La Jollan Sami Ladeki, owner of Ladeki Restaurant Group, was born in Lebanon and has opened more than 35 restaurants and fine-dining concepts around the world since 1983. This summer, he celebrates 25 years of combining globally- inspired cuisine with locally-produced ingredients at Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza, with a variety of social media promotions at his 19 locations in Southern California and Nevada.
Ladeki, who opened the first Sammy’s in La Jolla in 1989, was honored June 3 with the “Restaurateur of the Year” award by the California Restaurant Association at its 30th annual Gold Medallion Awards. Mayor Kevin Faulconer declared June 3 to be “Sami Ladeki Day,” in honor of his milestone achievements.
Recognized for both his business and philanthropic dexterity, in 2012 Ladeki was presented with the Headliner Award by the San Diego Press Club.
I was visiting La Jolla and I just fell in love with it. The energy, beauty and the elegance of the people here — I knew it would become my home.
La Jolla should be more known as a dining and shopping destination. I would snap my fingers and make La Jolla a more pedestrian and outdoor-friendly dining town. La Jolla is one of the most beautiful places on Earth and I think it should be celebrated and enjoyed with more sidewalk cafes, and it should be a place to come and enjoy live music and entertainment.
that where I find the drive and passion to continually innovate and take my restaurants to the next level.
I have six: Leonardo da Vinci, Khalil Gibran, John F. Kennedy, Chef Alain Ducasse, Howard D. Schultz (founder of Starbucks) and Steve Jobs.
I’m reading a book called “My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel,” by Ari Shavit.
I love listening to live music, all types, but I especially enjoy European music. I love to travel, dine out and try new restaurants. I don’t have a lot of free time, so when I do, I spend it with my good friends celebrating life!
I dislike people who are not respectful of your time, and people who are sloppy. I’ve always believed it is important to dress for the occasion.
My home in La Jolla, and, of course, my friends and family and my company.
Live, and let live, and always remember to give and take and find a common ground.