Sonny's opened in 1999. It is currently owned by Ellen Mogell and Kevin Bagby. Bagby began working at Sonny's in 2001 while he was a Temple University student. He claims he ate a lot of cheesesteaks while working there and started Brazilian jiu-jitsu to lose weight. Sonny's won Best of Philly's Best Cheesesteak in 2001.[3]
In 2013, Sonny's underwent renovations and created its current black and white design. The interior is black with white walls and an old storefront look with "chrome-rimmed, fifties-style, communal tables".[4][5]
In 2014, GQ Magazine ranked Sonny's the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia. The rankings were published in an article by food correspondent Alan Richman. Twenty-three cheesesteaks were evaluated by five judges -- Richman, University of Pennsylvania physician Benjamin Abella, a former Philadelphia Magazine restaurant critic Maria Gallagher, Chicago Magazine restaurant critic Jeff Ruby, and Philadelphia sports broadcaster Ray Didinger.[4]
In 2022, Tripadvisor recognized Sonny's as one of the best dining destinations in the United States as part of their Traveler's Choice Award series.[9][10]