Peter Quartaroli – Owner
Peter has been a part of the Classic San Francisco restaurant world since he was 10 years old. Over the years he has worked at Original Joe’s and Bardelli’s. Peter started at Sam’s Grill about 25 years ago and became the managing partner of Sam’s when a group of investors and friends stepped in to help save the restaurant from extinction. Since 2014 Sam’s has seen an expansion to the Patio on Belden Alley and this fall is opening Sam’s Tavern adjacent to the restaurant on Bush Street.
Peter also owns a film production company and has acted in over 30 films, produced 5 films and has a script based on a true story about Sam’s that is currently in development.
Lance Tolaio – Wine and Spirits Director
Lance Tolaio is a certified sommelier and wine maker. Lance also consults on wine selections and menus for the Redwood Hideaway wedding and event venues in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Early forays into the restaurant industry in Santa Cruz and Lake Tahoe expanded Lance’s business understanding of the hospitality industry and ignited a lifelong passion for wine and wine knowledge. Lance has traveled extensively through new and old world wine regions to further enhance his palate and global perspective in the wine trade.
Lance’s down to earth communication style and approachable demeanor enables him to impart the intricacy and complexity of wine, while building a shared sense of discovery. Lance continues to expand his knowledge base by attending numerous worldwide and regional master classes to stay relevant in the wine industry.
