Operations

How 1 brand is changing the 'face' of barbecue

Sonny’s BBQ pitmasters are bringing more women to the industry.

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March 8, 2022 by Dan Hyman

Looking back to the very first class of pitmasters, a program designed by Sonny's BBQ to hone the skills of team members to become masters at the art of barbecue, it was mostly men, recalls Beth Kanupp, a pitmaster and the chain's manager of Learning and Development.

Patti Bannon, pitmaster and area director for iServ.

Knupp was there at the beginning of the program developing it alongside a small group of Sonny's leaders with a keen understanding that her presence at the inception of the program was just the start of changing the face of barbecue and introducing more women to the field. Every month, Beth would go to a new store to train a pitmaster so there was one at every Sonny's location. Her mission was clear: develop the craft of barbecue by always being a step ahead.

Since then, the number of female pitmasters has grown across Sonny's footprint with more joining each year.

"While we've made progress, and work for a company that is incredibly supportive, there's still work to do to diversify the field of Pitmasters," said Patti Bannon, pitmaster and area director for iServ. "I was fortunate to have Donnie Weaver as a mentor when I started in the industry. She helped me realize my differences, specifically my organization and empathy, were the strengths that set me apart from my male counterparts at the time; they also helped me in my talent for smoking and leading."

Bannon learned quickly that her organizational skills, which she put into practice in her personal and professional life through spreadsheets to get through the busy days when her children were young, and her voice were going to help make the change she wanted to see in the industry. "I sometimes surprise myself for how much I have grown, especially as a woman, through my experience in a male-dominated industry. I've always stayed true to myself, my personality and passions, and it's what's given me the confidence that's inspired other women to do the same."

Her advice to anyone, but especially women, thinking about joining the barbecue world: "Do it. No one is going to give it to you, use your voice and talents to pursue your passion."

She wasn't alone in realizing the opportunities and challenges that were going to come throughout her career.

"Everything takes time," Amy Frantz, pitmaster and regional director for ACG BBQ. "Just like the slow-smoked process to get that perfect barbecued meat, it takes time to discover talent, grow and change people's mind."

Each of these female pitmasters said hasn't been easy as there were moments of self-doubt walking into a room or competition as the only female. Trying to balance all the titles — wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, manager, pitmaster — can also be hard. The support from mentors, leaders and co-workers of all genders, however, has made it possible for them to pursue their goals and dreams both professionally and personally.

How this shows up was emphasized by Kanupp, Bannon and Frantz as the company's value in family. "Barbecue is family," Bannon said. "As I've taken on new roles, stores and markets, my Sonny's family only grows larger. It's like when you have a second child; you think your heart doesn't have room for any more love, only to discover how much it can grow."

"My inspiration at work, and my leadership, is my twin brother," Frantz said with a laugh of how her family truly is part of her barbecue journey. "He calls me the 'diamond in the rough' because I've had a less than traditional path in the industry and I've learned not to discount myself. It's become my motto in life."

Amy Frantz, pitmaster and regional director for ACG BBQ

While Frantz is grateful to work alongside her brother, she's also inspired by her team of female leaders. At a recent store opening, she paused to look around as the store was humming on opening day and realized she was working at a location where every manager was a woman. It was a change she's longed to see but still believes there needs to be more representation of women in leadership roles to continue inspiring the next generation.

This extension of family and support doesn't just show up in the work environment for the Pitmasters, it's also seen in how they can be there for the important life moments — big and small.

"Just the other day, my kid missed his bus and I never had to worry if I could be there for him," said Kanupp. "It's not always about balance but it is about the reassurance that it will all get done, it can all be handled."

While they may not have shared it outright, in their own ways, they all shared their passion, leadership and that they each have a competitive side that's helped drive their impact on the industry. Kanupp, Bannon and Frantz see the best in people, demonstrate exceptional southern hospitality, and use their voice to make space for everyone in barbecue. They've paved the way for new voices and women to join the industry so someday the words "male-dominated"or "first woman" won't be linked to barbecue. It will just be barbecue.

About Dan Hyman

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