Owner of Hungry Howie's stands out in contributing to the community.
The 2025 Grand Marshal of the Plant City Christmas Parade is Ali Sobh, the owner of Hungry Howie’s on Alexander Street. Sobh took over ownership of the restaurant when he was 21 and has owned it for nine years.
“The Plant City Christmas Parade keeps an eye out for individuals that serve this community in a host of various ways,” Marsha Passmore, parade Board Member and Secretary, commented. “We don’t have a certain criterion to follow, but every year we have a short list that we discuss, and an individual always rises to the top. “Ali Sobh is a hero to many, and in my opinion, a gentle giant. My observation of Ali is his kind and generous spirit, and his willingness to always give back to the Plant City community. Ali does so many good deeds behind the scenes, with no thought of bringing attention to himself. He simply does what he does because it comes from his heart and soul.”
The list of Sobh’s contributions to Plant City is long and varied. The Hungry Howie’s location holds an annual Breast Cancer Bash aimed at bringing awareness and support to those affected by the disease. Sobh is a sponsor for the Arts Council of Plant City’s ChiliFest fundraiser. Also, when events happen like hurricanes, or the Florida Strawberry Festival, Sobh supports city workers, police, and fire rescue with food. On October 25, he served as a judge at dancing with the locals.
In a new approach to support Plant City in the coming year, Sobh will select small businesses that have been struggling this year that can use extra help. He intends to put a spotlight on six to 10 businesses that aren’t having the best year. He will go to those businesses, buy some of their products, and give them out to other locals who may or may not know about the business, to bring awareness to it. “We are excited about doing that this year,” Sobh said. “Then, obviously, I will get to meet the business owners and try to get to know them with some Q and A.”
“I don’t personally know Ali, but I had no problem in accepting him as our nominee for Grand Marshal this year,” Dodie White, parade Vice President and Board Member, said. “My reason is this. Over and over again, I’ve heard people make comments about Ali Sobh, the owner of the Hungry Howie’s in Plant City. In all of the comments I’ve heard, not a single one was negative. I’ve heard nothing but praise and graciousness about him as a person, as a business owner, and as a contributor to the Plant City community. I’ve been witness to his benevolence in several of the organizations in which I am a part.”
“This town took me in with open arms and allowed me to do what I love, and most importantly, provide for my family,” Sobh said. “I will forever be in debt to the City of Plant City, the place I call home. Most people will never get the chance to experience what it is like to come across some of the most genuine people in such a small town.”
In terms of Christmas, on December 16, Hungry Howie’s is offering a free event for kids to come and have dinner with Santa. They can sign up using Instagram. On December 20, at the First Assembly of God Plant City, Sobh and the church are going to be giving out toys to families that don’t have the money to buy Christmas presents for their children. The presents will be pre-wrapped, so parents can just come and pick them up for their kids. For the Boys and Girls Clubs, Hungry Howie’s is giving bikes and basketballs—shhhhh, the presents are supposed to be a surprise. “That is something we look forward to doing every year with them around Christmas time, whether it be sending food or gifts,” Sobh said.
Despite all of his doing good, Sobh proved to be unaware others took notice. “I am shocked,” he said. “I received a phone call from the City of Plant City telling me I was going to be the Grand Marshal this year. It is an honor to be given that position. I just want to say thank you to the City of Plant City for making it possible. And I look forward to doing business here for many, many more years to come, and I wish everybody a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays with their families this year.”
Plant City’s Home-Town Christmas Parade is a family event, and everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the fun. People can bring family, friends, and neighbors, and have a great time together. Spectators are asked to begin lining up on Collins, just north of Ball Street to view the parade in its entirety and to allow for a safe parade unit line-up. Major sponsors for this year’s parade are Unity in the Community and Stingray Chevrolet.
