A weed-themed sandwich shop opened in Casper, Wyoming, on Friday, where marijuana possession can lead to jail time. "I feel the fact that it’s a little taboo” is part of the draw, says the manager.
May 02, 20265 min read
CASPER — A sandwich shop built on stoner humor is setting up shop in a state where marijuana can still bring jail time.
It’s a weed-themed outlet that doesn’t sell weed. That’s the tension and intrigue behind Cheba Hut’s move into Wyoming.
The Arizona-based chain is known nationally for its cannabis-themed branding with pun-heavy sandwich names (like “Kush” and “AK-47”), sizes (“nug,”“pinner” and “blunt”), and a “toasted” sub theme designed for the munchies crowd.
In neighboring Colorado — where recreational marijuana has been legal since 2012 — Cheba Hut fits seamlessly into the landscape.
But Wyoming is not Colorado. Not even close.
Wyoming remains one of the most restrictive states in the country when it comes to marijuana. For a lot of residents, the reaction is less outrage and more irony.
Cheba Hut’s presence in Wyoming is limited. There are only two in the state with the addition of Casper’s, which opened Friday. The first location opened in Cheyenne last June.
Wyoming remains one of the few states where marijuana is broadly illegal — both recreationally and medically, with only narrow exceptions.
Authorities treat fewer than 3 ounces as a misdemeanor that can carry up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine, while anything more than 3 ounces becomes a felony with much steeper penalties.
But inside the business, the tension between the law and the sandwich shop’s edgy messaging isn’t seen as a risk — it’s part of the appeal.
“To sum it up in one phrase: white-collar dive bar and restaurant,” said general manager Allen Jennings, describing the shop as the kind of place “where everybody knows your name — meet up for Kool-Aid, cocktails and toasted subs.”
He said he had no hesitation opening in a state where marijuana remains illegal.
“No, not at all,” Jennings said. “I feel the fact that it’s a little taboo is just enough draw for people that don’t know anything about Cheba Hut, and the people that know Cheba Hut — it’s a no-brainer for them.”
The line for Cheba Hut stretched for the first hour Friday like a slow-moving snake through the parking lot on Friday morning in Casper.
Several strollers with babies sat in the queue as “Ain’t No Sunshine” blasted from an outdoor speaker on a light Wyoming breeze.
An employee moved through the crowd handing out cups of “Cottonmouth Cure” Kool-Aid to dozens of people waiting their turn. Outside, guests leaned against the bar.
Inside, the energy shifted.
The chatter was deafening — babies crying, people laughing, and staff occasionally singing along to the music. Green walls and glowing green accent lighting gave the space a neon haze.
A mural by Casper artist Zack Pullen stretched across the interior walls, blending Wyoming imagery with surreal Western symbolism: a sunset over prairie land, covered wagons, meadowlarks, bison, bighorn sheep, pistol-packing mommas in bonnets, and cowboys and indians rendered in a stylized, smoke-wreath.
The words “Nug Life” glowed from above the deli meats.
Jasmine Cole, a Casper mother who came to survey the hype, mingled within the crowd.
She said she’d hoped to grab a T-shirt but found they were already sold out. A self-described “retired party girl,” she said she still wanted to try the sandwiches. Her fiancé and 2-year-old waited in the car outside.
Cole waited roughly an hour just to place an order, and another hour before receiving her food.
Despite the wait, Cole said she liked what she saw — especially the artwork. She described it as unique, something different for Casper, and that she enjoys seeing new things come to the city.
Jennings said that mix of curiosity and broad appeal is the brand’s exact target.
Asked who the core customer is, he didn’t narrow it down.
“Hungry people,” he said. “All walks of life — cowboys, goths, all types — people longing for a great vibe and a great environment.”
People chattered at the Casper opening.
“It’s very out of the realm for Casper because it is mainly marketed to a marijuana community. It’s interesting, but I think we get a lot of run-off from Colorado,” said Chris Mossman-Larson, a server at a nearby restaurant.
ReiAnn Leal chimed in, “No matter how hard we try to reinforce marijuana laws in Wyoming, it’s always going to be here. Regardless, there are still stoners.”
“For the newer generations and stuff growing up — not like the old people in control of everything. I think it’s going to do OK,” Christina Montoya added. “I don’t think my grandmother would like it. Most of their business is going to be the younger generations.”
Jennings, however, sees the concept as part of something larger than just cannabis culture.
“To us, we consider ourselves a venue,” he said. “We’re your host for a great laid-back experience with great food and great people.”
He also emphasized the company’s focus on community integration — something that may help bridge the cultural gap.
“We’re big in community involvement,” he said. “We’re helping out, sponsoring youth teams, being a neighborhood partner and just trying to show Casper a great experience.”
So far, Jennings said, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“It’s been all positive — no pushback,” he added. “From community officials to other businesses and business owners.”
Internally, he said the company also focuses heavily on employee culture, from pay to workplace environment.
“They have seven different music zones, and we give employees a free sandwich at work,” Jennings said, adding that happy staff translates into better customer experiences.
Cheba Hut’s arrival in Casper is legal.
It’s a sandwich shop, not a dispensary.
But it’s also a brand built on cannabis culture planting itself in a state where cannabis remains illegal.
“All I gotta say is, like, wow,” said retired reporter Tom Morton, adding that he did not wish to attend the grand opening.
Kolby Fedore can be reached at kolby@cowboystatedaily.com.
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Kolby Fedore is a breaking news reporter for Cowboy State Daily.
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