March 13, 1942

Earl and Agnes Lambert with 14 cents between them, borrowed $1500 from Tish Jones and with 5 employees opened for business in a small building on South Main Street in Sikeston Missouri. It consisted of a 9 stool counter and 8 tables for a total seating capacity of 41 people. Their policy of serving vegetables, meat and dessert was immediately established. These were trying years for everyone, World War II and severe rationing made restaurant operation extremely difficult. The war years were greeted with many meatless days and supplies of all kinds were in short supply — but somehow and some way they were able to hang on.

Earl Lambert passed away in 1976, and his son Norman and wife Patti, entered into the restaurant business as partners to Agnes Lambert, who still worked eight hours a day, six days a week.

Earl & Agnes Lambert
Original Lambert's Cafe, US Hwy 61, Sikeston, Missouri.

“On the move again…we just keep growin'”

Norman Lambert - Throwing another roll!
Lambert's Cafe

Moving Day April 20, 1981

After 40 years in the same location, time did to our old building what it does to everyone and everything. It simply wore out, so we moved to 2109 East Malone and opened for business April 20, 1981. The seating capacity was larger and the building a little more modern but our principles were still the same. Treat every person who enters this building just as you would like to be treated — serve plenty of good wholesome food at a reasonable price, and never use anything but the highest quality of food available.

With the move to Lambert's second location and additional seating capacity, crowds continued to grow and stand in line for Hot Rolls.

Moving again in 1988

It wasn’t long – or it seems like a short time to us – we outgrew the second location and construction began on a brand new building. Norman and the rest of the family thought out the floor plan carefully, drawing upon years of experience serving great food to large crowds. Particular attention was given to the kitchen area and the “work flow” of the food preparation. Norman even went to the local field house and laid out the floor plan using boards to simulate rooms – he wanted the best for his employees as well as the customers. All of his efforts paid off and the new location worked like a well-oiled machine. The site he selected is conveniently located for travelers along Interstate 55 in Sikeston.

Sikeston - 1988
Scotty Lambert
Taking a well-deserved break before continuing the construction process are Scott and Little Scotty Lambert. Little Scotty is a fourth generation Lambert.

The Dream Continues

We have always been proud to say, Yes! We’re the “One and Only!” But now we have taken the challenge.

March 1, 1994 a second Lambert’s Cafe was opened near Branson, Missouri. The Country Music Capital of the World. If you plan a trip to Branson you will see us on Highway 65 South, Junction CC & J, Ozark, Missouri. That’s about 18 miles before you get to Branson.

Lambert's Cafe II - Ozark, Missouri

And Again

Construction for a third Lambert’s Cafe in Foley, Alabama began in November 1995, and opened June 24th, 1996.

Both new restaurants have the same food, service and atmosphere that we have in Sikeston, Missouri. We welcome you with open arms at either place. Buses are always welcomed.

Lambert's Cafe - Foley, Alabama