Samad Café in Dallas Goes Viral on TikTok, Earning 13 Million Views in a Week | Eater Dallas
"Hidden inside a building that looks from the street like a car repair shop near Love Field in West Dallas, this long-running, no-website neighborhood cafe has been operated since 1989 by Iranian immigrant owner-chef Samad Afghanipour (who arrived in 1982). Known as a low-key, word-of-mouth spot, it serves homey Persian plates—most notably a marinated lamb shank served in a bowl of broth with Persian rice, white rice, and lavash flatbread—and the owner recommends a chicken kebab with yogurt and cucumber. The one-man operation, famed for the proprietor’s warm hospitality (he repeatedly returns to offer more food and tells customers “Anything you want, I bring it”), suddenly drew national attention after an April 4, 2025 TikTok by Sam’s POV went viral (about 13 million views, 2 million likes), prompting family members to help meet the new demand. Followers pooled roughly $3,000 in donations that were placed in the tip jar; the owner, clearly overwhelmed, ultimately accepted the gift and says he donates his tips, even keeping a cookie jar full of cash for those in need." - Courtney E. Smith
