In the not so distant past Saturday night cruising would have included a stop at Harry's Dari King or Sam's Hi-way Hamburger for a scene right out of American Graffiti. The demise of Harry's was met several years ago leaving Sam's the lone proprietor on the strip offering broasted chicken, fresh grilled burgers and suzy-Q's that to this day, draw folks in from miles around.
Sam's Hi-way Hamburger, the brainchild of Sam and Rosie Anderson was opened in 1962 and run by the couple for 27 years until being taken over by Sam's niece, Susie Stubbs, who has been at the helm since 1989.
The allure of Sam's brightly lit sign often beckoned those who just finished a movie at the Sky Vue drive in or a date at the skating rink. Maybe it was just friends out cruising who caved to the temptations of delicious smells that radiate from the tiny building. Talk to most anyone who has spent some time in Bates County and they'll tell you something they remember about Sam's. But soon, that's all it will be- memories.
The exact reason is unknown, but it doesn't matter. Sam's is closing today and will shut down the grill forever on February 11th 2013 So long to suicide cokes, suzy's made with a hand drill and someone calling your name though a crank out window- things that may sound strange to some, but to most of us it's just part of our fond memories.
Goodbye to a true American, hometown business. We salute you, Sam's. Thank you for EVERYTHING
