Sam’s For Play Cafe & Catering opened its doors for business in Santa Rosa, California on May 1, 1985. We have been continually serving delicious American Home Style Food seven days a week ever since. In June of 1990, Sam’s expanded to offer catering services for local weddings and corporate events. On September 6, 2000, Sam’s opened a second Sonoma County location. Located just one hour north of San Francisco, in the heart of Sonoma County's Wine Country, Sam’s offers two locations in Santa Rosa.
Sam’s offers a private banquet room with a capacity of up to 50 guests,as well as a catering department, serving corporate events from wine country box lunch picnics to large, full-service, off-site company parties.
Sam Anker has resided in Santa Rosa since 1949. She was raised in the restaurant business with her mother owning a local bakery in Montgomery Village named Dot’s Donuts. At the age of 16 Sam went to work outside the family business at such Santa Rosa favorites as King Cole Pancake House, El Rancho Tropicana, Rick’s of Coddingtown, Michaelangelo’s, and Omelette Express. After 25 years of working in a variety of restaurants, Sam decided to open a restaurant of her own. Many folks encouraged her, while some said it was a risky venture. Sam decided to take the risk and approach the project with the mind set that she would create a restaurant that was based on fun. A place where people felt that they had a home away from home, where they were called by their first name and were truly appreciated for their daily patronage.
It was the beginning of something new. A place where folks could enjoy a quality, home-style meal that was prepared under immaculate conditions with a staff that strives for excellent service and attention to detail.
People often ask where the name “Sam’s For Play Cafe” came from. You know what they say– “All work and No Play...”–so what better name than “Sam’s For Play Cafe”!
During the past 35 years, Sam’s has won numerous awards for exceptional cuisine including, Best Breakfast in Sonoma County, Best Hamburger and Best Appetizers.