SAM & WALLY’S EATERY, A RALEIGH LEGEND

When you look at the two faces on the logo and say the name, Sam and Wally’s Eatery, you ask yourself “don’t I know these guys from somewhere?”

First, there’s the bearded guy with the funny collar on the right. That’s Wally; he’s sort of the silent partner in the operation. Wally is no stranger to North Carolina; in fact this restaurant is his second major venture in the state. Well traveled, Oxford educated, the son of an English country gentleman who has spent much of his time sailing. Wally was one of the first (well, he claims to be the first) commercial developer of property on the Outer Banks. Wally indicates that he started a resort colony on Roanoke Island quite a few years ago (roughly 400 years to be exact), which he ultimately “lost” in what he calls a management dispute. He indicated that the new owners were unknown to him and that they eventually closed the first development and moved the operation to an undisclosed location. However, Wally proudly states the historical importance and impact of his initial development was not lost; for the past 200 years we have chosen to honor his accomplishment by naming our own capital city, Raleigh, in honor of him.

Since that time Wally has chosen to keep a lower profile and has adopted a more informal style. He thought the “Sir Walter” was a bit presumptuous and now enjoys being know as Wally. He tossed the broad brimmed feathered hat we see in historical accounts, preferring the more contemporary look of a simple baseball cap adorned with the SAM & WALLY’S logo. The one throw back from his past he refuses to loose is his ruffled collar. Joking, he says it keeps him from being a real “redneck”.

Over the past several centuries Wally has traveled extensively and developed quite an interest in food culminating in a selection of prized recipes and personal favorites. Wally indicated that a good diet has contributed to his remarkable longevity. During one of his many cruises he met his partner, Sam; the one with the mustache, apron and a similar passion for quality food.

If you have been in Raleigh for a while you already know Sam Yehia. Sam has worked with many of the better-known hotels & restaurants in the Triangle and was the owner of the original Truffles candy store.

Sam says that their partnership is a perfect blend of personalities and expertise. “We both have an old world background rich in tradition, while we share strong ties to North Carolina. Wally is the ideal partner for me … he has given his name to the restaurant (not to mention the city), but stays in the background a true silent partner. I honestly don’t remember the last time I saw him on the property. And when Wally does come through the door you can bet that both I and the staff give him our full attention…..Wally is as much a part of this restaurant as I am.”