Small Business Spotlight: Fat Buns Cafe
kalbi beef sandwich
Fat Buns Cafe: A Family-Run Spot Bringing Korean-Inspired Comfort to Downtown Mount Vernon
Fat Buns Cafe has quickly made a name for itself in downtown Mount Vernon with Korean-inspired sandwiches, homemade pastries, and locally sourced coffee, all made from scratch.
You might be wondering where the name “Fat Buns” came from, and if you’re curious, you should go try the cafe’s namesake! Fat Buns’ signature baked bao buns, filled with kalbi beef or spicy pork, were among the first items the owners envisioned offering. Brothers Peter and Paul wanted a name that was catchy, fun, and memorable - something that reflected both their food and their personality.
Originally, the brothers planned to open a coffee shop. As the concept developed, however, they decided to expand the menu to include heartier options like sandwiches and pastries. For Peter, the cafe also became an opportunity to share his own Korean recipes and take creative risks rather than sticking to safer, more conventional offerings.
Reading reviews of the cafe so far, you can see that it has paid off.
Sandwiches like the kalbi beef, marinated pork belly, spicy pork, and grilled chicken with fresh pineapple are described as deeply flavorful, generously portioned, and surprisingly affordable. And then there are the cookies, which multiple reviews literally described as “heavenly”. The menu continues to evolve as well. The team is currently developing a gluten-free bread option to offer as a substitute for sandwiches to better serve customers with dietary needs.
While Fat Buns Cafe is the brothers’ first restaurant, Peter is no stranger to the food industry. “I’ve worked in the restaurant industry my whole working life, and I always knew I would want to start my own business,” he said. So far, the experience has been overwhelmingly positive.
One of Peter’s biggest takeaways since opening in downtown Mount Vernon has been the importance of community. Rather than a competitive atmosphere, he has found a network of mutual support among local businesses. He describes Mount Vernon as friendly and diverse, with a downtown that feels welcoming and full of life.
Fat Buns Cafe wants everyone to feel welcome. With coffee, WiFi, and a cozy atmosphere, it’s a space for students to study, friends to catch up, or customers to simply grab something to go. The seating is limited, but their philosophy is that the space is there to be used however people need it.
Stop in!
521 S 2nd St, Suite D
Tuesday-Sunday, 7 am -7 pm
