Our Roots
From a Food Truck Dream to a Chicago Classic
Every great sandwich has a story — and so does The Fat Shallot.
What began as a single red food truck rolling through Chicago in 2012 has grown into a beloved local favorite with neighborhood locations across the city and beyond. But long before there were restaurants, regulars, or lines in the street, there was simply a griddle, a dream, and a serious love for sandwiches.
How It All Began
Founders Sam Barron and Sarah Weitz have always shared a passion for food. Years after graduating from the same high school, they reconnected over conversations about butter and discovered a mutual devotion to all things delicious. That shared appetite took them around the world working on organic farms and eating street food. Eventually brought them home to Chicago, where they decided to build something of their own.
The Fat Shallot launched as the 5th food truck cooking on board in the city of Chicago serving students, festivals, and office crowds. From the start, the focus wasn’t on trends — it was on classics & flavor. Classic sandiwches with a twist. Whether it was the Truffle BLT, a perfectly melty Grilled Cheese, or crispy sesame fries with a kick, everything was made the way they wanted to eat it: hot, fresh, and full of flavor.
As word spread, so did the business. The Fat Shallot expanded from its original truck to multiple food trucks and brick-and-mortar locations, including Lincoln Park, Sterling Food Hall, the Merchandise Mart, Gillson Beach, and Evanston — now home to their largest restaurant yet.
Through every stage of growth, the mission has stayed the same: serve bold, delicious sandwiches with genuine hospitality.
Today, The Fat Shallot remains proudly locally owned and operated, still guided by the same heart, humor, and love of great sandwiches that started it all.
