Sonny’s BBQ honoring veterans in August, offers chance to nominate veteran to win meal

Sonny’s BBQ in Nicholasville is hosting two events in August to honor veterans.

Now through Aug. 12, residents are able to go online and nominate a veteran to receive a meal, along with their friends and family, as a celebration to honor all they have done in their time serving in the U.S. military.

In addition to the contest, veterans who stop into Sonny’s BBQ on Aug. 6 will also be given a complimentary pork sandwich.

“The decision to serve in the military is huge,” Lynn Cunningham, marketing and catering sales representative for the Nicholasville restaurant, said. “One never knows the end result. If this will be a daily job for 20 years and retire, or if it will mean combat or the person’s life. Even if the person sees life afterward, it’s not the same as before making that decision to serve.”

Cunningham said the winner of the contest will receive a barbecue meal with Sonny’s smoked barbecue meats and all the fixings. The winner will be announced immediately after Aug. 12.

“Whoever nominates the winner is in for a lot of planning,” Cunningham said. “These are usually a surprise to the recipient. So, keeping it from them, yet inviting family and friends and making sure the honoree gets there at the correct time can be a taxing job.  Sonny’s BBQ part is easy. The staff enjoys these outings. We show up and do what we do best and what everyone loves, (which is) serving our one-o-a-kind barbecue.”

The restaurant chain has regularly recognized veterans with surprise random acts and surprise barbecues have been thrown before in honor of those who serve in the armed forces, Cunningham said.

Sonny’s BBQ plans on continuing to honor veterans in the future, and residents are encouraged to become involved by nominating a veteran and telling their story.

“Sonny’s BBQ or anyone could not give true honor equaling what a lot of these veterans experience,” Cunningham said. “This is a small token of recognition. We know we could never truly repay a vet for their service and sacrifice.”

To nominate a veteran visit SonnysBBQ.com or stop into Sonny’s BBQ, located at 109 N. Plaza Drive.