“You say the place is named Fozzie’s? Hey, that’s my name, too!!”
Now I’ve heard of dress emporiums and hair emporiums, but never a sandwich emporium. I had to see for myself if Fozzie’s Sandwich Emporium in Richmond Heights (another in Des Peres) was, indeed, worthy of such a splendid designation.
My son, Russ, and I stopped there for lunch recently. It’s the proverbial hole in the wall with about 3 or 4 tables, so we opted for a take-out order. Pondering the menu board was a bit mind boggling at first. But when the girl behind the counter saw my glazed-over look, she handed me a printed menu.
A Menu of Classics and Originals
There were 8 different hot dog selections, 7 hamburger choices, and a dozen or more classic sandwiches, plus salads, spreads, shakes and sundaes, even “wee-wiches” for the kids. They also do vegetarian and vegan fare. And deliver. . . and cater.
The menu board can be a bit overwhelming. Ask for the printed menu that’s much easier to navigate.
With some help from the sweet young lady behind the counter, I finally settled on the Eggplant Parm—a warm, crispy eggplant sandwich with mozzarella, spinach and tomato sauce on a hoagie. Russ got the Reuben with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and thousand island on marble rye.
Meanwhile, Back at My Kitchen
Once back at my condo—where Russ was doing some repair work to my cabinet door—we swapped sandwich halves. So I sampled two Fozzie classics. Both were exceptionally tasty, well crafted and of emporium quality. (What’s more, my cabinet door swings perfectly now.)
Moral of Story: Feed the help well.
The Eggplant Parm Sandwich before I poured on the tomato sauce.
The Classic Reuben on marble rye
The decor and signage may be a bit uninspired, but the kitchen is turning out classy comfort food, which is why Food & Wine named Fozzie’s among the Top 20 Sandwich Shops in the nation. 
Fozzie’s Sandwich Emporium: 1170 S. Big Bend Blvd/ in Richmond Heights (also 11656 Manchester Rd. in Des Peres). Open: Sun-Sat 11a-9p. Carryout, delivery, and catering.
