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Local Restaurants Owned by Internationals

Sami's Café

2/3/2022

6 Comments

 
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Bassam Natour, Owner of Sami's Café, named for his father
Born in the Palestinian West Bank city of Ramallah in 1966, Bassam “Sam” Natour and his family left the area soon after he was born. Following the Six-Day War in 1967, Sam’s dad took the family to the United States where his dad and two uncles bought a house in Fairfax, Virginia. They lived there until 1973, when they moved to Knoxville.
A friend of Bassam’s dad who lived in Knoxville told them they should come to Knoxville for business opportunities, so after scouting the area, they bought a business: the Copper Kettle restaurant on Western Avenue.

Sam opened his own restaurant in 1993 in downtown Knoxville. But when he suffered a heart attack, his doctor advised him to take some time off to rest and recover. He sold his business and took 14 months off from work. Regaining strength, he then went to work helping at his brother’s business, Pete’s Restaurant, on Union Avenue.

Then one day, Sam’s current landlord reached out to him, knowing his background, and told him about an available restaurant location. Sam was unsure whether he wanted to get back into the restaurant business, but he had missed his customers from the downtown restaurant. So he decided to give it one more try. His home cooking quickly drew a crowd!

Named after Bassam’s father,  Sam says his family played a big role in helping get his business started. And as far as specialty entrees go, Sam says everything is his best seller - and that’s why he keeps it on the menu!

 
Sami’s Cafe is located in Franklin Square at 9700 Kingston Pike, was an immediate success. The restaurant is open Monday - Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; (865) 531-7900.
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6 Comments
korean restaurant brisbane link
7/30/2024 08:39:46 am

Sam's Cafe sounds like a fantastic spot! The emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients really sets it apart. I love that they offer both classic favorites and unique dishes. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service are definitely appealing. I’m looking forward to trying their menu and experiencing the vibrant energy of this cafe. Thanks for sharing this gem!

Reply
Sidney De Queiroz Pedrosa link
10/24/2024 11:46:25 am

Sami's Café is a delightful gem! The cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious menu make every visit a treat. Whether it’s a morning coffee or a hearty lunch, everything is served with a smile. It’s truly a place where you feel at home while enjoying fantastic food. Highly recommend!

Reply
Beatriz Barata link
10/26/2024 09:16:11 am

Thanks for sharing! The menu offers a delightful range of delicious dishes, each crafted with care.Every visit feels special, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy great food.

Reply
Custom Filters link
12/25/2024 11:44:44 pm

Sami's Café offers a cozy atmosphere with delicious food and friendly service. A perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing meal!

Reply
Solar Battery Storage System link
12/31/2024 03:09:04 am

Sami's Café is truly a hidden gem! The atmosphere is perfect for relaxing, and the staff’s friendly service makes every visit a pleasure. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a delightful café experience. Keep up the great work, Sami’s Café!

Reply
USA Insider Guide link
5/10/2025 08:11:12 am

"Such an interesting read! It’s amazing to see how international flavors and cultures are enriching local dining scenes. These restaurants not only offer great food but also tell beautiful stories about the owners’ backgrounds. Definitely bookmarking this for my next culinary adventure!"

Reply



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  • Home
  • Get Involved
    • Start or Grow an Adult English Program
    • Volunteer >
      • LaMP
      • Embrace Program
      • Adult English Programs
      • 2nd Home
      • Occasional Opportunities
      • Translate/Interpret
    • Training >
      • Volunteer Adult English Teacher Training
      • ELL Volunteer Continuing Education
      • Cross-Cultural Communication Seminar
      • International Experience
      • Culture Orientation
    • Events & Festivals
    • Visit Businesses Owned by Local Internationals >
      • Restaurants
      • In-Home Medical Care
    • Finances & Donations
    • Personal Growth Resources
  • The Network
    • Partner Portal
    • Volunteer Portal
  • Resources for Local Internationals
    • 2nd Home for College Students
    • Immigration & Naturalization
    • Employment Assistance
    • Healthcare Resources
    • Driving Resources
    • Home Ownership & Money Management
  • Impact Stories
  • DONATE