A new family-owned concept serving sandwiches and empanadas is preparing to make its Westerville debut.
Fat Arnie’s Provecho is set to open later this month at 20 S. State St., taking over the former DiCarlo’s Pizza space in Uptown Westerville. The concept comes from the family behind Fat Arnie’s Sandwich Shop, which currently operates inside Rafters Beer Pub at 4404 Indianola Ave. in Clintonville.
Speaking with What Now Columbus, Christopher Beardman, also known as Chris, a co-owner behind the concept, said the expansion came after an unexpected opportunity arose while the team was exploring the purchase of the bar next door.
“Actually, I was looking to purchase the bar that is next door to it,” Beardman said. “After conversations continued, the restaurant came up, and we thought, ‘Let’s explore this a little more.’ Lo and behold, we ended up taking the spot.”
Fat Arnie’s Provecho is a family-run business led by Beardman and his sons, Christopher, the chef behind the menu, and Andrew, who manages the company’s marketing and social media. Christopher previously opened a restaurant in Cuenca, Ecuador, with his wife and continues to operate it while helping lead the family’s concepts in Ohio.
While the new restaurant builds on the success of Fat Arnie’s Sandwich Shop, Provecho will introduce its own identity. The menu will continue to feature sandwiches and the brand’s popular empanadas but will be adapted to the former pizza restaurant’s existing kitchen.
“We’ll definitely have sandwiches and empanadas,” Beardman said. “Empanadas are one of our absolute bestsellers, so those will continue, along with even more flavours.”
He added that customers can also expect rotating menu items, including potential breakfast empanadas on weekends and additional chef-driven specials.
The approximately 800-square-foot restaurant will primarily focus on takeout and delivery, with only a few bistro tables available for guests. Customers will also have the option to enjoy their meals in the adjacent bar space, which the family acquired as part of the project.
Beardman said the name “Provecho” reflects the restaurant’s philosophy.
“It’s more than saying ‘bon appétit,'” he said. “It’s wishing someone a blessing for their meal. It’s just something that feels good.”
Only minor updates are being made to the former DiCarlo’s location, allowing the team to move quickly toward opening. Beardman said the goal is to open before July 24, in time for Uptown Westerville’s Fourth Friday celebration.
The expansion comes after years of discussing a second location, although the family wanted to grow carefully.
“We wanted controlled growth and to make sure we were ready before expanding,” Beardman said.
Looking ahead, Beardman said the team has already received a warm welcome from the Westerville community and is excited to introduce the concept.
“We’ve had tremendous support from the city, neighbouring businesses and the community,” he said. “We just hope everyone enjoys Christopher’s food as much as I do.”
Fat Arnie’s Provecho will share additional updates through its social media channels as it prepares to open later this month.
