Franchising

Cheba Hut lands in Baton Rouge

Provided

August 4, 2021

Cheba Hut, a marijuana-inspired sandwich franchise, will open a location in Baton Rouge, Louisiana Aug. 9, according to a company press release.

The "toasted" sub shop, located at 411 Ben Hur Road, offers over 30 sandwiches, as well as Rice Krispy treats, salads, and munchies, along with a full-service bar. Drinks like the Dirty Hippie, Hot Box and Cheba Rita will be on the menu, while the beer will feature a mix of national and local favorites Lagunitas, Nola Brewery, and Rally Cap.

Local owners, and husband and wife duo, Tommy and Meredith Wiggins both have more than 20 years of experience in the food service industry. Meredith Wiggins is the owner of Island Girl Bake Shop, while Tommy Wiggins has spent the past 15 years working at Maxwell's Market.

In 2009, the couple lost all of their belongings in a fire, narrowly getting out alive. After the Baton Rouge community rallied behind the two to help them get back on their feet, the couple was inspired to give back to the city. In 2019, the couple made the decision to attend a Cheba Hut discovery day and learn more about potentially opening a location of their own.

"We could not be more excited to bring Cheba Hut to Baton Rouge," Tommy Wiggins said in the release. "This is our way to give a little something to the people and the community that has given us so much, and we are confident that the concept will resonate in this area. We want our shop to be a gathering place that's centered in togetherness, respect and one love, and we're sure that it will be an immediate success."

To celebrate the grand opening, Cheba Hut will host a VIP event prior to opening its doors to the public, allowing friends and local business owners to take a look at the business.

"Our newest franchise partners, Tommy and Meredith, are the perfect people to bring Cheba Hut to Baton Rouge. This is our first shop in Louisiana and we look forward to continuing to grow the brand within this market over the next few years," Cheba Hut CRO Seth Larsen said in the release.

Cheba Hut, established in 1998 by founder and current president Scott Jennings, has grown to more than 40 locations.