The barbecue franchise will be honoring students who exemplify selflessness and kindness with surprise BBQ celebrations as part of their Random Acts of BBQ: Student Edition Program
In honor of Random Acts of Kindness Week, Sonny’s BBQ, the purpose-driven BBQ restaurant known for quality BBQ and spreading kindness in the communities they serve, will be surprising students from eight schools across their footprint with free food. The Random Acts of BBQ: Student Edition program celebrates students who consistently go out of their way to spread kindness to those around them.
Throughout January, participating schools have been awarding Sonny’s BBQ gift cards to students they observe performing acts of kindness towards fellow students, friends, teachers and staff, by sharing these moments with Sonny’s BBQ’s Kindness Crew for consideration. The Kindness Crew is a group of passionate Sonny’s BBQ team members dedicated to spreading kindness and helping others, all under the leadership of our Chief Kindness Officer, Tara Boyle. During Random Acts of Kindness Week, the Kindness Crew will select winners from each school and surprise their entire class with a special BBQ celebration.
Eight elementary schools are participating in the program:
- Manado Elementary School – Jacksonville, FL
- India Hook Elementary School – Rock Hill, SC
- Academie da Vinci and Palm Harbor Middle School – Tampa, FL
- Bay Lake Elementary – Orlando, FL
- Oakshire Elementary School – Orlando, FL
- Memorial Middle School – Orlando, FL
- Lovell Elementary – Apopka, FL
“It is such a privilege to celebrate this holiday once again and, for the very first time, to highlight some amazing students who are making a difference in their classroom and community,” says Tara Boyle, Sonny’s BBQ’s Chief Kindness Officer. “We care so deeply about spreading kindness, and the stories that have been shared about these students are truly remarkable. We cannot wait to have the opportunity to highlight their selflessness and to honor them with some BBQ!”
Random Acts of Kindness Week will take place February 13 – 19, 2024, with Random Acts of Kindness Day occurring on Saturday, February 17. The holiday encourages people to undertake random acts of kindness in their communities, celebrating those dedicated to making a difference who often go unrecognized for their efforts. Sonny’s BBQ has celebrated the week with various philanthropic efforts for the past seven years, making it a foundational part of the company’s mission to foster kindness and community. As a part of this year’s Random Acts of Kindness Week, the Sonny’s BBQ team also partnered with Blessings in a Backpack, an organization dedicated to fighting child hunger by providing food on the weekends for kids in need, to pack over 1,000 bags for students in central Florida and donating $1,000 to the cause.
Sonny’s BBQ is committed to spreading the spirit of BBQ and making a difference in the communities they serve. Surprising guests, coworkers and community members with Random Acts of BBQ is the company’s way of recognizing those who make a difference – special individuals who selflessly give their time, talents and effort to their communities. To learn more about Sonny’s BBQ’s commitment to spreading kindness, visit https://www.SonnysBBQ.com/q-the-kindness/. For more information about the brand, visit SonnysBBQ.com or follow along on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok and YouTube. Franchise opportunities can be found at https://franchise.SonnysBBQ.com.
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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.
