Sambo's Restaurants

Sambo's collapse from 1,117 locations in 1979 to bankruptcy in 1981 demonstrates how brand toxicity can kill organisms rapidly. The restaurant's name and imagery—derived from a racial caricature children's book—faced increasing boycotts as civil rights awareness grew. Like a species whose coloration attracts predators, Sambo's branding created liability that no operational excellence could overcome. Remaining locations rebranded; the name became radioactive.