After well-known marijuana activist N.A. Poe was arrested and put on four-years probation for holding a ‘smokeeasy’ pot party in Northeast Philadelphia in April 2017, he decided that it was time to make a change that help him enter the legitimate business world.
Poe, whose real name is Richard Tamaccio Jr., is now the owner of Poe’s Sandwich Joint on the corner of Frankford Avenue and Marlborough Street in Fishtown. Developing his pot-friendly business, which he says puts the ‘joint’ in ‘sandwich joint,’ has been quite the journey for Poe, who first began crafting his plans in a trusty marble composition book.
Those who visit Poe’s are greeted with a deep purple awning with the shop’s logo and a view of the kitchen staff hard at work from the front sliding window. Poe describes his food as “high class munchies,” which include sandwiches loaded with glorious grease, salt and carbs — plus a few vegan/vegetarian options –available until 3 a.m.
He sat down with Fourteenth Street to dish about the ups and downs of feeding Fishtown. Look out for our print issue in April for the full Q&A!