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Sammy T's

Sammy T’s Could Reopen Under New Ownership

by | Dec 12, 2016 | Business

By Susan Larson. Photo copyright Fredericksburg.Today

Fredericksburg, Virginia — Sammy T’s could potentially reopen next year under new ownership, according to the real estate broker handling the leasing of the property where the restaurant has operated for 35 years.

The current owners announced October 17 that the restaurant at 801 Caroline St. in downtown Fredericksburg will close at 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23.

“It’s far from certain that Sammy T’s will remain closed for long,” said Ben Keddie, vice president and managing broker for Coldwell Banker Commercial Elite. Keddie is representing the investors who are under contract to purchase the property in about a month.

The purchasers — who have not been identified — plan to renovate the historic property shortly after closing on the purchase.

“They’re also purchasing the assets of Sammy T’s, including the furniture, fixtures and equipment, but most notably the intangible goodwill assets including the name and the favorite recipes that have made Sammy T’s so popular for multiple generations,” Keddie said.

“The investors are exploring all available options to ensure the responsible stewardship of the property and the integral part it plays in historic downtown Fredericksburg,” Keddie said. Those options include selling the business to a qualified restaurateur who would operate it as Sammy T’s, or lease the property to a different restaurant.

The buyer also plans to renovate and lease the two upstairs apartments.

The main restaurant/bar area on Caroline Street is approximately 2,000 square feet. The rear portion — converted into a frozen yogurt shop in 2012 — is 1,000 square feet.

The 5,100-square-foot building was constructed in 1805, and originally served as an auction house and store known as Buck’s Auction Room.

From 1872 – 1874, Brigadier General Daniel Ruggles, an inventor of railroad equipment, made it his temporary home.

The building then served as the Fredericksburg Post Office until 1921, when Horton’s Auto Supply occupied the property.

From the 1930’s until today, the building has served as a restaurant. Dugan’s opened in the 1930’s and operated until 1980.

University of Mary Washington Geography professor Dr. Samuel T. Emory and his wife Sylvia “Sibby” Emory opened Sammy T’s on Valentine’s Day in 1981. Their son Samuel Emory III became sole owner after his parents’ deaths. When he died in 2010, four cousins, who do not live locally, inherited the business.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for a restaurateur to continue operating a fabulous restaurant with an extremely loyal following,” Keddie said. “We are very hopeful that Sammy T’s will continue its rich tradition under new ownership.”

More
Downtown Fredericksburg’s Sammy T’s Restaurant Closing

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