Fat Boy’s Burrito Co. Review And History

Last Updated on June 8, 2025 by Brian Kachejian

Photo by Brian Kachejian

Yesterday, I walked into Fat Boy’s Burrito Company for the first time. I had heard plenty of good things about this place, but I had never actually tried one of their burritos. A lot of my friends had told me it was definitely worth checking out.

I used Google Maps to find it, which turned out to be a little tricky for some reason—even though it’s right off Jericho Turnpike in East Northport. Then again, with all the trees getting taller and more shopping centers being built, it’s easy to miss these spots if you’re not paying attention.

When I walked in, I was impressed by how clean the place was and by its overall layout. The music was a little loud, and there were TVs everywhere. To the left was the dining area, and to the right was the counter where you order your food. You could tell immediately that the setup was well thought out.

I asked the girl at the counter if she could recommend something popular or tell me what she liked. I tend to ask a lot of questions just to get a feel for what’s good. Her answer was polite but vague—something like, “It all depends on what you like.” I get it. She’s probably heard that question a hundred times and maybe gets a little tired of answering it.

The menu was packed—with burritos, empanadas, tacos, and more. But since it’s called Fat Boy Burrito Company, I knew I had to try a burrito. I’m a seafood fan, so my only real decision was whether to get the grilled shrimp or the fried shrimp burrito. I went with the grilled shrimp.

It took about 20 minutes to get my burrito, but based on everything I’ve read about this place, they make everything fresh. So even if you’re waiting 15 or 20 minutes, it’s totally worth it. And in this case, it absolutely was. I brought it out to my car, sat down, and enjoyed one of the best burritos I’ve ever eaten.

You can watch my video below to see the full experience in real time and why this burrito stood out. The nacho chips were fantastic, and the sauce—whatever it was—was out of this world. I’m still trying to figure out what they put in it.

Now that I’ve had my first Fat Boy’s Burrito, let’s take a deeper dive into the history behind this spot and explore more of what they have to offer.

Fat Boy’s Burrito Co. has rapidly carved out a niche as a fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain, capturing the hearts and, more notably, the stomachs of Long Islanders. Their recipe for success seems to be a blend of fresh, made-to-order food and an unwavering commitment to creating a memorable dining experience for every customer who walks through their doors. The rapid growth from a single storefront to multiple bustling locations, coupled with a significant social media following and prestigious local awards, suggests that Fat Boy’s is more than just a popular eatery; it’s blossoming into a local cultural phenomenon. The very nature of their food—often indulgent, shareable, and visually impressive—lends itself to this status. When a restaurant can boast a substantial following on Instagram, approaching one hundred thousand, and win a local “Best Of” award for its burritos, it’s clear they’ve tapped into something special, creating an experience that people are eager to talk about and share.

From Deli Counters to “Fat” Burritos: The Othman Brothers’ American Dream

Behind this burgeoning burrito empire are brothers Tony and Sam Othman, the visionaries who translated their lifelong experience in the food industry into a uniquely Long Island brand. Their journey didn’t start with burritos, but rather behind the familiar counters of family-run delis, where they spent most of their lives honing their skills and, crucially, their understanding of customer service. This deep-seated background in a traditional, customer-focused environment would prove to be a foundational element of their future success.

Tony Othman often shares a telling anecdote about their father’s distinctive approach in the family delis. He has described how his father, rather than staying behind the counter, would act more like a host, personally assisting customers with their shopping and going over items with them in the front of the store, akin to a maître d’. This image of personalized, attentive service, learned at a young age, clearly left an indelible mark. It speaks to a philosophy where the customer is not just a transaction but a guest to be welcomed and assisted. This ethos, cultivated in the high-interaction setting of a local deli, would later become a cornerstone of the Fat Boy’s Burrito Co. experience, setting them apart in the often more impersonal world of fast-casual dining. The Othmans effectively carried this “deli DNA” forward, embedding a tradition of service into a modern restaurant concept.

The Birth of a Legend: Bellmore and the Beginning (2017)

The year 2017 marked the official arrival of Fat Boy’s Burrito Co., with the opening of their first location in Bellmore, New York. It didn’t take long for word to spread; the spot rapidly gained popularity, drawing in crowds eager to see what the buzz was all about. From the outset, Fat Boy’s distinguished itself with its imaginative and amply filled burritos. This is where the “Fat” in Fat Boy’s truly earned its place, defining not just the portion sizes but the very identity of the brand.

The name “Fat Boy’s Burrito Co.” itself is a masterstroke of branding. It’s not merely a catchy moniker; it’s a direct, unambiguous promise to the customer. It signals that one can expect substantial, indulgent portions, a hearty meal that offers value and satisfaction. Customer reviews consistently echo this, with patrons remarking on the remarkably large and substantial size of the burritos; some even jest that the burritos contain an extraordinary amount of food. In a competitive food landscape, such a clear and memorable brand promise, delivered consistently, can be a powerful magnet for a specific demographic of diners—those looking for a satisfying, no-holds-barred eating adventure.

Growing the Dream: Expansion Across the Island

Fueled by the enthusiastic reception in Bellmore, the Othman brothers set their sights on broader horizons. Their growth wasn’t haphazard but strategic. After cementing their success in Nassau County, they made a deliberate move to expand into Suffolk County, opening their East Northport location in 2022. This expansion fulfilled a key objective: Tony Othman had previously expressed a clear vision of establishing two Fat Boy’s Burrito Co. locations in both Nassau and Suffolk counties. The Bellmore store had thrived for four years, even benefiting from the surge in to-go orders during the pandemic, which provided a solid foundation and the confidence to take the next step.

The latest chapter in their expansion story unfolded on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, with the launch of their Patchogue outpost. Tony Othman’s choice of Patchogue Village was intentional, citing its well-earned reputation as a recognized hub for food enthusiasts. He expressed a desire for Fat Boy’s to contribute to the vibrant local lunch scene and to offer a new, exciting delivery option for the area. The Patchogue restaurant, located at 74B East Main Street (situated behind Kilwins ice cream and candy shop, facing the parking lot next to the library), represents their continued ambition. This careful selection of locations, tapping into established culinary hubs, demonstrates an astute understanding of the local market. Their approach to entering new territories, such as offering food samples to neighboring businesses in East Northport prior to opening to build local anticipation, showcases a grassroots, community-minded strategy.

And the growth doesn’t appear to be stopping there. The ownership has indicated that further expansion is anticipated, a clear signal of their confidence in the brand’s appeal and their ongoing ambition to bring Fat Boy’s to even more Long Islanders.

The Fat Boy’s Philosophy: A Blend of Speed and Service

At the heart of Fat Boy’s Burrito Co.’s operational success is a distinct philosophy. Tony Othman describes their approach as aiming to be a quick-service place that offers a full-service level of attention. This simple phrase encapsulates their unique approach to hospitality in the fast-casual sector. It’s an ambition to blend the efficiency and convenience expected of a modern eatery with the warmth and personal attention more commonly associated with traditional sit-down restaurants.

This enhanced service ideal isn’t just a tagline; it’s put into practice daily. Customers receive a welcome upon entry, and staff check on them during their meal. Staff members are on hand to assist by providing containers or clearing trays. Tony Othman has noted that this approach allows customers to enjoy this level of service without feeling the obligation of a substantial tip. This proactive hospitality, likely a carry-over from their deli-upbringing, directly addresses a common desire for more personal connection in quick-service environments.

Complementing this service ethos is an unwavering commitment to the food itself. The company consistently emphasizes that all their food is prepared to order with only the finest ingredients, and they work very hard to provide the best possible food experience. This dual focus on both high-quality, freshly prepared meals and attentive customer care aims to elevate the overall dining experience beyond typical fast-casual expectations.

Decoding the Menu: What Makes a “Fat Boy” So Special (and So Big)?

The menu at Fat Boy’s Burrito Co. is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, textures, and, quite often, sheer audacity. While the menu officially highlights their large burritos and bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and street corn as specialties, it’s the burritos that have truly catapulted them to local fame. These creations have been described by some diners as being generously filled with a mix of traditional and creative flavors.

The names themselves are often as bold and playful as the ingredients within. Consider the Fat Hawaiian, a popular choice featuring marinated steak, grilled pineapple shrimp, rice, arugula, salsa, onion strings, and their signature Fat Boy’s sauce. Then there’s the Fat Mamacita, an indulgent mix of fried shrimp, marinated steak, macaroni and cheese, roasted corn, onion strings, scallions, Fat Boy’s sauce, and cilantro. For those seeking a double dose of crispy goodness, the Fat Crispy Crisp combines bang bang shrimp and honey sriracha chicken fingers with rice, beans, onion strings, queso, and more. And for mac & cheese lovers, the Fat Mac loads up chicken fingers, mac & cheese, queso, onion strings, and coleslaw, all drizzled with Fat Boy’s sauce. The creativity doesn’t stop there, with other burritos featuring unconventional but crowd-pleasing fillings like Flamin’ Hot Cheetos (in the Fat Cheetorito) or even entire jalapeño poppers (in the Fat Amigo).

Beyond these legendary burritos, the menu offers a surprisingly extensive range of options catering to various tastes and times of day. The Breakfast Menu is robust, boasting an array of hefty breakfast burritos like the “#1 Fat Wakey Wakey” (soft scrambled eggs, bacon, shredded cheese, tots, pico de gallo, avocado, crema) and the “#2 Fat Mucho Hungry” (steak, bacon, soft scrambled eggs, mozzarella, onion strings, Fat Boy’s sauce), alongside breakfast tacos and quesadillas. Their Loaded Fries & Fat Snacks section is a playground of indulgence, with items like Hot Honey Chicken & Fries, Carnitas Queso Fries, TotChos (tater tots turned nachos), and their popular Street Corn, including a “Crazy Corn” version with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.

Recent additions like Fat Crunch Wraps and Smash Burgers show a willingness to evolve and tap into other popular food trends, while their diverse Tacos & Quesadillas (including inventive “Tacodillas” and the “Krispydilla” – a Bang Bang chicken quesadilla) offer more traditional formats with a Fat Boy’s twist. For those who prefer to call the shots, Build-Your-Own options for burritos, bowls, and salads are readily available. Vegetarians are not forgotten, with dedicated options like the “Fat Floret” (broccoli-cauliflower adobo) and the “Fat Jack” (chipotle BBQ jackfruit). To wash it all down, there’s a selection of beverages including Jarritos, Agua Frescas, and for the 21-and-over crowd, a tempting list of alcoholic tropical drinks. The constant appearance of “New!” next to items across the menu signals a dynamic approach, keeping offerings fresh and encouraging return visits to try the latest creation.

Here’s a glimpse at some of their standout categories:

This menu is clearly more than just a list of items for sale; it’s a statement. It’s designed to be adventurous, often over-the-top, and highly shareable—both in the literal sense, given the portion sizes, and on social media, given its visual extravagance.

Insta-Famous: Riding the Wave of Viral Food Culture

In today’s digital age, a restaurant’s online presence can be as crucial as its physical one, and Fat Boy’s Burrito Co. has masterfully ridden the wave of viral food culture. Their significant social media footprint, particularly on Instagram where they command an audience approaching one hundred thousand followers, has been instrumental in cementing their status as among the most well-known burrito spots on Long Island. This isn’t just passive posting; it’s an active ingredient in their brand’s rapid ascent. Franchise materials even highlight their strong social media presence as a key asset, underscoring its importance to their business model.

The very nature of their food—those imaginative and amply filled burritos—lends itself perfectly to the visual medium of Instagram. These aren’t just meals; they’re spectacles. The vibrant colors, the overflowing ingredients, the sheer scale of the burritos – it’s all inherently photogenic and shareable. This visual appeal translates directly into engagement, with examples like a single video of their creations garnering a very large number of views. Such viral moments amplify their reach far beyond their physical locations, drawing in curious new customers eager to experience the hype for themselves. They’ve successfully created products that don’t just taste good (though many fans attest they do) but also look incredible, prompting an organic cascade of user-generated content that continuously fuels their reputation for being popular on Instagram.

“Best Burrito on Long Island”: Acclaim and Recognition

While social media buzz can generate excitement, local, community-driven accolades often speak to a deeper level of appreciation and quality. Fat Boy’s Burrito Co. achieved a significant milestone in this regard when their Bellmore location received the title for the best burrito on Long Island in a 2024 local “Best Of” awards program. This award is particularly noteworthy because it’s a community-voted recognition, reflecting genuine local sentiment and widespread approval that goes beyond fleeting online trends.

This triumph signifies an important dimension to the Fat Boy’s image. It demonstrates that they are not solely a fleeting social media trend built on novelty but an establishment recognized by the broader Long Island community for delivering a superior product. Winning such an award helps to solidify their reputation for quality, complementing the excitement generated by their more outrageous creations. It provides a powerful form of external validation, appealing to diners who value local recommendations and proven excellence, and elevates their status from a viral sensation to a critically acknowledged local favorite.

Where to Find Them: Your Guide to Fat Boy’s Locations & Hours

For those ready to embark on their own Fat Boys adventure, the restaurant serves its generously portioned fare across three locations on Long Island. Each spot offers the same commitment to fresh ingredients and that signature enhanced service ideal.

Here are the details:

The Vibe: What Customers Are Saying

The true measure of a restaurant often lies in the experiences of its patrons, and Fat Boy’s Burrito Co. elicits some enthusiastic responses. Recurring themes in customer feedback include praise for the delicious food, the friendly staff, and, almost universally, the incredibly generous portions that live up to the “Fat Boy” name. One customer from North Palm Beach, Florida, humorously described feeling extremely full and satisfied after consuming a large burrito, likening the feeling to having a “food baby” and anticipating a “food coma”. Another patron, posting on the Long Island Foodies Facebook page, praised the tasty food and the welcoming nature of the staff.

The sheer size is a constant refrain. A customer from Connecticut remarked on the substantial size of the burritos, finding them very filling, delicious, and flavorful. A Floral Park resident also commented on the impressive size of the burritos, suggesting they were packed with a remarkable quantity of food. Even at the East Northport opening, which was reportedly very busy, a reviewer found the service to be friendly and attentive, and the food worth the wait. A Google reviewer was particularly impressed by the East Northport location and owner Tony Othman himself, describing the service as amazing and Mr. Othman as an absolute pleasure to meet, adding that the food was delicious, super fulfilling, and offered more than expected for the price.

Of course, the Fat Boy’s style—big, bold, and often blending traditional Mexican elements with American comfort food—isn’t for everyone. Some online commentators have characterized the offerings as a non-traditional style of burrito, or like combining various snack foods into a tortilla. Others have described some flavor combinations as unconventional, while still noting the very large portions. These observations, while sometimes critical, also help to define the specific, highly indulgent niche that Fat Boy’s occupies. They cater to a desire for maximalist comfort food, an experience that’s memorable for its sheer scale and creative, if unconventional, combinations. For many fans, the feeling of being extremely full is less a complaint and more a badge of honor, a testament to a satisfyingly epic meal.

More Than Just Meals: Catering and Community Connections

Fat Boy’s Burrito Co. extends its reach beyond its restaurant walls through catering services, allowing fans to bring the signature “fat” experience to their own parties and special events. This service offers another avenue for customers to engage with the brand and share its unique culinary style with a larger group.

While detailed information on extensive charity work isn’t prominent, their approach to community engagement is evident in smaller, impactful ways. For instance, prior to the East Northport opening, Tony Othman made a point of offering food samples to other local businesses in the area. This gesture not only generated buzz but also fostered goodwill and support among neighboring establishments, who then helped spread the word about the new arrival. Such actions, though perhaps not large-scale philanthropic events, demonstrate an understanding of the importance of local networking and building roots within the community. These efforts contribute to weaving Fat Boys into the fabric of Long Island, making them more than just a place to eat, but a recognized and appreciated local entity.

Conclusion: The Enduring (and Expanding) Appeal of Fat Boy’s Burrito Co.

The story of Fat Boy’s Burrito Co. is a compelling narrative of entrepreneurial spirit, savvy branding, and a keen understanding of modern culinary desires. Brothers Tony and Sam Othman have successfully translated their family’s legacy in the food service industry, particularly the emphasis on customer care, into a thriving fast-casual chain that resonates deeply with Long Islanders. They’ve created a brand that is both memorable and delivers on its promise of “fat” burritos, packed with inventive and indulgent fillings.

Their impact on the Long Island food scene is undeniable. From achieving significant social media attention with their visually impressive and highly shareable creations to earning the community’s vote for the best burrito on Long Island, Fat Boy’s has demonstrated a multifaceted appeal. They’ve managed to blend the excitement of viral food trends with a tangible commitment to a positive customer experience, aiming for a quick-service establishment that provides a full-service level of attention.

With indications of future growth on the horizon, the Fat Boy’s Burrito Co. saga is far from over. Their journey encapsulates several key elements of modern restaurant success: a distinctive brand identity, a unique product offering that generates excitement, masterful use of social media, a genuine focus on the customer, and a strategic approach to expansion. It seems highly likely that Fat Boy’s will continue to be a beloved, talked-about, and satisfyingly “fat” fixture in Long Island’s vibrant culinary landscape for many years to come.