One step into The Floridian will easily set you back to a nostalgic time where juke boxes blared Elvis Presley songs, young girls wore poodle skirts and diners were one of the many places locals called home. This local landmark houses 48 staff members, over 500 pictures and endless memories for Butch Samp, who’s owned the diner since 1977.
“We do everything we can to stay old ― we modernize without making it modern,” said Butch, as he pointed to the walls of the restaurant adorned with original pieces from the 1930s.
Even the original counter top, where Chef John Jennet has been serving up delectable plates for over 30 years, reflects the aged diner.
“One of our regular couples met at this very countertop 60 years ago, and they’ve been married ever since,” said a boastful Butch.
While regulars frequent this 24-hour diner for reminiscent reasons, what keeps them coming back is the flavorsome food, especially their best-selling omelet named “Butch’s Mess.”
“That omelet, I got it from my grandmother. The ol’ girl would open up the fridge, and whatever was in there, she would throw into the pan,” said Butch.
Though the omelet certainly lives up to its messy name, the taste of savory sausage, sweet onions, crisp bacon, seasoned potatoes and scrambled eggs definitely makes up for its disorderly appearance.
Appeasing appetites seems to be one of Butch’s specialties, especially when it comes to stuffing the stomachs of hungry celebrities, including Kenny Chesney, Liberache and Miami native Rick Ross. However, unlike others, Rick Ross’first experience at The Floridian wasn’t exactly a pleasant one.
In 2013, Ross, avoiding gunfire, crashed his Rolls-Royce into the Floridian, creating an unusual introduction between him, Butch and the then bullet-riddled diner. After all the commotion from the shooting, Ross and his posse enjoyed the diner’s appetizing food and gushed at how much he wanted to visit again. However, Butch wasn’t exactly excited at welcoming his newfound regular with open arms.
“He’s a nice guy, but I told him I can’t afford for him to eat here anymore. If he wants some food, he can call me, and I’ll have someone bring it down,” he jokingly said as he puffed on a Cuban cigar.
While Ross’s encounter at the Floridian made several headlines, it also hit major airwaves. His 2014 hit “Nobody,” featuring P. Diddy, French Montana and a hysterical waitress, begins with the recording of the 911 call that took place the night of the shooting. Though many Floridian’s were already aware of the local diner, Ross created an even more nationwide circulation for the Floridian with the release of this song.
Aside from the fact that the Floridian is widely known for its impressive regulars, it’s also known for its undeniable ability to please its customers, even if it means expanding the menu to appease their ever-changing appetites.
“Everything on the menu was designed by our customers. These aren’t original ideas; this is us listening to the customer,” said Butch as he went into detail about how much he appreciates and learns from the diverse people his diner brings.
“I like the people. If you take the time to talk to people, you’ll learn something new every day,” said Butch.
And that’s exactly how his diner has managed to become a Fort Lauderdale landmark that literally serves the people.
Through decades of tradition and years of revision, The Floridian has proved in countless ways that its sole purpose is to assist its customers through food and customer service. While the diner has had quite the impressive history with minor menu modifications, a few bullet-ridden window repairs and the constant influx of new regulars, the one thing that has remained the same is the assurance that the good ol’ Floridian will be around in the future for patrons to enjoy a quick blast from the past.
Photo Credit: Permission granted by D. Hughes
