Sammy's Ye Old Cider Mill

By Cecilia Levine From Daily Voice

A legendary Morris County steakhouse with roots stretching back nearly a century will close under its current owners on Wednesday, Dec. 31, the family announced in a letter to customers dated Nov. 29.

Located on Mendham Road in West Mendham, Sammy’s Ye Old Cider Mill, is known for its speakeasy origins, dry-aged steaks, and its famously unmarked exterior that offered no sign out front to indicate “this is the place.” The Fornaro family said they made the decision to sell after 30 years and much consideration, according to the letter.

“We would like to express our deepest gratitude for your loyal support, friendship and patronage through the years,” the family wrote. “Serving you has been an honor and we are proud of the memories and connections we have built together.”

Sammy’s was first started as a Prohibition-era speakeasy in the 1920s by Samuel Fornaro and later run by the second generation. The third generation — Samuel, Philip and MaryAnn Fornaro — took over in 1995, continuing traditions that made the restaurant a Morris County institution. Customers placed their orders upon entering, relaxed at the original bar while meals were prepared, and were called upstairs when dinner was ready. Meats were dry-aged and hand-cut on-site, while popular dishes included lobster, shrimp scampi, pastas, and seasonal soft-shell and stone crabs.

In the letter, the family said they “never imagined that when we took over in 1995 that the legacy started by our Grandfather in 1933 and then our Father and Uncle would continue with us, as the third generation, for the past 30 years.”

They encouraged longtime patrons to visit before the final day to “share your favorite memories and allow us the opportunity to thank you in person.”

The Fornaros confirmed the restaurant will operate under new ownership following the sale. “We wish the new owners every success and are confident they will preserve Sammy’s legacy for generations to come,” they wrote.