LIFE

Dr. Seuss-inspired breakfast spot to open in Fort Collins

Jacob Laxen
jlaxen@coloradoan.com
Sammy's Breakfast Bar is scheduled to open in Fort Collins in late December.

Green eggs and ham will soon be more than just an imaginary kids tale.

It'll be part of the menu at Sammy’s Breakfast Bar, scheduled to open in late December at 4613 S. Mason St. in Midtown Fort Collins.

“A little of bit of green food dye will do the trick,” said Chris Smith, a managing partner in charge of the kitchen.

The Dr. Seuss-inspired breakfast and lunch spot is decorated with artwork featuring characters created by the popular children's author.

The restaurant will seat 90 and the owners plan to add additional outdoor seating next summer.

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“My strength is developing concepts,” said Sammy’s co-founder Ron Leonhard.

Leonhard previously co-founded Fort Collins establishments Paris on the Poudre Coffee House and Elliot’s Martini Bar.

He’s since ditched cappuccinos and cocktails — recently selling his Elliot’s shares to his ex-wife, Linda.

Leonhard’s new venture was inspired by the popularity of local breakfast and lunch spots Lucile's, Silver Grill Cafe and Snooze, among others. He initially met with Lucile’s founder Fletcher Richards to inquire about franchising, but the deal eventually fell through.

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Cartoons featuring Dr. Seuss characters decorate the new Sammy's Breakfast Bar.

“The breakfast places in town are proving to be very successful,” Leonhard said. “Most of them are grossing more than a million in sales.

“But the (Old Town breakfast spots) can be a parking nightmare. Here, we are set up with plenty of easy parking.”

Smith — a former cook at Rise! A Breakfast Place and Egg & I, among other places — developed the initial menu. Along with green eggs and ham, it includes  several takes on eggs Benedict, peanut butter and jelly-stuffed pancakes, sandwiches and salads. Sammy’s will also feature a full bar with an emphasis on mimosas and bloody marys.

Fort Collins real estate agent Carolina Westers is also an investor in the restaurant.

The location was formerly home to South China restaurant, which had operated there since 1995 before closing in February.

Follow Jake Laxen on Twitter and Instagram @jacoblaxen

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