How Many Restaurants Does Sam Talbot Have?

Sam Talbot Restaurants: Key Takeaways

Sam Talbot currently owns 1 restaurant worldwide, located in the United States.
His restaurant portfolio includes no Michelin-starred venues as of 2025.
His primary concept, Lemon Grove, is a casual dining rooftop restaurant in Los Angeles inspired by California’s seasonal ingredients.
Sam Talbot’s ownership is fully direct; his restaurants are not franchised or licensed, reflecting a hands-on approach.

Chef Sam Talbot is known for his focus on fresh, California-inspired culinary experiences. While his restaurant group is relatively small, he has established a notable footprint in Los Angeles.

This article explores how many restaurants Sam Talbot owns, highlighting his key concepts and regional presence, and touches on the nature of his culinary empire — including his absence of Michelin-starred properties and his emphasis on casual, seasonal dining.

Sam Talbot Restaurants: Global Presence and Restaurant Count

Sam Talbot currently owns one restaurant, located in the United States, specifically Los Angeles. This marks a focused portfolio that prioritizes quality over quantity, emphasizing a single significant venture rather than a large worldwide empire.

His restaurant portfolio encompasses a casual dining concept that celebrates local and seasonal ingredients emblematic of California's diverse culinary influences. There are no franchised or licensed locations; instead, his ownership is direct, showcasing a hands-on approach to hospitality and brand management.

Region	Approx. Number of Restaurants	Notable Examples
United States	1	Lemon Grove (Los Angeles)
Total (Global)	1	(Single location as of 2025)

Note: Sam Talbot’s current model operates exclusively in the United States with focused direct ownership.

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Michelin-Starred Flagship Restaurants

As of 2025, Chef Sam Talbot does not own any Michelin-starred restaurants. While Michelin stars are often considered markers of high culinary achievement, Talbot’s portfolio centers on casual yet thoughtfully crafted dining experiences rather than fine dining luxury.

This absence of Michelin recognition does not diminish the quality or creativity present in his concepts, particularly as his emphasis lies in approachable, seasonal food rather than formal tasting menus that usually attract Michelin inspectors’ attention.

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Notable Sam Talbot Restaurant Concepts and Locations

Sam Talbot’s restaurant empire, while compact, highlights his dedication to Californian culinary culture through distinctive concepts focused on local ingredients and relaxed atmospheres.

Lemon Grove Restaurants

Lemon Grove is Talbot’s flagship and sole restaurant concept as of 2025. Located in Los Angeles, it is best described as a rooftop restaurant featuring inviting indoor-outdoor spaces that complement its sunny Californian setting.

The menu draws inspiration from California’s traditional emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and diverse cultural influences, offering a casual dining experience that appeals to locals and visitors alike.

Opened in the early 2020s, Lemon Grove stands out for its balancing of creative dishes with a laid-back atmosphere. It creates a versatile atmosphere that pairs well with California’s climate and culinary vibe.

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Sam Talbot Restaurant Empire: Conclusion

In conclusion, Chef Sam Talbot’s restaurant empire is intentionally small and focused, comprising a single location in Los Angeles as of mid-2025.

Despite the lack of Michelin-starred restaurants, his culinary approach reflects a strong commitment to seasonal, ingredient-driven casual dining rooted in California’s food culture. Ownership is direct, eschewing franchising or licensing in favor of hands-on management.

This focused strategy, concentrated within one premier venue, differentiates his brand from sprawling celebrity chef empires and underlines Talbot’s dedication to crafting quality culinary experiences over rapid expansion.

While his footprint may not be expansive, Sam Talbot’s restaurant Lemon Grove captures a refined, approachable style that continues to resonate in the competitive Los Angeles dining scene.

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01. How involved is Sam Talbot in day-to-day restaurant operations?

Sam Talbot is highly involved in the operations of his sole restaurant, Lemon Grove. With a single location under direct ownership, Talbot maintains a hands-on role in menu development, ingredient sourcing, and the overall dining experience.

This involvement ensures the restaurant embodies his culinary vision and maintains high-quality standards typical of his brand approach.

02. Are Sam Talbot’s restaurants expensive—and which ones offer the best value?

There is only one Sam Talbot restaurant, Lemon Grove, which operates within the casual dining segment. Pricing details are not broadly published but the restaurant offers approachable dishes crafted with premium seasonal ingredients.

Without fine dining venues or a broad portfolio, value is best assessed by the quality of fresh ingredients and the unique rooftop ambience rather than strict price comparisons.

03. How does Sam Talbot choose new cities or countries for expansion?

As of 2025, Sam Talbot has not expanded beyond Los Angeles. Future expansion decisions would likely prioritize maintaining quality and alignment with his culinary philosophy rather than rapid geographic growth.

Any new locations would probably seek markets that appreciate seasonal, California-inspired dining with a casual yet elevated approach.

04. Are Sam Talbot’s restaurants sustainable or locally sourced?

Sustainability and local sourcing are key elements of Sam Talbot’s culinary mission. Lemon Grove, for instance, emphasizes seasonal, California-grown ingredients and diverse culinary influences that reflect respect for local produce.

While not formally certified sustainable, the restaurant prioritizes seasonal menus that reduce waste and highlight fresh, regional offerings.

05. Can you book Sam Talbot restaurants online—and are there loyalty programs?

Reservations for Lemon Grove can be made online via the restaurant’s official website or popular dining platforms. The booking process is straightforward, reflecting its casual dining model.

Currently, there is no loyalty program specific to Sam Talbot’s restaurant, given the single-location structure. However, occasional promotions and seasonal menus help engage repeat customers.