When Personal and Restaurant Information Become Relevant

I’ve had several people complain that it was pointless and redundant for me to announce that Sap and Mam, former owners of the acclaimed Madam Mam’s, had divorced. I mentioned this both on diningoutwithrobbalon.com and on my Facebook pages. Their point was: what has their personal business have to do with the restaurant world?

In this case, a lot! At DOWR we inform our readers of what changes occur in the restaurant world. Sap and Mam’s divorce changed the restaurant landscape and that’s news. Sap has taken the Westgate store across from Central Market and renamed it Sap’s Fine Thai Cuisine. He will be introducing new menu items. Mam has apparently retained the other stores. This is news and it’s what we report.

You’d be amazed at how many emails I’ve gotten from people who wanted to know why Madam Mam’s was now named Sap’s Fine Thai Cuisine. There was quite a bit of confusion in the restaurant community regarding the implications of their split (many had no idea) and so we reported it. There was nothing inflammatory or intrusive about it. And certainly nothing invasive about it. As many will remember, other family restaurants where splits or feuds occurred (Marc and Barry Katz come to mind) have also been discussed not only on our site but on TV news as well. It just goes with the territory.

I like Sap and Mam and wish them the best. But their story IS relevant.