Sambo'S Restaurant

Monday: 11:00 - 21:00
Tuesday: 11:00 - 21:00
Wednesday: 11:00 - 21:00
Thursday: 11:00 - 21:00
Friday: 11:00 - 22:00
Saturday: 11:00 - 22:00
Sunday: 11:00 - 21:00

About Sambo'S Restaurant

Sambo's is a restaurant, formerly an American restaurant chain, started in 1957 by Sam Battistone, Sr. , and Newell Bohnett. Though the name was taken from portions of the names of its founders, the chain soon found itself associated with The Story of Little Black Sambo. Battistone, Sr. , and Bohnett capitalized on the connection by decorating the walls of the restaurants with scenes from the book, including a dark-skinned boy, tigers, and a pale, magical unicycle-riding man called "The Treefriend". By the early 1960s, the illustrations depicted a light-skinned boy wearing a jeweled Indian-style turban with the tigers. A kids club, Sambo's Tiger Tamers (later called the Tiger Club), promoted the chain's family image. HistoryBy 1979, Sambo's had 1, 117 outlets in 47 American states. In the late 1970s, controversy over the chain's name drew protests and lawsuits in communities that viewed the term Sambo as pejorative towards African-Americans. Several of the restaurants were opened as or renamed "The Jolly Tiger" in locations where the local community passed resolutions forbidding the use of the original name or refused to grant the chain permits. There were other corporate level decisions being made at the time that also led to Sambo's corporate demise. There was pressure to take Sambo's into a more normal salaried manager compensation package. Their unique "Fraction of the Action" promotion – whereby managers were entitled to 20% of the profits from their stores, with employees allowed to bid for a percentage of the remaining profits – was an early company expansion plan and the growth of the company outpaced its control. In March 1981, in a further attempt to give the chain a new image the company again renamed some locations, this time to "No Place Like Sam's". By November 1981, the company filed for bankruptcy. Neither the name change nor bankruptcy protection reversed this downward trend, and by 1982 all but the original Sambo's at 216 West Cabrillo Boulevard in Santa Barbara, California, closed their doors. By February 1983, 618 of the locations were renamed Season's Friendly Eating. Several locations were sold to Denny's, including the Fort Lauderdale store. Bakers Square's parent company acquired Sambo's in California in October 1984. Many Sambo's locations were converted to Bakers Square restaurants and the ones that weren't were sold to other chains, including Denny's.

Sambo'S Restaurant Description

Sambo's is a restaurant, formerly an American restaurant chain, started in 1957 by Sam Battistone, Sr. , and Newell Bohnett. Though the name was taken from portions of the names of its founders, the chain soon found itself associated with The Story of Little Black Sambo. Battistone, Sr. , and Bohnett capitalized on the connection by decorating the walls of the restaurants with scenes from the book, including a dark-skinned boy, tigers, and a pale, magical unicycle-riding man called "The Treefriend". By the early 1960s, the illustrations depicted a light-skinned boy wearing a jeweled Indian-style turban with the tigers. A kids club, Sambo's Tiger Tamers (later called the Tiger Club), promoted the chain's family image. HistoryBy 1979, Sambo's had 1, 117 outlets in 47 American states. In the late 1970s, controversy over the chain's name drew protests and lawsuits in communities that viewed the term Sambo as pejorative towards African-Americans. Several of the restaurants were opened as or renamed "The Jolly Tiger" in locations where the local community passed resolutions forbidding the use of the original name or refused to grant the chain permits. There were other corporate level decisions being made at the time that also led to Sambo's corporate demise. There was pressure to take Sambo's into a more normal salaried manager compensation package. Their unique "Fraction of the Action" promotion – whereby managers were entitled to 20% of the profits from their stores, with employees allowed to bid for a percentage of the remaining profits – was an early company expansion plan and the growth of the company outpaced its control. In March 1981, in a further attempt to give the chain a new image the company again renamed some locations, this time to "No Place Like Sam's". By November 1981, the company filed for bankruptcy. Neither the name change nor bankruptcy protection reversed this downward trend, and by 1982 all but the original Sambo's at 216 West Cabrillo Boulevard in Santa Barbara, California, closed their doors. By February 1983, 618 of the locations were renamed Season's Friendly Eating. Several locations were sold to Denny's, including the Fort Lauderdale store. Bakers Square's parent company acquired Sambo's in California in October 1984. Many Sambo's locations were converted to Bakers Square restaurants and the ones that weren't were sold to other chains, including Denny's.

More about Sambo'S Restaurant

Sambo'S Restaurant is located at Santa Barbara, California
Monday: 11:00 - 21:00
Tuesday: 11:00 - 21:00
Wednesday: 11:00 - 21:00
Thursday: 11:00 - 21:00
Friday: 11:00 - 22:00
Saturday: 11:00 - 22:00
Sunday: 11:00 - 21:00
http://firstsince57.com/SambosOnTheBeach

Reviews

Ellie H.

My recent visit to Sambo'S Restaurant was a delightful experience! The coffee was exceptional, and the warm, welcoming staff made me feel right at home. The Santa Barbara, California location is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a great cup of joe.

Marco V.

My recent visit to Sambo'S Restaurant was nothing short of enchanting. Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara, California, this charming coffee shop captured my heart from the moment I walked in. The rustic décor, with exposed brick walls and cozy leather couches, created a warm and inviting atmosphere. I ordered their signature pour-over coffee, and I was in for a treat. The barista expertly brewed the coffee, carefully pouring hot water over the freshly ground beans. The aroma alone was intoxicating. When I took that first sip, I was transported to a world of rich, complex flavors. It was a coffee experience like no other, and I couldn't help but savor every drop. The staff at Sambo'S Restaurant were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. They took the time to explain the different coffee beans they had on offer and even recommended some of their personal favorites. It was evident that they were passionate about their craft. As I sat there, enjoying my coffee and the soothing background jazz music, I couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility wash over me. Sambo'S Restaurant was not just a coffee shop; it was a sanctuary for coffee lovers like me. If you're looking for a place to unwind, savor exceptional coffee, and immerse yourself in a welcoming atmosphere, I highly recommend Sambo'S Restaurant. It's a hidden gem that I'll be visiting again and again.

Brent E.

So, I ventured into Sambo'S Restaurant in Santa Barbara, California, and their cortado was the real deal. Smooth, creamy, and full of coffee goodness. The café had this modern, industrial vibe with exposed pipes and indie rock tunes playing. Definitely a spot for the cool coffee crowd.

Xiomara E.

I had the pleasure of discovering Sambo'S Restaurant during a recent visit to Santa Barbara, California, and it left a lasting impression. The pour-over coffee I ordered was a true masterpiece, with a rich and complex flavor profile that delighted my taste buds. The café's modern design and welcoming ambiance make it an inviting spot to enjoy a leisurely coffee break or catch up with friends. It's a coffee shop that deserves a special place in the hearts of coffee lovers.

Yelena B.

Let's talk about Sambo'S Restaurant in Santa Barbara, California. It's not your average coffee shop; it's a whole vibe. The latte I ordered was like a warm hug on a chilly day, comforting and delicious. The café's vintage décor and vinyl records playing in the background set a unique atmosphere that I fell in love with. Plus, the barista shared a funny coffee meme that made my day. You've got to check this place out.

Abigail D.

I had high expectations for Sambo'S Restaurant, but it fell short. The coffee was disappointingly bitter, and the slow service at the Santa Barbara, California location left me frustrated. I'm uncertain if I'll return for another visit.

Daniel L.

Sambo'S Restaurant at Santa Barbara, California is the go-to spot for coffee aficionados. Their single-origin pour-overs are a work of art, and the staff's passion for coffee is contagious.

Bennett F.

So, I tried Sambo'S Restaurant yesterday, and honestly, I was a bit disappointed. The cappuccino was kinda meh, and the place felt a bit too sterile for my liking. Maybe I just hit it on an off day, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me.

Emily F.

I had high hopes for Sambo'S Restaurant, but it fell short. The coffee tasted bitter, and the service was disappointingly slow at the Santa Barbara, California location. I'm uncertain if I'll return for another try.

Oliver R.

I had high expectations for Sambo'S Restaurant, but it fell short. The coffee was underwhelming, and the prices were steep for what they offered. I won't be returning.

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