A lot of kids play pretend restaurant/chef/etc. The owner of our featured business of the week (Sam’s For Play Cafe and Catering), Sam Anker, went from making mud pies and pretending to be a waitress at 6 years old to owning two restaurants and a catering business.

After 27 years of working waitress jobs, Sam decided to open her own café. And 28 years later she owns 2 restaurants and a catering box lunch business in Santa Rosa, California.

So let’s start with the name – why Sam’s For Play Café?

“You know what they say– All work and No Play…–so what better name than Sam’s For Play Cafe!”

What’s the most interesting thing to happen to her business?

Besides numerous county-wide awards for best breakfast, burgers and appetizers, Sam was awarded the most friendly owner award! Also, 2 customers found pearls in the oysters that are served in the hang town fry.

What was the biggest business challenge Sam faced?

“When I got a call asking if we did catering (we did not cater at that time). I asked where the catering would be, when it would be.and I said, ‘Let me get your phone number and I will have my catering manager call you.’ We got the job and that was our first catering job and we never looked back.”

What Cambro products does Sam rely upon at her restaurants?

Of course it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t use Cambro storage products but Sam also relies upon Cambro tumblers and pie covers.

We wish Sam continued success and many more awards for her food and friendly attitude. As the featured foodservice business of the week, she will receive a storage container gift pack.

Links for Sam’s For Play Cafe:

Web

Do you have a foodservice business that you want the world to know about – nominate it – click here!