Sam's Kosher Style Restaurant To Close After St. Patrick's Day

FAIR OAKS (CBS13) – Sunday is the second to last day Bruce Blackman will slice meat for a customer.

"The price of product is sky high, and people can't afford to eat out anymore," said Blackman, owner of Sam's Kosher Style Restaurant.

With empty tables becoming the norm, Blackman was forced to make a tough decision.

"Business hasn't been that great and it's time for me to start a new life," Blackman said.

St. Patrick's Day will be the last day the restaurant is open – a day Blackman says he chose for a specific reason.

"St. Patty's Day is my busiest day of the year, and why not go out with a bang?" Blackman said.

Hundreds of thousands of customers have walked through Sam's doors for the 40-plus years the restaurant has been open.

"This place is very homey.  It's like a second home.  I've had people come in here every day since I've been here," Blackman said.

For more than 25 years, Norman Green and his wife have been one of Sam's regulars.

"Unfortunately, I shed a tear," Green said.

For a lot of the regular customers, it feels like the end of an era.

"We hope we will be able to find somewhere that can take its place. We'll see," Green said.

Blackman says he'll miss all the friends he's made through the restaurant – and even though he's closing, Monday will be a day of celebration.

"We'll have a big party here," Blackman said.

Blackman is planning a two-week trip to Hawaii and hopes to do a lot more golfing.