Sonny’s Restaurant focuses on family atmosphere

Sonny’s Family Restaurant is best known for its broasted chicken dinner and for the last year, patrons of all ages have had the opportunity to enjoy the business’ food and quality customer service.

Since purchasing Sonny’s in July 2016, owners Glen and Christina Running have made several additions and changes. They have focused on making the restaurant a place where customers can bring their family and enjoy its atmosphere.

Children are allowed in the restaurant, while adults, 18 and over, can sit at the counter. There are also coloring books children can use at their tables, as well as a cauldron with lollipops.

The Runnings purchased Sonny’s Tavern after being in Washtucna for a year. Glen said Christina started helping out at Sonny’s, which led to them purchasing the business.

After they purchased the restaurant, the Runnings made small adjustments and cleaned the interior to make the restaurant area more spacious.

They also expanded Sonny’s business hours. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

The changes for Sonny’s will continue as Glen said he and Christina are looking at remodeling snd expanding the tavern in the next year.

Glen said he never thought “in a million years,” he would own a business like Sonny’s, though he enjoys running and working at the restaurant He especially likes that it gives him the opportunity to meet customers and hear their stories and the reasons they stopped at the restaurant.

“We have our customers who come from Ritzville and Benge, as well as our regulars from Washtucna,” Glen said. He also noted a pair of customers who travel from Seattle who will stop in and have a drink, as well as Washington State University Cougars football fans who have come to the restaurant for the last 30 years.

Glen said Sonny’s food menu has not changed much.

In addition to the broasted chicken meal, Sonny’s serves hot and cold sandwiches, seafood baskets and burgers. It also has weekly specials, one being Taco Thursday.

The owners have decorate the restaurant to coincide for the holidays. For Halloween, the stage area is currently decorated with pumpkins, cobwebs and scarecrows.

There are also spiders hanging from the walls, and a large stuffed bear is dressed up as a wizard.

The stuffed bear, affectionally named Bear, was brought to Sonny’s from its previous owner, Lee Mealone, who helps at the business. Employees dress up Bear in different outfits, correlating with the upcoming holiday or season, and patrons will take their pictures with him.

Glen said they would like to update the restaurant’s food menu and add more items in the future.

Sonny’s still serves beer, with a selection of domestic brews in cans and bottles, as well as wine. Glen said the restaurant does not have the space for a beer tap.

Glen said the restaurant is becoming more involved with the community, such as catering the Washtucna Lion’s Club dinners twice a month, as well as supporting Washtucna and Kahlotus athletics and FFA clubs.

Last year, the restaurant provided candy bags for kids during Halloween.

The tavern does have game day specials on food and drinks, though Glen said there is not a large football crowd who comes to the restaurant on those days, which is something said he would like to change.

Sonny’s also has specials and events during the holidays. This year, the restaurant held a kid’s Halloween party on Oct. 25 and will have an event for adults on Oct. 28.

Glen said residents and the restaurant’s customers were receptive to the changes made he and Christina made and are glad Sonny’s is opened more days during the week.

“They’re also are excited for what the future holds for Sonny’s,” he added.

Sonny’s is located at 250 Main Street in Washtucna. To contact the restaurant, call 509-646-3314.