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Sambo's (page 1)

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The Sambo's Restaurant chain was founded in 1957. The restaurant's name came from an abbreviation of the owners names: Sam Battistone and Newell Bohnett. However, the chain quickly became associated with the story of Little Black Sambo. The restaurants were decorated with scenes of the Indian boy and Tigers. By 1979, there were about 1,200 locations nationwide. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, lawsuits and political pressure led the company to change its image. However, the rebranding was unsuccessful. By 1982, there was only the original location in Santa Barbara, CA left. For more, see this website.

former Sambo's
Santa Barbara, CA

2013:
2020:
2023:
This Sambo's was the chain's original location. It was built in 1957. In 2020, during nationwide racial protests, it was announced that the restaurant's name would be changed. The letters on the roof were temporarily changed to "peace & love". A few months later, the restaurant's name and letters on the sign were changed to "Chad's". The framed illustrations were removed. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, and 3. [map]

former Sambo's [gone]
Downey, CA
This former Sambo's was built in 1968. The building housed Pepe's Tacos in 2011. It has been vacant since 2012. This photo is from 2015. The building was demolished by 2016. For more, see this website.

former Sambo's
Fairfield, CA
This former Sambo's was built in 1967. The building has housed many restaurants over the years. Since around 2015, it has housed Hot Stone Korean BBQ. [map]

former Sambo's
Riverside, CA

2013:
2023:
This former Sambo's housed Playas Ensenada for many years. By 2019, the building had been painted orange and was housing the Ixtapa Mexican restaurant. [map]

former Sambo's
San Diego, CA
This former Sambo's housed Perry's Cafe from 1985-2024. The building is vacant now. A housing complex will be built on the site with "a portion of the historic cafe repurposed as part of the project." [map]

former Sambo's
San Jose, CA
2008: 2014:
This former Sambo's was built in 1967. The building now houses the Bo Town Seafood restaurant. The original sign was adapted twice (see above photos). In 2021, it was announced that the building would be demolished. The roofline will be replicated in a new building nearby. The sign will supposedly stay. In 2023, the building was still there, surrounded by chain link fencing. For more, see this website. [map]

former Sambo's
Ukiah, CA

2008:
2016:
This former Sambo's was being remodeled in 2008. Since 2015, the building has housed the Wing Stop restaurant. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

former Sambo's [gone]
Yuba City, CA
This former Sambo's in Yuba City last housed a Waffle Barn. It was demolished by 2022.

Sambo's
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