Looking for lunch in The Fan? The new Which Wich, owned by a VCU grad, is set to open next month right next to his alma mater. (Photo courtesy: Which Wich)
Jiger Patel is getting his 'wich. (How many “wich” puns can I cram into this article? So very many.) After a six-year planning period and the successful opening of his first Which Wich sandwich shop at West Broad Village in Short Pump, the VCU grad has landed an ideal spot across from the Siegel Center for store number two. His initial motivation for buying into the sandwich franchise was to serve his alma mater’s population, so this is a dream realized; lucky us, we’ll be getting highly customizable sandwiches out of the deal by mid-February. And giant milkshakes.
Patel came to Richmond from Kenya upon being accepted by VCU, one of six universities to accept him in the U.S. He had family here — cousins, also in school — and that made the decision easy. “And then I met my wife there," he says. "It was a great decision, going to VCU. I have no regrets; it’s very near and dear to me. I worked for VCU after I graduated — I was the webmaster for the School of Education. I was glad to contribute something back to the area, and I still am … this time, with Which Wich.”
Which Wich is a build-your-own sandwich concept. You grab a bag that doubles as your order ticket and Sharpie in how you want your sandwich built; you can start simple with something like plain turkey, or you can start with a preconceived sammie like Thank You Turkey, which has stuffing and cranberry sauce, and continue to add ingredients. Cheese, mustards, mayos, dressings, veggies (including yummy bits like crispy fried onions and pickled jalapeños) and spices abound. Salad and wrap options should be popping up soon, too. “Our buffalo chicken sandwich is famous. For people who like sweet and salty, the Monte Cristo is one of my personal favorites … and the Reuben is out of this world,” Patel adds.
He’s also working with corporate headquarters to get a special selection on the VCU location’s menu: The Rodney, as in university mascot Rodney the Ram. No word on what will be on it yet, but in other exciting news, Patel’s focus on community building and education will translate into dollars donated to nearby schools once the restaurant is on its feet.
Feeling wichy? Check out the menu and visit Short Pump, Midlothian or Willow Lawn if you need to dig in right away, then get yourself to VCU campus in late February and customize once again to the contentment of your hungry heart. Only it can divine which 'wich is right for you.
Which Wich in West Broad Village is located at 2239 Old Brick Road, and is open Monday to Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Patel's new Which Wich location is set to open at 1225 W. Broad St. in mid-February. Additionally, there are two more Richmond-area Which Wich locations: 1601 Willow Lawn Drive and 15608 WC Commons Way.
