The Original Lambert’s Cafe
Courtesy of Lambert’s

March 13th, 1942 was the opening day at the “Home of Throwed Rolls.” Lambert’s Cafe opened in Sikeston as a small cafe in southeast Missouri but expanded over the years to be more than just a restaurant. It is now a destination. Earl and Agnes Lambert opened the restaurant in on South Main Street in Sikeston with only 8 tables and 9 stools at the counter and a seating capacity of only 41. It was a popular place to eat, but one particular day in their history changed everything.

Earl and Agnes Lambert
Courtesy of Lambert’s

The Legend Begins

Norman and his son, Todd
Courtesy of Lambert’s

The “Throwed Rolls” phenomena began in 1976. The owner’s son Norman was handing out rolls, but diners complained that they were not getting the rolls quickly enough. One diner reportedly shouted, “Throw the Damn Thing!” So, Norm Lambert began throwing rolls to serve customers more quickly, and the legend was born.

Lambert’s Stats:

Lamberts now has 3 locations, including Sikeston, Ozark, and Foley, Alabama.

The Sikeston restaurant moved to the new location on April 20th, 1981.

March 1, 1994 is when Lambert’s opened near Branson in Ozark, Missouri.

The Foley, Alabama location opened in 1996.

Lambert’s Cafe
Courtesy of Lamberts

This was originally published in my book, Missouri 365: This Day in State History

admin

Recent Posts

Explore the Missouri State Capitol: A Tour of History

The Magnificent State Capitol on the banks of the Missouri River There are some tours…

55 years ago

The Enchanting History of Country Club Plaza Christmas Lights

Back in 1925, a string of lights at Country Club Plaza in Kansas City was…

55 years ago

Osteopathic Medicine: A Historical Overview from Missouri

In 1874, Osteopathic Medicine was invented in the Show Me State Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine,…

55 years ago

Henry Smith Pritchett: A Renaissance Man from Missouri

April 16, 1857: One of the nation’s “smartest and most interesting people” was born on…

55 years ago

Missouri Mormon History

The Tragic Story of Mormons in Missouri Cold Missouri NightA painting by Joseph Brickey depicting…

55 years ago

Best Small Towns in Missouri

Ste. Genevieve, Missouri Rocheport, Missouri There is nothing quite like a small town in Missouri.…

55 years ago

This website uses cookies.