Legend of Saddlebag Sam sets up shop on Main Street

"I like to just drop hints here and there, we'll let the customer fill in the details with their speculation," said Rich Taylor.

Although he has two books for sale on Amazon, Taylor's hints are referring to the Legend of Saddlebag Sam – a fictional world traveler and adventurer, who also happens to be the mascot of the newest restaurant in Thompson Falls. Formerly the Thompson Grill (and Burger Express, back in the day) the eatery sits on the corner of Main and Broad streets. Taylor is inviting future customers to add their creativity to the Legend of Saddlebag Sam through social media, or by writing the adventures while waiting for food in the diner.

Saddlebag Sam's will hold a grand opening this Sunday, Nov. 12. "The grand opening will be a good chance for people to get a gist of what this place is all about," explained Taylor, who added that there would be chili every day, as well as a soup of the day, specialty desserts, and daily specials on entrees. They are expecting a church group for dinner that evening, but he noted there would be plenty of seating to accommodate those looking to get the first bite out of the eatery.

As a nod to Old Man Winter, Saddlebag Sam's will feature a loaded chicken noodle soup for the day, as well as an Italian sausage spaghetti plate with a side of garlic bread. A slice of red velvet cheesecake with raspberries was offered to visitors Monday – potential customers will hope it is still available come Sunday, or be surprised by whatever specialty dessert is featured for the grand opening.

Taylor and his wife have lived in Thompson Falls since 2005, and drove truck for 16 years before Rich decide it was time to call it good.

"It was just time to stop and settle down in one spot," he said, adding that he'd always wanted to open a restaurant. "I wanted to call it Cowboy Jacks, but one night in the semi bed 'Saddlebag Sam's' just came to me, as well as the idea to create a background fictitious legend surrounding his life with the help of customers."

Taylor figures a crew of eight will fill the need of staffing the diner and kitchen, although he said they'd be looking for at least one more cook.

"I think we've got a great team on the wait staff, and our cooks are all ready to take this on," said Taylor. The menu holds some fresh ideas on top of the old standards. Sure, an appetizer menu will have onion rings, but items like deep fried zucchini are the platters that please. The simple, one-page menu features a variety of burgers (ground brisket burger, anyone? Or a gluten-free bun option?) and sandwiches, including a reuben, and a "boomer sub" big enough to feed 6-8 people. Pork chops, steak and chicken are the dinner-type entrees, but various hot dogs and brats with specialty fixings are a unique find.

"I just made a Coney Island sauce that is great on those dogs," Taylor said.

Saddlebag Sam's will not be utilizing the drive-through portion of the building, but welcome take-out orders during business hours.

"We're going to be open late on Fridays and Saturdays," Taylor said. On account of school sports games that run late – and where else is a teen or an old guy going to take his date to eat after 9 p.m.?" Saddlebag Sam's will be open seven days a week: Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

For more information about Saddlebag Sam's, call 827-4900.