
Hidden just a short walk from the entrance of Pier Park, Fatty’s is serving up delicious thick sandwiches with a side of alternative grunge rock. Although not exactly perfect for young kids, Fatty’s could possibly be THE best sandwich shop on Panama City Beach.
Built from scratch, Charlie Profit created Fatty’s from a passion to make sandwiches. Armed with a simple toaster oven and an empty belly, he would make ultimate sandwiches for himself and friends. The first hit was the Heart Stopper, voted #1 in Bay County by TripSmarter.com. Decorated with ham, turkey, salami, muenster, jalapeno harvati, mayo and spicy mustard, the Heart Stopper is toasted on white bread and served as a “fatty” or “full”. Beware, the fatty was so big I could hardly get my mouth around it.
I ordered the Albuquerque Turkey, fatty-style and was blown away. Again, the sandwich was huge, but not too much. The flavor was unbelievable and the mixture of ingredients perfectly complimentary. Sandwiched between sourdough bread was oven roast and sausalito turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, mayo and provolone cheese. One should take note that all the meats and cheese are genuine Boar’s Head brand.
My buddy ordered the Chief Salad which was delivered to our table large enough for two, in fact, she only ate half, saving the rest for dinner. Other salads include a Chicken Caesar, Greek and Buffalo Chicken salad.
The food that I had and saw was great, but what I really enjoyed was the cultural experience I had while I was in there. Now, I’m going to be frank here, because some of you may or may not be into Rage Against the Machine or Tool (those are bands
), but the atmosphere that Profit set up is one that the employees can feel comfortable in. Ian, the young store manager was in blue jeans, t-shirt and sneakers, and was happy to be at work because he loves his job and he loves what he does. And that conveyed. You could taste the happiness in the food. I know that sounded lame, but the food was good because it was being made by people that loved making it.
Ian was gracious enough to spend time answering questions and many that walked in the door, he shook their hand as they passed by because he knew them as regulars. After our conversation, he joined them for a sandwich.
Another thing that makes this place stand out is that it has free WiFi. Of course, they ask that you buy something to use it (makes sense to me!) In addition, if you don’t have a laptop, they have a couple computers hooked up and online as well.
If you’re into video games, there’s a back corner with a TV and a Play Station II all set up and ready to go.
Sandwiches range from the Heart Stopper, Whole Lotta Muffuletta, Itallion Stallion, Great Meaty Balls, Club, Cheese Steak Charlie, Reuben, Extra Sloppy Joe, Midnight Toker, French Dunker and more.
They serve wraps ranging from a Jacked-up Turkey Wrap, Club Wrap, Southwest Turkey Wrap, Chicken Ceasar Wrap and others. In addition to sandwiches and wraps Fatty’s Sandwich Shop is sure to lite up your tougue with soups.
Edited: I just finished off a delicious French Dunker; add one more to the list of amazing sandwiches to be found at this local secret.
Location: Across from Calypso Resort Towers, next to Pier Park, 15900 Front Beach Road
Phone Number: 850-249-1515
Hours: 10 am to 7 pm until June 15th, then from 7 am to 9 pm, serving breakfast.
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