San Francisco's legendary Sam’s Burgers is setting up a new venture right next door, launching a Middle Eastern eatery dubbed Sam’s East in North Beach. Slated to open February 1, the new spot comes hot on the heels of the original burger joint's unending popularity, famously approved by the late, great Anthony Bourdain. The expansion promises a fresh take for local foodies with a menu featuring falafel, ribeye, chicken sandwiches, and a pita bar, not to mention beer and wine options to wash it all down, as reported by The Standard.
The ElShawa family, helmsmen of the Sam's Burgers ship since the '70s, are the brains behind the new installment, which will pay homage to patriarch Mike ElShawa’s legacy who once ran Keystone Korner's kitchen before commandeering Sam's Burgers. This name originally honored Mike's uncle, Sam. The expansion of their late-night cuisine comes with the family's announced grand opening party, stirring the pot of anticipation among Sam's devotees, and the joint's Instagram bolstered the buzz, announcing, "We’re ready to build another legacy! Mark your calendars for the grand opening of Sam’s East! The legacy continues on February 1st at 7pm!" The celebration is to take place on February 1, as they revealed in a post on Instagram.
Sam's East, setting up shop at 620 Broadway, just a burger's throw from the original Sam's at 618 Broadway, is a leap that almost seemed predetermined, seizing an opportunity when the neighboring business, Tacorea, waved the white flag on the industry. Owner Emad ElShawa told The Standard, “The opportunity came to us to take over the space next door,” noting that the transition process was expected to be swift, considering the space required little more than a fresh coat of paint and some care. This addition is not just about dishing out Middle Eastern flavors. Still, it represents, as ElShawa emphasizes, "all the qualities [my dad] embodied: treating everyone with dignity and respect, and being a part of this community."
Sam’s Burgers has been a cornerstone in San Francisco, its timeless appeal solidified by its around-the-clock service—sometimes accommodating patrons with its signature greasy goodness until 4 a.m, and surely the glowing endorsement by Bourdain, who professed on television that Sam’s served up a "good burger. Top three in the world!" made its mark, according to SF Eater. The new license for Sam’s East was received last Thursday with a four-month temporary permit, easing into effect Monday.
