Family reopens Sammy’s Avenue Eatery after owner dies suddenly

MINNEAPOLIS — Sammy’s Avenue Eatery was closed for months after the sudden death of its owner Sammy McDowell.

But now the iconic Northside restaurant is back in business, run by Sammy McDowell’s nephew, Michael McDowell.

Michael McDowell trains Uncle Sammy’s nieces and nephews to keep the restaurant open.

“Please give us the grace to figure out how to fill shoes that feel gigantic,” said Michael McDowell.

Sammy McDowell had a huge heart for the community and made sure to put that at the forefront of everything he did. Many will tell you that he didn’t start Sammy’s Avenue Eatery for himself.

“He wanted to make sure that he was as bright as the people around him, as he was, and that he was also making sure that his community was moving forward. He wasn’t just talking, he was giving back,” said Michael McDowell.

Sammy created a space where the community can come together, a place of comfort and healing.

A place where everyone is welcome and the food – well, if you believe Michael McDowell – is new and improved with new dishes on the menu.

“We have a roast beef club, I’m excited about the jerk chicken melt, the teriyaki melt and the turkey pastrami is back too,” he said.

Customers may come to see the new items, but each item brings stories of the impact Sammy has had on their lives.

“It’s so overwhelming that I can’t really be sad about it because all I hear are stories about how he made people’s lives, the space, the places better than he found them,” said Michael McDowell.

For Michael McDowell, it’s refreshing to know he’s carrying on what his uncle started: ensuring this Northside eatery continues to pay tribute to the community it serves.

“I think that’s what sets Sammy’s Avenue Eatery apart from other businesses. We don’t look at people as dollar signs. We focus on giving back, making sure we’re lifting up the community and treating people like people,” McDowell said.

Recognized with a Community Impact Award by the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce, Michael McDowell wants to maintain the same energy people expect from Sammy’s Avenue Eatery.

“My favorite word in Spanish is ‘apapacho.’ It means like a warm hug when you need it the most. That’s my translation of it and that’s the space I’m creating and we’re continuing that legacy — apapacho — I want people to walk in here and feel like they’re seeing a big, warm hug,” he said.

Sammy’s Avenue Eatery is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and Saturdays from 9am to 3pm.