42-Year-Old Hyannis Mexican Restaurant Up for Sale
After 42 years of serving the Hyannis community, Sam Diego’s Mexican Cookery and Bar is up for sale. The sale of the property along Route 132 in Hyannis — listed on Wednesday, Jan. 8, with John Ciluzzi’s Premier Commercial — includes the restaurant’s two bars, four dining spaces, and a summer patio.
Real estate agent John Ciluzzi did not disclose Sam Diego’s sale price but noted the restaurant is in a prime 12-month, high-traffic location.
In a Jan. 10 interview with the Cape Cod Times, co-owner Clarke Buchanan described the difficult decision to put the beloved restaurant on the market. His co-partners in the business are spread throughout the United States. As the only individual in the partnership who lives on the Cape, he believes it’s the right time to retire.
The restaurant is being marketed as a turnkey operation, with recipes, trademarks, furnishings, fixtures, and the possibility of a new ownership transition offered to the right buyer, he said.
“Our number-one concern is our staff,” Buchanan said. “We’re looking for someone to take over and continue running it as Sam Diego’s so that they can keep staff on and keep going. We think there are many more miles that this can go.”
According to Sam Diego’s website, the Mexican-themed dining establishment’s interior features vibrant colors from Mexico, along with cacti, tropical plants, art, and sculpture. Its menu boasts items ranging from enchiladas and fajitas to tacos and tamales.
Many of the restaurant’s staff are seasoned professionals: One cook has served in the kitchen for 40 years.
Buchanan offered reassurance that he and his partners would continue to operate the business as Sam Diego’s if they couldn’t find a qualified buyer. “Even though it’s for sale, we’re going full tilt,” he said. “We’re here, and we’re not slacking off.”
