On April 1st, 1996, with a push from his now wife, Dawn and the help of his family, Sam purchased The Inlet Cafe and Raw Bar. It was a small restaurant with a hot plate and a steamer. Sam had grander plans. In November of the same year, he added on to the front of the building and put in a full-service kitchen. It was time to put his plan in to action. He wrote a new full menu and opened for breakfast. A former competitive skateboarder and surfer, with many friends that fish, Sam’s vision was to open a restaurant that would cater to people whose lives revolve around the water and beach lifestyle. He wanted to open a friendly place where anyone could walk in and get friendly service, a great meal, a cold beer and good conversation. By the end of the first year, people began calling the place, “Big Sam’s,” so the name was changed. Sam and Dawn were married on Bora Bora and both have a passion for French Polynesia and the theme carries throughout the decor. The tikis out front welcome all to a good time. Since it exploded in to existence, Big Sam’s has thrived. It serves locals and tourists, is a family friendly restaurant and a happening watering hole, a cozy retreat and a place to be seen. It offers the best of both worlds. Big Sam’s is an exotic escape in our own backyard.
We hope you’ll agree that Big Sam’s is just that!