Manchester, Tennessee – A 13-year-old, Tobey Chapman, has launched his own restaurant, Tobey’s Sandwich Shack, which opened in September on McMinnville Pike. The establishment, a result of family recipes and a unique long-term savings plan, has swiftly become a gathering place for the community, drawing customers from across the area.
The foundation for Tobey’s entrepreneurial venture was laid by his grandfather, Glenn Chapman, who began setting aside money every month from the day Tobey was born. As Tobey grew, Glenn advised him it was time to invest. Tobey, guided by his grandfather, subsequently purchased and "flipped" two houses, one after the other. The profits from these real estate ventures were then used to acquire the property on McMinnville Pike and establish the sandwich shop.
Tobey Chapman expressed that he had long been drawn to the food industry, having watched shows like “MasterChef” for years. He ultimately settled on sandwiches for his first restaurant, noting their broad appeal.
While Tobey attends school, the daily operations of Tobey’s Sandwich Shack are managed by Jess Roberts and Cat Myers. The two have been working together since the restaurant's opening, responsible for slicing meats, preparing ingredients, and serving customers from a menu Tobey developed from scratch. Roberts noted that business has been steadily increasing, requiring a significant increase in meat preparation, a development she welcomed.
Roberts, who shares a personal connection with Tobey's family, remarked on the immediate and warm community response to the shack. She observed people driving from various parts of the area specifically for menu items like the Reuben sandwich. The staff at Tobey’s Sandwich Shack makes a concerted effort to learn each customer’s name, greeting them personally and even anticipating their regular orders. Roberts emphasized the shop's inclusive atmosphere, stating, “Each face is a part of our family,” and that once customers become regulars, they are incorporated into the shop's extended family.
Given Tobey Chapman’s age, he cannot legally pull permits or sign contracts for the business. This crucial role falls to his grandfather, Glenn Chapman, who handles all the necessary paperwork and logistical details to ensure the business operates smoothly. Glenn Chapman affirmed Tobey's deep involvement, stating that his grandson is “pretty knowledgeable” and handles much of the computer work, assists with designing documents, operates the cash register, takes orders, and makes sandwiches, doing “pretty much all of it.” Glenn also performs the essential task of transporting Tobey to the shack every day after school, as Tobey is not yet old enough to drive. Glenn Chapman shared that Tobey has lived with him since birth, and helping his grandson succeed has become central to his life.
After several months of building a loyal customer base, Tobey’s Sandwich Shack celebrated its official grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The restaurant now serves more than 100 customers daily. The menu features a variety of sandwiches, including an Italian and a loaded grilled cheese, with new specials introduced regularly to keep offerings fresh.
When Tobey is not at soccer practice, he dedicates his after-school hours fully to the shack. Roberts described his presence as “chaos and it’s pure enjoyment all at the same time,” illustrating his youthful energy by recounting how he might be seen filling drinks and playfully acting like a robot with Coke boxes, only to quickly shift into “business mode” to count change.
Tobey Chapman reflected on his journey of setting up and learning the intricacies of running the business alongside his family, calling the experience worthwhile. He stated that the venture has taught him “all the steps it takes making a good establishment.” Looking ahead, Tobey and his family hope that this initial Sandwich Shack is just the beginning, with dreams of eventually expanding his sandwich creations across Tennessee and potentially nationwide.
