Cheba Hut ‘Toasted’ Subs Expands Its Stash

Welcome to the first edition of Boomer Bites from Steve Cook, veteran travel and food writer. “I’m not a food critic. I’m not even smart enough to be a foodie. I just love to eat and discover new places to eat some more,” he says. “Here’s a discovery I made to my great delight this past week – Cheba Hut “Toasted” Subs. Just in time for Submarine-Hoagie-Hero-Grinder Day on Oct. 9.”

Cheba Hut ‘Toasted’ Subs

Fast-casual Cheba Hut has operated since 1998, expanding to more than 20 states – that leaves nearly 30 states without these toasted sandwiches. The restaurants serve more than 30 signature toasted subs (including five veggie subs), available in Nug (4-inch), Pinner (8-inch) and Blunt (12-inch) sizes. Fan favorites include the chicken, ranch, and bacon White Widow; the pizza-inspired Dank; and veggie-forward, guac and cream cheese Griefo – plus other buzz-worthy fare.

I was on hand for the grand opening of what may soon prove to be one of the Richmond area’s most popular sub shops as well as a cool spot to simply chill when you want a fun and tasty getaway. The new Cheba Hut “Toasted” Subs opened in the Midlothian Depot shopping center (1124 Steam Ave.) on September 24. This location is Cheba Hut’s easternmost outpost. Maria Esquivel, vice-president of marketing for WAHi Brands, the franchisee responsible for the Midlothian sub shop, says that WAHi will be opening a store in Colonial Heights, Virginia, and in Michigan, too, both in 2027.

I received a press release from WAHi that teased a grand-opening-day Money Drop to be held at 4:20 in the afternoon. Hmm, I’m thinking, 4:20? I need to check out the joint. By the way, in keeping with a policy of full transparency, I admit that I came into a small fortune at the money drop. I walked away, my pockets bulging with $7 in cold, hard cash.

While the precise timing of the money drop as well as the name of the restaurant and its uniquely named subs may conjure up an image of some hazy university-area dive, Cheba Hut is anything but. It’s a bright, colorful shop that features something that you won’t find in virtually any sub shop around. And that’s a full-service bar.

So, why the name? Maria explains that that Cheba Hut’s founder, Scott Jennings, wanted to do something different when he opened his first sub shop and bar near Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, in 1998. “He wanted a place where everybody feels welcome … a place where you don’t mind waiting a little bit longer for your sub,” she says.

Maria adds, “People are drawn to us because we are a place that’s not afraid to be a little bit different, a little out of the norm. We call it ‘chill vibe.’”

However, she is quick to add that this is indeed a very family-friendly dining spot.

So, what about the food? “This is the best toasted sub you will ever have,” Maria raves. She says there is a sub for everyone’s tastes. Her favorite is the Kali Mist, which includes roasted turkey breast, bacon, chipotle mayo, jalapeño, avocado, pepper jack, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, shake (parmesan and oregano), and the house dressing.

Check out their other tempting subs online.

As for the menu, Maria says, “We pride ourself on having combinations that you’re not going to find at any other sub shop.”

Other menu favorites include fresh salads, a selection of “Munchies,” and popular desserts such as brownies (of course) and the delicious Krispy Bars, which were pioneered by those three famous chefs, Snap, Crackle, and Pop. Cheba Hut’s sweet, sticky bars of marshmallow goodness include Fruit Loops and Cap’n Crunch. Everything is made in house, says Maria.

She adds that they are partnering with the Richmond Kickers soccer team to come up with a sub that is uniquely Richmond.

The company’s nod to honoring the local culture is also seen in the bright, colorful murals on the walls. Here in Midlothian, muralist Joshua Finley turned the state’s “Virginia Is for Lovers” tagline into a Love Shack dance party stacked with local lore, from the Richmond Vampire, Dunlora Witch, Woodbooger, to a nod to Midlothian’s coal-mining history. In that vein (no pun intended), the mural depicts Cheba Hut’s mascot, Flip the Bird, as the canary in the coalmine.

It’s all fun, delicious, and very unique. Oh yeah, don’t forget the full-service bar, which features a host of local brews, , such as the Kickers Ale from Triple Crossing, inspired cocktails, and a very happy Happy Hour.

So, is Richmond ready to welcome something truly different, something that until recently has only been available in the western half of the U.S.?

The large crowd that lined up outside the door on opening day proves that many locals are already familiar with or intrigued by this “Toasted” subs joint. And WAHi Brands owner, Isaac Montoya, who was also on hand for Midlothian’s grand opening, says, “I think this community is ready for a Cheba Hut and we’re ready to be here.”

Don’t you think it’s high time that you personally check the place out?