Many of us remember Sam’s Gourmet Restaurant at Thruway Shopping Center. Do you also remember Sam’s Gourmet Steak House at Club Haven?
The postcard shown above is the restaurant at 5005 Country Club Road, near the Club Haven Shopping Center.
The restaurant opened about 1970-1971, owned and operated by Sam Pappas. This is the description of the restaurant that was listed in the 1972 Winston-Salem City Directory: “In Winston-Salem, those who demand the finest, dine at Sam’s. Dine sumptuously in the exquisite splendor of Sam’s Gourmet Steak House. At Sam’s, you’ll find romantic Old England is the mood throughout, in the spaciousness of the Camelot Room or the more intimate Saxon Room. Enjoy your favorite beverage in the Canterbury Lounge. Best in charcoal broiled steaks and seafood, 5 pm to midnight. Directions: I-40 West, follow 421 North, turn right on Peace Haven Road, 1 mile to Sam’s Gourmet Steak House.”
There was also a separate lounge at 5009 Country Club Road, called Sam’s Canterbury Lounge. The lounge existed until 1985. It was replaced by Valueway of Winston-Salem.
Sam’s Gourmet Steak House became Sam’s Canterbury Inn about 1981, then the restaurant had a name and focus change. The restaurant became King of the Sea restaurant about 1984, still owned by Sam Pappas.
Postcard courtesy of Molly Grogan Rawls.
Stay tuned for the next delicious post on April 22nd and the next historical post on May 1st.
