Timing was pure Deebo: two major plays in one week.
Deebo Samuel opened Problem Lounge in Old Town Scottsdale, then made his return to the San Francisco 49ers. The restaurant was the result of a vision he had been shaping behind the scenes. And his return to San Francisco came with a familiar goal: finish the job.
Both followed a summer spent in the Valley, where Deebo trained with Larry Smith Fitness while using his time away from football to help bring Problem Lounge to life.
“It’s a blessing,” Deebo says. “I’ve worked hard training for this season and, in my free time, put energy into Problem Lounge. To see them come together at the same time is special for me and everybody in my corner.”
Problem may be Deebo’s newest venture, but Scottsdale has been part of his life for years.
“Scottsdale has great energy, and I love spending time here in the offseason. Old Town was the perfect place to bring something that combines great food, hospitality and nightlife all under one roof.”
That combination is the heart of Problem.
“We wanted to create a unique place where you can have a great dinner and a great night out.”
The name carries his fingerprints, too. Problem connects directly to his “19problemz” identity and the confidence he has carried since long before he became one of football’s most dynamic playmakers.
“Problem represents confidence and creating something people can’t ignore. That’s who I’ve always been dating back to when I was a kid.”
Deebo did not simply attach his name to the door; he approached each decision with the same focus he brings to football.
“I was involved in every aspect to help shape the vision; the atmosphere, music, and guest experience… I wanted it to feel authentic, elevated and memorable.”
The menu reflects that vision through an unexpected mix of steakhouse classics, Italian comfort, Creole flavor and Southern soul. It is a combination driven less by culinary rules than by the food Deebo and his team genuinely love.
“We wanted a menu with dishes from different backgrounds and cuisines we’ve grown to appreciate,” he says.
Some of those dishes take Deebo directly back to South Carolina.
Deebo calls his biological mother, Felicia Winn; his grandmother, Kathy “Kat” Winn; and his stepmother, Precious Martin, the three main women in his life. His childhood consisted of instability, loss and moments when his future felt anything but certain. When his grandmother became ill and Deebo found himself without a place to go, Precious opened her home to him. She pushed him in school, kept him focused on football and refused to let his circumstances decide his future. Deebo has credited her with changing, and ultimately saving, the course of his life.
That loyalty runs through his entire family. When Deebo reached the NFL, he helped Felicia receive treatment and rebuild her life. He also credits his older brother, Tyquan, with developing his toughness, sharpening him as an athlete and protecting him from the trouble around them. Those experiences made family, discipline and second chances central to who Deebo is. They also bring deeper meaning to the South Carolina flavors at Problem. The dishes may be elevated, but the memories behind them come from the people, struggles and love that helped turn Tyshun Samuel into Deebo.
“Things like the Crawfish Alfredo Fettuccine and our Southern-inspired sides reflect some of those flavors and core memories of growing up in South Carolina and being with my family.”
Not to mention the Hamachi Creole Tartare, Surf & Turf Frites, Delmonico Ribeye, and Peach Cobbler.
His own order goes even bigger.
"I like the Crack Wings and Problem Child Dip for the table, followed by either the Titan Cut Signature Tomahawk or the Oxtail Truffle Lasagna, with Four-Cheese Macaroni Gratin on the side."
Bringing that range of flavors together required someone Deebo trusted. Enter Executive Chef Cleashaun “Cleaz” Hill.
“He was the first chef I had when I started in the NFL, and we have continued to build a great relationship. He’s super talented and understood exactly what we wanted to create from day one.”
For Deebo, the perfect night at Problem has its own rhythm.
“You have to start with a drink of your choice, apps, followed by dinner (then dessert). From there, you can enjoy the lounge, the beautiful rooftop terrace, or both.”
Opening a restaurant has shown Deebo that football and hospitality are not as different as they might appear.
“There are actually a lot of similarities when it comes to what they both have taught me, including patience, attention to detail and believing in your passion. In the restaurant business, it taught me how much impact you can make one guest at a time and how the smallest details can turn a good experience into a great one.”
That mindset defines the businessman he wants people to know.
“I approach business the same way I approach football. I’m competitive, hands-on, and hold myself to the highest standard.”
It also explains why returning to San Francisco means so much. After one season in Washington, Deebo is back in the Bay.
“I’ve created a lot of memories in San Francisco, from my teammates to the fans to our past success. That’s something I’ve always appreciated. I’m happy to be back, finish the job, and win that Lombardi Trophy.”
For all the distance between a packed stadium and an Old Town dining room, Deebo sees the same goal in both.
“It’s all about giving people a feeling they’ll remember. Whether that’s a big play or a great meal, you want people leaving excited to come back.”
The teammate most likely to stay until closing?
“George Kittle.”
Hype song?
“‘Kount Ya Hat’ by Rylo Rodriguez and Veeze.”
One word for Problem?
“Solution.”
“I approach business the same way I approach football. I’m competitive, hands-on, and hold myself to the highest standard.”
“It’s all about giving people a feeling they’ll remember. Whether that’s a big play or a great meal, you want people leaving excited to come back.”