A smoked‑BBQ business that built its reputation from a roving food trailer has opened a permanent restaurant in Chichester. Fat Jack’s Shack has taken up a unit at Draper’s Yard after a year of serving events and beaches from a trailer based around the Witterings.
From trailer to town
The venture began during lockdown when Jack Spencer started the business in Cornwall; ownership later passed to his partner, Emie Whitelock. The pair now run the Draper’s Yard site alongside a team of around six local staff drawn from the Chichester and Witterings areas, bringing employment opportunities into the city centre.
Fat Jack’s Shack specialises in American‑style barbecue: meats smoked for long periods and served with sides such as mac and cheese, loaded fries and BBQ platters. The team emphasises the provenance of its ingredients, stating they use butcher’s meat smoked for 18 hours to achieve a tender finish.
What diners can expect
The new site has already hosted an opening party on 11 July, featuring food, drinks and live music. Owners say the venue will lean into outdoor dining through the summer, with plans for more live acts and a smoked Sunday roast on the menu.
“It’s just going to be a super‑chilled‑out vibe – good food, good music and good times,”
The food trailer will continue to operate alongside the permanent restaurant, with intentions to appear at locations around East Wittering, including a regular pitch outside the ice cream parlour on the beach.
Local impact and reception
Early feedback appears positive: owners report a busy first fortnight and strong customer reviews, with some diners describing the food among the best they have tried in Chichester. The arrival of Fat Jack’s Shack adds to Draper’s Yard’s evolving mix of independent operators and increases options for visitors and residents seeking casual outdoor dining.
Key practical details at a glance:
- Location: Draper’s Yard, Chichester
- Opening event: 11 July
- Staffing: around six local employees
- Speciality: American‑style smoked meats, 18‑hour smoking process
- Trailer: continues to trade at East Wittering and other spots
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founder | Jack Spencer (started in Cornwall) |
| Owner | Emie Whitelock |
| Food focus | Smoked meats, mac & cheese, loaded fries |
As Draper’s Yard continues to attract independent food operators, Fat Jack’s Shack’s permanent presence may help sustain evening footfall and provide another venue for outdoor summer dining in the heart of Chichester.
