First Look: The Historic Highland Road Grill combines something old and something new

A new restaurant takes residence in the former home of Sammy’s Grill this week. The Historic Highland Road Grill will pay homage to the long-lived restaurant while also bringing in fresh energy.

The Historic co-owners Willie Chapman, his wife Kayte and his sisters Emily Hazelwood and Amanda Singley are not new to the restaurant business. The family has owned Willie’s Restaurant since 2009, and Chapman says they have learned to work well together over the years as each has stepped into their own role in the business. 

When the space at 8635 Highland Rd. became available over the summer, they started planning to give it a second life. As renovations began, the team focused on balancing the old and the new. 

Growing up visiting the Capital Region, Chapman says he remembers eating at Sammy’s in high school and college. He says tying together the memories he and many other patrons have of the 40-year-old restaurant was essential to the renovation.

After replacing outdated electrical fixtures, the team had to decide what to keep from the old Sammy’s. They wanted to save as many memorable details as they could. Hazelwood was adamant that the building’s notable glass block wall behind the bar remain.

“What appeared to be old and still in good condition and memorable stayed. What needed a fresh coat of paint got the fresh coat of paint,” Hazelwood says.

To keep things balanced, Chapman embarked on the restaurant’s rebirth with a distinct vision. “We wanted to keep it all at 33 percent–so 33 percent brand new to us, 33 percent brand new to here but still our style, and then maintaining 33 percent of what was here, and that’s exactly how the menu will be,” Chapman says.

That principle guided the group to keep the building’s charm, add their own style and make updates that will impress Baton Rougeans. Chapman says he drew inspiration from classic Baton Rouge restaurants including DiGiulio Brothers Italian Cafe and Gino’s Restaurant as well as modern eateries like Chow Yum and Overpass Merchant. 

As for the menu, the development has taken a lot of effort and a lot of taste testing by Willie’s Restaurant staff. Hazelwood and Chapman have donned their aprons in this process and worked to put a fresh spin on nostalgic dishes they grew up enjoying. They also plan to bring in some of Willie’s Restaurant’s specials.

Sammy’s regulars can expect a few familiar menu items and familiar faces, since the new owners have rehired some of the old staff. 

Chapman says they want to keep the menu recognizable to Baton Rouge, but they don’t want to reveal the full list before opening this Thursday, Oct. 15. Menu sneak peeks include dishes like a pesto hummus, a hot honey cauliflower appetizer and a “2 links” appetizer featuring locally made sausage and boudin, house pickles, cheese and crackers. Finishers include an affogato and even a Coke float for dessert.

The Historic Highland Road Grill will remain in a soft opening phase after this weekend. This phase will include limited hours and dinner service Thursday through Sunday.