Wood-Fired Pizza
Have you ever noticed what the very best pizza restaurants all have in common? At the center of the action is a wood-fired oven. Nothing else comes close when it comes to producing beautiful and delicious pizza. Of course it’s impossible to beat a wood-fired oven for atmosphere. Some kitchens treat pizza-making like a factory process, hiding it in the back. At Sam’s Cellar we want you to see it all and we are big believers in taste. Our oven enhances the natural flavors of our quality ingredients. Come on down and try our best selling Thai Chicken pizza and a pitcher of cold beer!
Who Is Sam?
The heart of Neosho beats strongest downtown. The County Seat, Big Spring Park and the hub of small businesses. Many businesses have come and gone, but some have stood the test of time. Sam’s Cellar set claim to the northwest corner of Neosho’s historical square almost 70 years ago and has long been a downtown staple.
At the end of a long day, as you enjoy a refreshing drink and wait for your wood-fired pizza, you can’t help but notice that you are surrounded by history. The original stone walls and the vintage photographs are reminiscent of earlier days. Whether you are a seasoned patron or a first timer, you may wonder who Sam is.
Sam Wolfinbarger Jr. opened several local businesses in the 30s and 40s. The Hereford House which was a full service restaurant, a small liquor store called The Beau Monde Package Store and Sam’s Cellar. When Sam first opened the establishment, he ran a luncheonette on the main level and the bar in the lower level. Sam desired to serve the 60.000 soldiers stationed at Camp Crowder. It quickly became a favorite of the soldiers.
Karen Puckett, Sam’s daughter, tells of a humorous business deal between him and his father. Sam leased the liquor store land from his father, Sam Wolfinbarger Sr., for the extravagant cost of a pint of whiskey a week. Each Saturday, Sam’s father would pick up the whiskey and take it home. However, Sam’s mother wouldn’t allow the whiskey in the house, so his father had to hide it in the horse trough. Unfortunately, someone found the hiding spot and began stealing it. Families always pass down the best stories.
Karen and Ken Puckett and Stuart (Wolfinbarger’s grandson) and his wife Suzanne are all frequent patrons of Sam’s Cellar. Current owner, Suzi Howsmon, is not related to Sam. She simply wants to respect and honor the rich history created by the businessman.
Sam Wolfinbarger lives on at Sam’s Cellar. The atmosphere is a perfect balance between modern culture and historical legacy.
Want to help carry on Sam’s legacy? Check out our Grunge T-shirt that features his caricature and the photograph above.
Welcome to our new website
Welcome to our new website!
Please check out our new menu and our on-line merchandise for purchase. Whether it’s a business lunch, an after-work cocktail or our delicious wood-fired pizza, Sam’s Cellar is your destination for hospitality and good times.
Stop in and let us serve you soon!
