GAINESVILLE, Fla. ( WCJB /Gray News) – Floyd “Sonny” Tillman, the founder of a well-known restaurant chain in the Southeast, died Sunday, his family reported.

Family members said they were by his side when Tillman died in his sleep.

He was 96.

Tillman founded Sonny’s BBQ in 1968 in Gainesville, Florida. Nine years later, the company started franchising its beloved barbecue menu.

Tillman sold his company to investors in 1988. It had nearly a 100 restaurants in multiple states. Bob Yarmuth purchased the company in 1991; he remains the owner and CEO.

In addition to his love of barbecue, Tillman was well known for his support for the University of Florida’s athletics.

“Sonny Tillman embodied everything that is special and everlasting about Sonny’s BBQ,” said Jamie Yarmuth, chief exec

See Full Page