Trad'r Sam

San Francisco Tiki Bar Trad’r Sam Is Closed Temporarily | Eater SF

"A longtime San Francisco institution, Trad’r Sam has been serving potent scorpion bowls and tiki drinks since 1937, but a sign on the bar’s door now says it is closed “indefinitely.” When I visited on Monday afternoon the parklet had been removed, though there was some activity inside, and owner John Munguia later emailed that the family business — which he described as family-run since 1972 — will be back in a few weeks, with some work planned to “fix up the bar while maintaining its charm” and continue serving San Francisco. Behind the temporary closure, a three-year legal battle between siblings Dorothy Riedel and John Munguia has unfolded: Riedel’s August 2020 complaint sought two-thirds ownership and accused Munguia of interfering with operations (withdrawing funds without consent, preventing access, removing property, and damaging fixtures) and sought $18,500 in damages; Munguia’s cross-complaint says he discovered in April 2020 months of unpaid rent and other past-due bills, extended an $18,500 loan to the business, and later withdrew funds when he learned Riedel was claiming a larger ownership stake. A May 2023 judgment awarded each sibling a 50 percent stake (and the liquor licenses), awarded Riedel $25,299 on her claims, ordered Munguia to pay the partnership $27,500, and awarded Munguia $197,306 to be paid by Riedel. Eater SF has reached out to Riedel’s attorney for comment." - Dianne de Guzman