William Sonbuchner, famously known as Sonny Side, is a prominent YouTuber and filmmaker, best recognized for his hit channel, “Best Ever Food Review Show.” As of 2024, Sonny is 39 years old and has an impressive net worth of approximately $5 million. While he lives much of his life in front of the camera, Sonny has managed to maintain a degree of mystery around his personal life, particularly regarding his wife.
Sonny’s rise to fame began after he moved to South Korea, where he first discovered his love for travel and food video content. Today, his channel boasts over 8.3 million subscribers, earning him global recognition.
What is Sonny’s Career Journey?
Sonny’s path to becoming a global YouTube sensation was anything but linear. Born on August 22, 1984, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, he grew up with a passion for visual storytelling. He attended Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, where he first dabbled in filmmaking, but his academic journey after that was rocky. He enrolled in three different colleges but never completed his degree. Despite these setbacks, Sonny pursued his passion for creating and sharing visual content.
At the age of 24, Sonny moved to South Korea to teach English. It was here that he stumbled upon a new career path. Initially, his goal was to explore massage therapy, but he quickly discovered his love for food and travel videography. The “Best Ever Food Review Show” was born, capturing audiences with its raw authenticity and adventurous spirit.
How Does Sonny’s Channel Stand Out?
The “Best Ever Food Review Show” is not your typical food vlog. Sonny takes his audience on an adventurous journey across the globe, exploring unique culinary delights and shedding light on different cultures. What sets Sonny’s content apart is his fearless approach to trying unconventional foods, often featuring dishes that would leave many hesitant.
In 2020, his channel became the first US-owned YouTube channel to film in Iran, a testament to the show’s global impact and cultural exploration. This milestone was significant for both Sonny and his viewers, as it opened the door to a broader understanding of food in international contexts.
Sonny’s dedication to his craft earned him the prestigious 2020 Webby Award for People’s Voice: Viral Video of the Year, along with being recognized as the 2020 Webby Official Honoree for Food & Drink.
Who is Sonny’s Wife?
Although Sonny Side’s career is public, he keeps his personal life carefully under wraps. He is married to a Vietnamese woman, whose identity remains a mystery. The couple maintains a low-key life, with Sonny making rare, vague mentions of her in his videos. Despite her preference for privacy, Sonny’s wife plays a significant role behind the scenes as a producer, contributing to the success of his content.
The couple’s decision not to have children, at least for now, has allowed Sonny to focus fully on his burgeoning career. This mutual understanding has undoubtedly contributed to the stability of their relationship, which thrives in its privacy despite Sonny’s public persona.
How Does Sonny Earn His Income?
Sonny Side’s net worth of around $5 million stems from multiple revenue streams. His main income source is his YouTube channel, where he earns revenue from ads on both YouTube and Facebook. Sponsorship deals with various food brands further contribute to his financial success. Given his large and engaged fan base, Sonny is an attractive partner for brands seeking to promote their products through his content.
In addition to YouTube ad revenue and sponsorships, Sonny earns through brand collaborations. His passion for travel and food has also allowed him to partner with travel-related companies, further diversifying his income. Additionally, his recent work on the Netflix series “Wildly Delightful” showcases his versatility and expands his influence beyond YouTube.
What Challenges Has Sonny Overcome?
Before achieving success on YouTube, Sonny worked a variety of jobs. He started at 104.7 KCLD radio station and later tried his hand at restaurant work, including stints at Applebee’s. His ambition to work in a major radio station was met with rejection, leading him to reevaluate his career choices during a time when podcasting and other digital platforms were on the rise.
Despite these challenges, Sonny’s move to South Korea to teach English became the turning point in his life. It was during this time that he started experimenting with video content, eventually launching the “Best Ever Food Review Show,” which has since gained millions of followers.
What is Sonny’s Unique Style?
Sonny is known for his quirky, authentic style. He often wears a bandana during filming, which he uses to manage sweat in the humid climates he frequently visits. This has become a recognizable part of his on-screen persona. His personality shines through in his videos, where he is candid about his likes and dislikes — for example, his love for grilled cheese and his distaste for cucumbers.
Sonny’s down-to-earth and humorous approach resonates with his audience, making him relatable despite his fame. His ability to strike a balance between being entertaining and informative has cemented his place as a top-tier content creator in the food and travel niche.
What is Next for Sonny Side?
Sonny Side shows no signs of slowing down. With his continued success on YouTube and his expanding career in filmmaking, the future looks bright for this Minnesota-born star. He continues to explore new cultures, foods, and adventures while maintaining a solid fan base that eagerly follows his journey.
Though he prefers to keep parts of his life private, including his marriage, Sonny’s professional achievements are a testament to his hard work, passion, and dedication. As he continues to grow his channel and explore new opportunities, Sonny Side remains a dynamic force in the digital entertainment world.
Conclusion
Sonny Side, or William Sonbuchner, has built an impressive career through his passion for travel, food, and filmmaking. With an estimated net worth of $5 million in 2024, his story is one of perseverance and following uncharted paths. While his wife remains out of the spotlight, she plays a crucial role in his success, and together they have crafted a life of adventure, privacy, and creativity.
