Sambo's

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Sambo's was 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.

History[edit | edit source]

Sambo's began its journey in Santa Barbara, California, when the founders decided to use their combined names to create a brand. The first restaurant was opened on Cabrillo Boulevard in Santa Barbara. By the early 1960s, the chain had grown to include numerous locations throughout the United States.

Controversy[edit | edit source]

The chain faced controversy due to its name, which was associated with a racial term. This led to protests and lawsuits, which eventually forced the chain to change its name in the early 1980s. Despite attempts to rebrand, the chain was unable to recover and eventually filed for bankruptcy.

Menu[edit | edit source]

Sambo's was known for its breakfast menu, which included pancakes, eggs, and other traditional American breakfast items. The chain also served lunch and dinner, with a menu that included sandwiches, burgers, and other American fare.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Despite its controversial history, Sambo's has left a lasting legacy in the American restaurant industry. The chain's focus on breakfast items and its rapid expansion strategy have been emulated by other chains. Today, the original Sambo's location in Santa Barbara continues to operate under the name Chad's.