It is a tough break for the Bartow community, but the spirit of the “Pit” is clearly still burning. After the devastating fire on January 7, 2026, which leveled the building at 595 N. Broadway Ave, the plans for a comeback are already in motion.
The Incident Recap
The fire broke out early on a Wednesday morning. A pitmaster arriving for the morning shift discovered the blaze after hearing a “popping” sound from the attic. Despite the efforts of the Bartow Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue, the roof collapsed, resulting in a total loss of the structure that had been a local staple since 1992.
The fire-ravaged Sonny’s Restaurant in Bartow will rise from its ashes, possibly by the fall.
Sonny’s BBQ in Bartow will be rebuilt at the same site at Polk Street and Mill Avenue, using plans for a new prototype that include a new look and a drive-thru, said Scott Frantz, president of ACG Barbecue, the franchise that operates the location.
The Plan for Reconstruction
While a specific reopening date for the new building hasn’t been set yet (construction of this scale typically takes 9–12 months), the franchise owners, ACG Barbecue, have signaled their commitment to the site:
- Food Truck “Bridge”: To keep the staff employed and the community fed, there have been discussions about placing a Sonny’s food truck in the parking lot during the interim.
- Staff Support: Many of the displaced workers are being offered positions at other nearby Sonny’s locations to ensure they aren’t left without income.
- Modern Design: When the restaurant “rises from the ashes,” it will likely feature the updated Sonny’s prototype—meaning a more modern dining room and potentially enhanced drive-thru capabilities.
Note: For those missing their BBQ fix, the closest operating locations are currently in Lakeland and Winter Haven.