BRIDGEPORT — Polo Inn chef-owner-innkeeper Dave Samber is celebrating his 33rd year on 33rd Place in a unique way.
The popular neighborhood cafe — the address is technically 3322 S. Morgan St. — is marking the occasion with a special three-course meal on Friday and Saturday nights.
How much will it cost? You guessed it — $33 per person.
The deal will run for the next few weeks, Samber said.
Marketing symmetry aside, Samber said he wanted to pause and celebrate the anniversary as the business — and the neighborhood — continue to change.
There's the name change: in March, the business was rebranded as the Polo Inn after being known as the Polo Cafe for much of its existence. Opened in 1985 as Polo Nuts & Candy, Samber has expanded and changed with the times, opening a bed-and-breakfast and a banquet hall.
Samber has expanded to dinner service and conceived of the unique and popular sing-along gospel brunch, featuring an organ and hymnal books on every table. In the fall, Samber will begin a "Sunday Supper" service, featuring home-style meals.
"You got to keep going," Samber said of his innovations over the years. "You got to let people know you're here. I'm excited of what's ahead."
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Then there's the changing neighborhood. Morgan Street — the business' home since 1985 — is nearing completion on a massive overhaul. Antique Taco has opened down the street, as have a number of other businesses north of the Polo Inn.
"We've become the meals on Morgan," Samber said of the new businesses.
"It's time to take advantage of the blood, sweat and tears and bullet holes," he said with a laugh.
"Morgan Street is looking great," Samber said. "To be in one place for 32 years and to weather all the changes. It's a personal accomplishment."
The Polo Inn's "chef-owner-innkeeper" Dave Samber [DNAinfo/Casey Cora]
The Polo Inn has been a neighborhood staple for decades, and Samber said his clientele is going through a "generational transition" recently. He's hosted First Communions, weddings and funerals for the same family.
So while he celebrates the anniversary with a quirky dinner deal, Samber said he also plans to honor the customers who supported him through the years. He's bought hundreds of picture frames, and will spend his 33rd year on Morgan Street hanging pictures of his fondest memories and best customers.
"To be a part of people's lives, that's a very unique opportunity," Samber said. "What a wonderful life."
