A builder of sandwiches and community died suddenly on Sunday, April 21.
Arthur “Sammy” McDowell, 48, reportedly passed during a church service. “The praise and worship team were singing the benediction as Sammy ‘broke’ into a moment of praise as his lips rejoiced with words in an unknown language,” said Shiloh Temple International Ministries Bishop Richard D. Howell Jr. in a Facebook post.
About 50 of his friends, family, and elected officials—namely, Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Senate President Bobby Joe Champion—gathered on Monday afternoon to reminisce about McDowell’s life in the space on West Broadway where he opened his sandwich shop, Sammy’s Avenue Eatery, in 2012 after years of working in the food industry.
People shared many memories, including when he gave food to needy people. “When a homeless person came in, and they couldn’t afford to pay, he said, ‘Just make them a sandwich, don’t ask any questions,’” said Lillian Toins, who once worked at Sammy’s.
Others remembered him for hiring those who needed “second chances,” perhaps because they had a criminal record. Others recounted how he never raised his voice except to sing.
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One of McDowell’s close friends, Shvonne Johnson, believed in his vision because he was warm and friendly. “He was invested in potentially turning North Minneapolis back into what it was or making it better than it was.
“When you came here, it was more than just food. It was an experience,” added Johnson, who invested in Sammy’s and went to concerts with McDowell. Johnson donned an orange Reese’s shirt in honor of McDowell’s favorite cookie: the Reese’s Pieces Cookie from Holiday Station stores.
Perhaps he was best known for supporting the community as they protested. In the days following George Floyd’s murder by then-Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, McDowell left his restaurant open so activists and community members had a safe place to gather. “He chose to leave it open so that people would have a place to come to,” said Rose McGee, who runs the Sweet Potato Comfort Pie organization.
McGee was one of three people who came to Sammy’s on Monday morning, April 22, to leave bouquets on his storefront. “He [was]just a beautiful person. I admire so many things about him,” said McGee after leaving flowers.
In October, McDowell expanded his sandwich business to Golden Thyme Presents, an incubator for BIPOC restaurateurs and food vendors established by the Rondo Community Land Trust. The incubator was formerly occupied by its namesake, Golden Thyme Cafe. He previously had a restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis.
The Rondo Community Land Trust released a statement expressing shock and grief at McDowell’s passing: “We celebrate the life of Sammy and send our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all those who knew him.”
Shiloh Temple International Ministries has announced a Celebration of Life schedule as follows: A public visitation will take place on Wednesday, May 8, from noon to 8 p.m. Funeral services will take place on Thursday, May 9, with a visitation from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and a Homegoing Service at 11 a.m. The address is 1201 W. Broadway, Minneapolis.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with funeral expenses.
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