Mr Baller

Overview

Steve and Stan know ball. From running a food truck that traversed all of Victoria to setting up their own bricks-and-mortar shop, the duo have built a ballin' business with the humble sandwich at its heart. Mr Baller, tucked away in the increasingly food-centric suburb of Moorabbin, is drawing crowds at all times for its formidable sangas, friendly service, and welcoming atmosphere. 

Unlike many of Melbourne's more well-known sandwich store chains, Mr Baller is an independent, singular venue not backed by investors, but built from the ground up by two mates passionate about their craft. What started as a food truck has evolved into a bustling business, but at its heart the same philosophy remains: quality, house-made ingredients, flavour-first sandwiches, packaged up with a genuine passion for hospitality. 

Their time on the road in the truck gave the friends invaluable, first-hand feedback on what their customers loved and valued. Taking everything they'd learnt, they took the leap to open a permanent home in Moorabbin, and even they could not have expected the remarkable response they received. It seems their unwavering focus on quality ingredients, big portions, an attitude of genuine care for their product and their customers, and creating a space that enticed people to return again and again did not go unnoticed. 

The Don, a meatball sub stacked with wagyu meatballs, tomato sugo, garlic aioli, secret salsa verde, mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano, is still their signature sandwich, drawing crowds who return time and time again for a taste of the saucy goodness. There's even a plant-based version with plant-based balls, vegan aioli and vegan cheese. 

The wagyu brisket sandwich pairs 16-hour smoked wagyu brisket with bread and butter pickles, red cabbage slaw, cheese and secret Baller sauce. The Tuna Turner is a classic tuna melt on rye, while the Exotic Mushroom Melt is another excellent vegetarian option. And the parmesan fries are a match made in heaven with any sandwich. 

The Mr Baller truck still travels Victoria, serving a taste of their signature balls, as well as additional items such as loaded fries, nacho meatballs, and handmade apple spring rolls with salted caramel sauce, hitting up events and markets around town such as the Queen Victoria Winter Night Market. 

While the truck affords the team flexibility, their bricks-and-mortar store has created something even more meaningful: community. Their Moorabin deli has seen locals, and even those from further afield, become Baller regulars, creating relationships with the team, which is the most rewarding part of it all for Steve and Stan. 

Images: Supplied. 

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