Short Pump, Virginia – Fat Kid Sandwiches brings joy back to lunchtime with their over-the-top subs, hot dogs, and soft serve ice cream in the Richmond area. Owners Liz Clifford and Jon Martin turned their dream of owning a business into reality, creating a spot where adults can relive their childhood memories one bite at a time.
From DC to Richmond
Liz and Jon moved to Richmond from Washington, DC, in February 2018, and both initially worked for Chef Jason Alley at Comfort and Pasture. They wanted to start their own business but found DC prices unaffordable for small businesses. Richmond offered them the chance to build something they could truly control without drowning in debt or working for investors.
Fat Kid Sandwiches officially launched in June 2020 during the pandemic, convincing people to show up to a warehouse in Manchester. With support from Hatch Local Food Hall, they got their business off the ground without spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a traditional restaurant space. You can find them at Hatch Local Food Hall at 400 Hull Street, open Wednesday through Sunday.
What Makes Their Sandwiches Special
The menu celebrates bold flavors and quality ingredients. Their Half Pound Italian Sub and Roast Pork & Broccoli Rabe sandwich pay homage to Philadelphia traditions. Liz grew up visiting family in the Philly area and spent time at iconic spots like Nick’s and Reading Terminal Market, inspiring these menu items.
Every sandwich gets attention to detail. Liz fought hard to source the right sharp provolone cheese, rejecting standard options that lacked the funky, aged flavor she wanted. Their garlic base for turkey, pork, and broccoli rabe combines tons of garlic with extra-virgin olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper. The vegetarian A Secret Forest sub loads up every vegetable they have with cheddar cheese and roasted garlic broccoli, originally created for a regular customer who runs a local flower business.
Elevated Comfort Food
Their chili cheese dogs elevate the classic 7 Eleven experience with 100% Black Angus beef hot dogs, handmade chili, and cheese sauce spiked with spicy jalapeño. They use New England-style top split buns, the same ones you’d find on lobster rolls, because they provide better structure for holding all that chili and cheese. Support the heart of our community and see more neighborhood favorites featured here.
Childhood Nostalgia Done Right
Walk into their space, and you’ll spot vintage lunchboxes decorating the walls, everything from The Mask cartoon to other eighties classics. Liz hunted these down on eBay and Etsy, looking for dented and scratched boxes at $25 instead of pristine $500 collector items. They sell Capri Sun drinks, and Jon says nine out of ten customers light up when they see the Pacific Cooler flavor available.
The Lunchbox Special includes a sandwich, side, drink, and captures exactly what you’d pack for lunch as a kid. Jon and Liz want every customer to experience that moment of being back at their elementary school lunch table, even if just for 30 seconds, remembering a time with no worries.
Why Richmond Loves Them
Liz worked as a cheesemonger before opening Fat Kid Sandwiches, giving her deep knowledge about quality ingredients and flavor combinations. Jon believes in letting people eat what they want without judgment, helping customers indulge in comfort food that brings genuine happiness. Their philosophy centers on finding joy in food and giving people permission to enjoy every bite.
Visit Fat Kid Sandwiches Today
Ready to satisfy your sandwich cravings? Head to Fat Kid Sandwiches at Hatch Local Food Hall and experience Richmond’s most indulgent subs, hot dogs, and ice cream. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for menu updates and specials. Whether you’re craving a classic Italian sub or want to try their famous chili cheese dog, this local spot delivers serious flavor with a side of nostalgia.
Sources: fatkidsandwiches.com, yelp.com, Fat Kid Sandwiches Facebook Page, Fat Kid Sandwiches Instagram Page
Header Image Source: Fat Kid Sandwiches Facebook Page
