San Francisco’s renowned tiki bar, Trad’r Sam, temporarily shuttered amidst internal family disputes. However, rumors of its permanent closure are unfounded. John Munguia, co-owner with his sister Dorothy Riedel, assures that the bar will reopen soon, continuing its 86-year legacy.
The siblings have been managing the establishment since 1988, with the bar recognized as the longest continuously running tiki establishment in the country. However, the COVID-19 pandemic strained their relationship, leading to a series of legal battles over alleged financial discrepancies. The court’s judgment found both siblings liable, but John was awarded net damages.
Despite the disputes, the family seems to be heading towards reconciliation, expressing hope to serve San Francisco for many more years. Yet, in a twist, Dorothy’s daughter, Angie Milon, has initiated legal action against her mother and uncle and has parted ways with the bar.
I remember spending some time at Trad’r Sam one evening when a bachelor party went south on me (not mine) and I walked to the nearest place I could get a beer. I wound up here and honestly don’t remember seeing much in the way of Tiki there, however I did see someone fall off a barstool and was sort of surprised that nobody seemed to concerned. I left shortly after.
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