Fat Andy’s brings big flavour and local pride to North Melbourne

A once-tired corner building at 445 Queensberry St, North Melbourne, has been lovingly restored and reborn as Fat Andy’s – a sandwich and coffee shop that’s already making waves with its hearty menu and unmistakable Melbourne character.

Opened on October 21 by husband-and-wife team Andy Snare and Lyda Chan, Fat Andy’s celebrates both craftsmanship and community. The couple, proud locals of North and West Melbourne, transformed the late-Victorian building at the corner of Chetwynd St into a light-filled neighbourhood gem, complete with a menu that’s equal parts comfort and creativity.

The response has been very positive,” Andy said. “The vast majority of our customers come back more than once. It’s now just a matter of convincing new people to get through the door!

After a career in the corporate world and several years living in Hong Kong, Andy said the idea for Fat Andy’s grew out of homesickness – and a lack of good sandwiches overseas. “You take stuff for granted,” he said. “I didn’t know how much I liked sandwiches until I couldn’t get one.”

Their sandwiches reflect Melbourne’s cultural mix, drawing inspiration from the city’s diverse communities. “My menu is designed to represent the people that make up this city,” Andy explained. “I’ve got Italian, Greek, Chinese, Vietnamese – trying to bring all those flavours together because that’s my wife, that’s my mates, that’s what I grew up with.”

The result? A range of “Melbourne originals” that have already struck a chord. Standouts include the “Oakleigh Boy”, a Greek-inspired feta and olive toastie, and the now-infamous “A Succulent Chinese Meal” – a fried chicken brioche sandwich nodding to the viral “Democracy Manifest” meme. “People love the name, but the sandwich stands on its own,” Andy said.

Other favourites include the “Barwon”, a dressed-up take on the humble beef and gravy roll, and the "Lygon Lad", which channels classic Italian flavours with pepperoni, Napoli sauce and basil.

Beyond the sandwiches, Fat Andy’s serves coffee by Roasting Warehouse, ensuring every brew matches the quality of the food. “We’ve invested in top-of-the-line equipment for consistency,” Andy said. “It’s the same approach we take to everything here.”

Locals have also praised the building’s restoration. “A lot of the older members of the community have stopped to thank me,” Andy said. “It was a full restoration, and we followed all the heritage rules – it wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.”

For Andy and Lyda, Fat Andy’s isn’t just a business – it’s a love letter to Melbourne, one sandwich at a time.

Fat Andy’s is open daily at 445 Queensberry St, North Melbourne. Menu and hours available at fatandys.com.au •