Sam Seltzer's, Once A Popular FL Steakhouse Chain, Sold For Millions To Funeral Home

Photo byFacebook Screenshot, Harold Seltzer's Steakhouse

Before Cody's Original Roadhouse, Outback Steakhouse, Logan's Steakhouse, and Texas Roadhouse, there was Sam Seltzer's in Florida. In its heyday, it had six stores. However, eventually its numbers would dwindle and there was only one left. That location just sold for nearly $4 million and it will serve the community in a new way - as a funeral home.

About Sam & Harold Seltzer's: This chain actually had a couple of different names. The first location - which was called Sam Seltzer's - opened in Tampa in 1995. Eventually, the chain would have thirteen restaurants until it fell on hard times, filed for bankruptcy in 2008, and began to shutter restaurants.

Later, Harold Selzer would reopen three locations and change the name to Harold Seltzer's - there was one in St. Petersburg another in Port Richey, and one more in Clearwater. Over time, the Port Richey and Clearwater restaurants would close. The St. Petersburg restaurant would hang on until September of 2024.

That eatery was ranked in the top 10% of restaurants by TripAdvisor in 2021. It was known for its aged steaks, prime rib, and baby back ribs.

Many reviewers on Google reviews rave about the quality of the steak. A typical good review comes from Roger who writes, in part:

"Best experience I ever had in a steakhouse. Porterhouse steak was cooked perfectly and absolutely delicious. Service was beyond belief...In addition to salad, got big, fluffy, doughy rolls, which I devoured...I'm a big steak eater and this was one of the best steaks at a restaurant (I've) ever had. Highly recommend..."

The Last Location Will Become A Funeral Home And Will Serve The Community In Another Way: Service Corporation International, one of the country's largest death care providers, purchased Harold Seltzer's for $3.9 million. The business will serve the community not as a restaurant but under the Dignity Memorial brand.

Harold Seltzer's website reads, in part:

"The property will be transformed into a Dignity Memorial®-branded celebration of life center, which will continue to serve the community in a new and meaningful way..."