a concern for late-night restaurant operations. Sonny’s operates in more suburban settings.
- There may not be enough late-night customer demand to justify staying open overnight in most markets.
So to satisfy that late-night barbecue craving, your best options are either ordering early and reheating Sonny’s favorites at home, or looking for a 24-hour barbecue joint if available in your area.
But during Sonny’s daytime hours starting at 11:00 AM, you can enjoy the best smoked brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and chicken in the South along with tasty sides and desserts. Just plan your visit before closing time at 9 or 10 PM.
Handling Sonny’s BBQ Unexpected Closures
On those rare occasions when Sonny’s BBQ closes unexpectedly due to emergencies, here are some tips:
- Check their website and social media for closure notices and updates before leaving home. Sonny’s will post announcements about any abrupt shutdowns.
- Call your local Sonny’s phone number if you’re unsure – no answer likely means they are closed.
- Look for signs posted on the door explaining the reason for closing and when they expect to reopen.
- Ask the staff at a nearby Sonny’s location if they know why that restaurant is closed and when it will open again.
- Try again another day rather than waiting around hoping they reopen – safety comes first during emergencies.
- Have a backup barbecue restaurant in mind in case your Sonny’s visit doesn’t work out due to a temporary closure.
While sudden closures are inconvenient, safety and service concerns necessitate them on occasion. With social media updates, Sonny’s BBQ works to keep customers informed about any schedule changes.
Finding Alternatives When Sonny’s BBQ is Closed
When your local Sonny’s BBQ is closed for the day or due to an emergency, here are some alternative options for getting your barbecue fix:
Visit Another Sonny’s BBQ Location
Check the Sonny’s website to find another location that’s open nearby, or visit one the next day.
Order Sonny’s BBQ for Delivery
If available in your area, have Sonny’s BBQ delivered through DoorDash, Uber Eats, or other services.
Purchase Sonny’s BBQ Sauce
Grocery stores like Publix and Walmart stock Sonny’s sauces so you can recreate dishes at home.
Try Another Barbecue Joint
Seek out highly rated local BBQ restaurants in your area to sample their smoked meats and sides.
Fire up the Grill or Smoker
Channel your inner pitmaster and grill brisket, ribs, pulled pork, or chicken at home.
Get Sonny’s BBQ Catering
Sonny’s catering menu lets you order barbecue in bulk for events and large groups.
With so many barbecue options, you have plenty of alternatives for getting your BBQ fix when Sonny’s is not available. Their convenient hours ensure you can feast on Sonny’s smoked favorites almost anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sonny’s BBQ Hours
Here are answers to some common FAQs about Sonny’s BBQ operating hours:
What are the standard hours at most Sonny’s BBQ locations?
Most Sonny’s are open 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday through Thursday and stay open an hour later, until 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Does Sonny’s BBQ serve breakfast?
No, Sonny’s BBQ does not offer breakfast and opens at 11:00 AM daily for lunch and dinner.
What time does the Sonny’s BBQ kitchen stop taking orders before closing?
The kitchen stops accepting orders 30 minutes to 1 hour before the restaurant closes, so arrive earlier to get the full menu.
Is Sonny’s BBQ open on Christmas Day?
Sonny’s BBQ locations are closed on Christmas Day every year and have shortened hours Christmas Eve.
Can I get late night takeout or delivery from Sonny’s BBQ?
You can order takeout until closing time, and delivery is available through third parties generally until 9 or 10 PM. There is no late night service.
What are the Sonny’s drive thru hours?
Most Sonny’s with drive-thrus have them open during all the restaurant’s operating hours from 11:00 AM until closing time.
Does Sonny’s BBQ have 24/7 locations or stay open past midnight?
Currently Sonny’s does not have any 24-hour locations or restaurants open past midnight, even on weekends.
Enjoy Delicious Barbecue During Sonny’s Hours
Part of Sonny’s BBQ’s appeal is their extensive hours, opening early for lunch and closing late enough for dinner daily. With some location variations, most Sonny’s restaurants are open for business from 11:00 AM to 9:00 or 10:00 PM 7 days a week.
Just check your local Sonny’s operating times and kitchen closure before visiting. You can then relax over Sonny’s smoked brisket, ribs, pulled pork, or chicken with all the fixings. Their friendly service and welcoming barbecue ambiance make Sonny’s BBQ a go-to spot for Southern barbecue any day of the week.
So satisfy your barbecue cravings during Sonny’s generous opening hours across the Southeast! With the wide availability of dine-in, drive-thru, takeout, and delivery, Sonny’s BBQ fits conveniently into your schedule.