Welcome to Da Sammich Spot & Resource Hub, the Memphis-born, mission-driven space where food, family, and future collide. It’s a one-stop-shop for eats and empowerment, founded by Rob Brown, a South Memphis native who turned his own story of incarceration into a city-shaping source of hope.
And when we say this place is doing it all, we’re not exaggerating. While we were there, Xcelente Trucking was hosting a free CDL class for justice-impacted students. One student? About to graduate and run his own dump truck business.
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Who’s Behind Da Sammich Spot & Resource Hub?
Meet Rob, born and raised in Memphis, Whitehaven kid, South Memphis roots, and a visionary.
“I went to federal prison. That’s where I started organizing. I had a vision, and I pushed it,” Rob told us.
“If you have a vision, go for it like you can’t breathe without it.”
He didn’t wait on grants or perfect timing. He started with a food stand then expanded and now operates Da Sammich Spot & Resource Hub alongside his nephew.
It’s not flashy. It’s real. Every wall and workbench was built by hand, and every class and connection comes from a place of lived experience and relentless purpose.
What Happens at Da Sammich Spot Beyond the Food?
So. Much. More.
Yes, you’ll come back for that avocado turkey panini or the wildly popular “Fried Bad wRaps”, but while you’re there, you’ll notice something different: people are building futures in between bites.
Here’s what’s cooking:
🛠️ Free reentry programs for formerly incarcerated folks
🚛 CDL classes in partnership with Xcelente Trucking
✂️ Barber license training
✍️ Expungement support for those trying to clean up their record
🧠 Community classes, art gallery nights, and civic engagement events
🗳️ Meet-and-greets with local leaders (👋 Catch Mayor Paul Young on May 13)
“If you offer resources, come offer them here,” Rob said.
What Makes Da Sammich Spot Special?
It’s a space built by people impacted by the system, for others working their way back from it. And it’s wrapped in a message that hits hard:
“It’s not a sprint. It’s a marathon. It won’t come easy.”
But with support, structure, and second chances? It can come.
What’s Next for the Spot?
Rob’s mission is to see businesses reinvest in their communities with money and presence.
He wants Da Sammich Spot to be a model: a place where everyday people, nonprofits, employers, and city officials pull up and actually show up.
More classes. More resources. More neighborhood connection.
And most importantly, more stories like this:
“One of the guys in the CDL program said it’s impossible not to learn in this program. He’s about to graduate and will be running a dump truck with his dad.”
That’s Memphis right there. That’s the work.
How Can You Support?
Pull up. Eat well. Get involved.
Here’s how you can show love to Da Sammich Spot & Resource Hub:
🥪 Stop by for lunch and try the panini or fried bad wRap
🤝 Offer your expertise. Rob’s always looking for volunteers and resource providers. Reach out to him at (901)210-2071 or dasammichspot@gmail.com.
📣 Spread the word to someone who needs support
🗓️ Attend the May 13 meet-and-greet with Mayor Paul Young
💵 Donate supplies or sponsor a program to keep this movement growing
In Memphis, Second Chances Come With Sauce and Support
Whether you’re fresh out or just starting over, Rob’s message is clear: there’s a place for you here.
And yes, it comes with a side of fries.
🎓 If you have resources, programs, trainings, services, etc., and you’re looking for a FREE space to engage the community in the heart of Orange Mound, contact Rob at (901)210-2071 or dasammichspot@gmail.com.
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