Samuel Alper OBE was an English caravan designer and manufacturer responsible for the famous Sprite caravan, founder of the Little Chef chain of roadside restaurants, a viticulturist who revived the ancient Roman winery at Chilford Hall, a sculptor, the founder of the Curwen Print Study Centre for teaching printmaking and a philanthropist who sent caravans abroad to aid in disaster relief programmes.
A Little Chef outlet on the A64 near Askham Richard
Little Chef was a chain of roadside restaurants in the United Kingdom founded in 1958 by the entrepreneur Sam Alper, who was inspired by American diners. The chain was famous for the "Olympic Breakfast" – its version of a full English breakfast – as well as its "Early Starter" and "Jubilee Pancakes". The restaurants were mostly located on A roads, often paired with a Travelodge motel, a Burger King and a petrol station. The chain was also located along motorways in Moto Services, for a time.
A Little Chef in Nottinghamshire, designed by Sam Scorer. This Grade II listed structure, on the southbound A1 at Markham Moor, is now operated by Starbucks.
Little Chef and Burger King in Bilbrough near York, A64 eastbound, North Yorkshire. This is now a Burger King, Greggs and Sainsburys On The Go, operated by Euro Garages.
A restaurant in Eastham, Merseyside in 2006, which would become a victim of the 2012 closure programme.
An abandoned Little Chef in Leebotwood, Shropshire, pictured in 2006. Now a bridal store.
