ORLANDO, FLA. (March 7, 2025) - Sonny’s BBQ, the industry-leading BBQ restaurant rooted in quality food and spreading kindness, today named Elden Scott as their new Chief Kindness Officer (CKO). As CKO, Scott will oversee the brand’s Kindness Crew and develop initiatives designed to Spread the Spirit of BBQ to guests and their communities, including Random Acts of BBQ. 

“Elden’s leadership, generosity, and passion for helping others sets an example for us all and makes him the perfect representative to lead our Kindness Crew,” said Jamie Yarmuth, CEO of Sonny’s BBQ. “We have built a program rooted in the belief that small acts of kindness can create a big impact, and today's announcement reflects our continued commitment to uplifting our communities.”

Scott has been an inspiring leader since joining ACG BBQ, LLC as the Gulf Coast Sales & Marketing Manager. It’s often shared by Sonny’s team members his zest for community is contagious. Scott makes a bold entrance with his signature red shirt and scooler, an electric scooter and cooler, that only fuels his relentlessness in spreading kindness within the company and beyond. 

From mentoring colleagues new in their roles to organizing support for a team  member battling cancer, his actions speak volumes about his heart and commitment to others. 

“The stories about Elden are endless,” said one of his nominators for the title of CKO. “On his first day at a new store, he jumped right in to help the GM with a catering event before he had even been formally introduced. That’s just who he is—someone who sees what needs to be done and steps up without hesitation.”

“Elden is more than just outgoing—he makes everyone feel like a friend,” said Barbara Latimer, Operations Service Director for Sonny’s franchisee ACG BBQ, LLC. “He listens, supports, and spreads positivity in everything he does. Whether taking selfies with guests, engaging with the community, or making sure a team member feels valued, kindness is at the core of who he is.”

Anna Dandelakis, Sonny’s BBQ Server for ACG BBQ, LLC and CKO nominator, echoed this sentiment, adding, “Elden embodies the spirit of Sonny’s BBQ. From bringing the food truck to community events to hosting galas and radio shows, he is constantly finding ways to make people smile. His energy is contagious, and his commitment to kindness is unmatched.”

Before joining Sonny’s, Scott had a long history as an advocate for giving back to the community. This has been demonstrated through his involvement with organizations such as Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, Autism Pensacola, ARC Gateway, Habitat for Humanity, and the Rally Foundation during his tenure at ACG BBQ, LLC. He also served on the board of SEASTARS Aquatics, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and fostering the success and growth of children who are economically, physically, or mentally challenged by providing individualized attention in a structured competitive swim team program. 

“Kindness isn’t just a value at Sonny’s BBQ—it’s the foundation of everything we do,” said Scott. “It is an honor to be recognized as a leader of kindness and community in our company. I’m eager to connect with more team members and guests in ways that make each day better and savor each moment of creating a larger impact in the name of BBQ.”

With his new role as Chief Kindness Officer, Scott is set to expand Sonny’s BBQ’s outreach efforts, ensuring that kindness remains at the heart of the brand’s mission. In his first 100 days, Scott will prioritize growth of the Kindness Crew, Random Acts of BBQ for team members, and developing a strategic giving platform that annually contributes more than $1.2 million to community organizations across the Sonny’s footprint. 

To learn more about Sonny’s BBQ’s ‘Q the Kindness, visit SonnysBBQ.com and follow along on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.