10 things you might not know about Lambert’s Cafe
This is an updated version of an article from 2017.
Lambert’s Cafe, or “home of the throwed rolls,” in Foley is one of Alabama’s most unique restaurants, and it’s become a favorite among locals and beach-goers alike.
Of course, throwing food at customers isn’t a business model that would work for most restaurants, but at the popular Lambert’s Cafe in Foley, it’s part of the draw. Of course, so are the hefty portions of homecooked, comfort foods.
During its nearly 30 years in business, stopping for a meal at Lambert’s Cafe has become a tradition for people all over the South by appealing to customers who love homestyle cooking and a lively atmosphere (and who don’t mind having to catch part of their dinner).
Want to know more about the “Home of Throwed Rolls”? Here are 10 things you might not know about Lambert’s Cafe.
Lambert’s Cafe in Foley, Ala., is popular among beach tourists. (File photo)
Lambert’s Cafe Fact #1
Lambert’s Cafe opened its third location, and only Alabama location, in Foley in June 1996. The original location in Sikeston, Mo., opened in 1942, and there’s also one in Ozark, Mo., that has an RV park attached to it. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, yes, rolls are thrown at all three locations.
Lambert’s Cafe Fact #2
Speaking of those famous rolls, legend has it the cafe became known as the “home of the throwed rolls” in 1976 when diners complained about not getting their rolls, which were typically handed out, fast enough. Second-generation owner and former football coach Norman Lambert took it upon himself to start tossing — or should we say throwing — them to guests he couldn’t reach instead to ensure quicker service, and the rest is restaurant history.
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Lambert’s Cafe is known as the “Home of the Throwed Rolls”. (Photo courtesy of Lambert’s Cafe)(Photo courtesy of Lambert’s Cafe)
Lambert’s Cafe Fact #3
Another thing to know about its rolls? Lambert’s Cafe has its oven going from about 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily to keep up with the demand. On average, the restaurant chain says it produces 520 dozen rolls, or a total of about 2,246,400 individual rolls, on a given day.
Lambert’s Cafe Fact #4
To give you a visual on just how many rolls that is, if you laid the rolls, which measure about 5 inches in diameter, that Lambert’s Cafe bakes in a single year side by side, you’d have 177.27 miles of rolls.
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Plate of hog jowls, a popular dish served at Lambert’s Cafe in Foley, Ala. (Photo courtesy of Lambert’s Cafe)Photo courtesy of Lambert’s Cafe
Lambert’s Cafe Fact #5
Some noteworthy menu offerings you’ll find at every Lambert’s Cafe include its bbq pork steak, which is a top seller; hearty chicken pot pie, which is made from scratch everyday; and their famous smoked hog jowls, which are sliced thick and served deep fried. Each location also has dishes specific to it. In Foley, the specialty dishes are the pork chop sandwich and salmon patties.
Lambert’s Cafe Fact #6
The exterior of each Lambert’s Cafe features a hand-painted mural about the eatery’s history. In 2001, artist Lorenzo Green also painted a patriotic mural on the side of Foley’s Lambert’s Cafe.
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The mural on the side of Lamberts Cafe in Foley displays the restaurant’s history. (Joe Songer).Joe Songer | [email protected]
Lambert’s Cafe Fact #7
The Lamberts decided to open their third location in Foley, long before the area was a popular as it is today, because original owners Earl and Agnes often vacationed in Gulf Shores, according to The Mullet Wrapper.
Lambert’s Cafe Fact #8
When Lambert’s Cafe says it’s a family business, they mean it. By the age of 10 years old, Joseph Lambert has already worked as a roll thrower at all three locations, according to Ozark First. That makes five generations of roll throwers, if you’re keeping count.
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Blake Shelton, shown here in 2017, had dined at the restaurant. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Ryman Hospitality Properties Inc)Getty Images
Lambert’s Cafe Fact #9
Many famous faces have had a meal at Lambert’s Cafe over the years, including Jay Leno, Morgan Freemen, Tanya Tucker, Clint Eastwood, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Waylon Jennings and more, according to The Mullet Wrapper.
Lambert’s Cafe Fact #10
When they say come hungry, they aren’t kidding. In addition to their sides and entrees, all customers have access to as many “pass around” dishes as they like, which include fried okra, black-eyed peas, fried potatoes and onions, macaroni and tomatoes and those hot rolls served with Sorghum molasses and apple butter.