OFF TO A GOOD START
Little Big Fatz serving up fresh fast food and ice cream
WYNANTSKILL, N.Y. » Little Big Fatz, located at 158 Main Ave., is in the middle of their soft opening. A grand opening is planned for the summer. So far, business is off to a good start.
The family-owned, family-friendly fish fry and scoop shack is the only one of its kind in the area.
“You’d have to go to Stewart’s for ice cream, and over to Ted’s (Fish Fry) for the fish,” said owner Albert Deeb. “We’re the only place like this in town.”
When the weather is nice, Deeb says the line for ice cream can stretch down the block. Even in unpleasant weather, there’s still a steady stream of customers coming in for food and frozen treats. Deeb plans to sell ice cream until September, and food until midDecember. Then he’ll close up for the season.
Little Big Fatz gets its name from Deeb himself, who says growing up he had some cousins who gave him that nickname. He’s been in the foodservice business since he was 14, first helping out at his dad’s establishment, Jack’s Drive In.
A few years ago, he took over managing Jack’s. When Deeb was ready to do business on his own, he started off in food trucks. Capital Region residents may remember the Little Big Fatz Food Shack trucks that did regular business throughout the region. Recently, Deeb had the opportunity to acquire a brick—and-mortar storefront.
“I’d always wanted to do something on my own,” Deeb commented. “So when this opportunity came along, I took it. When you have a really big family, you want a chance to branch out and do your own thing.”
Deeb is happy to be doing his own thing in Wynantskill.
“I grew up here, I’ve got a pretty good rapport with the community,” he said.
The building that is now Little Big Fatz has always been an ice cream shop in one form or another, so it’s an established community spot. With Deeb in charge now, there’s going to be a bigger focus on the other half of the menu, family-friendly food served in generous portions and priced just right.
The Little Big Fatz menu features a variety of seafood fry items, hot dogs, chicken, and specialty burgers. Everything is fresh and made to order. The only frozen items you’ll find are ice cream.
Deeb created the menu himself, and his wife helped him name the burgers. A few are named for family members, including The Sweeny. That one is in honor of Deeb’s uncle and godfather, Tom Sweeny, who was going to be his business partner but passed away before the shop could open.
“He was like a second father to me,” Deeb recalled. “He’d have been so proud. The whole shop is dedicated to him.”
Stop in at Little Big Fatz and you’ll be greeted warmly. Deeb’s charismatic personality makes every customer feel welcome. Tables inside are spaced for social distancing, though there’s only a few of them due to the shop’s small footprint. You can always get your food to go, or if the weather’s nice, you can grab an outdoor table alongside the brand new parking lot.
Deeb is happy to see every customer that comes in. He’s working on plans to give back to the community when he’s ready for the shop’s grand opening in the summer, including some giveaways.
“I want to thank the community for their support,” Deeb said. “Without them, I wouldn’t be here. I also want to thank my family for sticking behind me.”