Students trying to grab a quick bite to eat, in time for their next class, may want to rid themselves of the McDonald’s and Zaxby’s lunch routine.
Fat Sandwich, located on 825 Railroad Avenue, is a cheaper and healthier cuisine alternative that’s heating up the competition, while satisfying taste buds one mouth at a time.
No stranger in the delectability department and just minutes away from Florida A&M and Florida State, it’s puzzling why students would eat anywhere else.
What started as a collaborative idea from two friends grew into a popular campus eatery since its introduction in 2002. Joint Restaurant Owner and Manager Joseph Qihuot said he is pleased with the decision to open Fat Sandwich.
“My business partner and I were working at another sub restaurant, and we didn’t like it,” Qihuot said. “So we thought up a better idea and decided to open up our own place. Now it’s a successful business.”
Aside from offering an array of sandwich selections, the restaurant also offers a different dining experience for clientele. Customers can enjoy artwork on display from local artists while chowing down at the contemporary sandwich café.
An extension of the restaurant’s support of local artists can even be seen on the building’s wall, where “Fat Sandiwch” is written in multicolored graffiti.
According to Nikia Daniels, 23, a senior business administration student from Atlanta, it’s not the art work that attracts her, but rather the affordable entrées that keeps her coming back.
“All of their entrées are under $10 and they offer massive proportions,” Daniels said. “I always feel like I get my money’s worth.”
Students are not the only ones raving about the popular sub shop. Crystal Jordan, a quality analyst and cancer registrar for Tallahassee Memorial, said she doesn’t mind traveling a few extra miles just to satisfy her Fat Sandwich cravings.
“Fat Sandwich isn’t that close to my job, but it’s worth the trip,” said Jordan. “I really enjoy getting their pizza sub. Not only is it my favorite, but it’s like I’m getting two different kinds of food in one.”
Customers have more than subs to choose from, with options like caesar wraps and salads layered in bacon, blue cheese and sliced chicken, grilled to perfection. For non-meat eaters, vegetarian alternatives are available as well.
Popular sandwiches like their meatball sub would have even the most disciplined vegetarian salivating at the mouth. In between the sandwich’s freshly baked buns are beef and pork meat balls marinated in hot marinara sauce, topped with melted provolone with added accoutrements of parmesan and oregano.
“It’s our goal to always stay in line with our competition,” Qihout said.
Fat Sandwich is open Mondays- Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 12 to 4 p.m. Delivery and catering is available for customers.