By Caroline Zandler

You know that feeling; you’re hungry, but nothing sounds right. A sandwich? Maybe. A fresh salad? Possibly. Chicken tenders? Tempting. Or perhaps you’re not in the mood for a meal and want a slice of cake. When indecisiveness strikes, finding the perfect meal can feel impossible.

That’s where Supper Club comes in. More than just a market, it’s a food lover’s dream, offering everything from fresh-baked goods and locally sourced wines to a hot food bar brimming with comforting meals. Not in the mood to cook? Grab a gourmet frozen dinner to make life easier. Whatever you’re craving, or even if you don’t know what you’re craving yet, Supper Club has you covered.

Supper Club’s Midlothian location’s outdoor seating. 

What started as a way to make ends meet during the COVID-19 pandemic has become one of the most talked-about local markets in town. Supper Club, a community-driven food market, began as a small home-cooked meal operation. Today, it has expanded into multiple locations, bringing fresh and delicious meals to more people than ever.

During COVID-19, co-founder Carlisle Bannister worked as the Operator and Executive Chef at Upper Shirley Vineyards. When the COVID-19 mandates took effect in March 2020, most weddings at the vineyard were canceled, and their restaurant was closed. Because of this, Bannister was out of work for an unforeseeable amount of time. Bannister’s love for cooking led him to cook meals for neighbors and friends. Carlisle Bannister’s son Mikey Bannister spoke about this specific time in an interview with The Match: “When everything shut down, he had to figure out a way to make a living,” Mikey explained. “So, he started making meals out of our house for people, and they got really popular, like, crazy popular. Every year, it just kept growing.”

As demand for Carlisle’s meals skyrocketed, opening a permanent location took shape. “By the time I was a freshman in high school, he started looking for a space, and eventually, he found one in the Tuckahoe Shopping Center,” Mikey said. “It was the perfect spot, super convenient, and he renovated it into what is now the Supper Club.” The grand opening occurred on June 4, 2022, just days after the late May soft opening.

Over the past three years, Supper Club has quickly become one of the most popular spots in Richmond. The local market has made a name for itself, whether that be family dinner at home, through their gourmet catering, or even feeding those who pop in for a quick snack or lunch.

But the success didn’t stop there. The market’s popularity continued to rise, leading to the opening of a second location in Midlothian on March 15 of this year. “We had our grand opening the other week, and it was insane,” Mikey said, smiling. “My older brother Teddy even performed at the opening. It was so packed, I could barely walk around.” Just as the Tuckahoe location has been thriving, the Midlothian location is on track to have just as much foot traffic.

Supper Club’s Midlothian location grand opening.

The new location has kept the same modern, trendy market style as the Tuckahoe location. A bright store with more and more items around every corner draws customers to just look around and take in their options. It’s all there, between the open refrigerated display cases, prepared food bar, and the in-store butchery. What makes it so notable is that it’s all made on the spot before you. There is no back kitchen or secrecy; your food is made directly in front of you. 

I visited the Midlothian market location with my friend Jackson Drummond, a senior at James River High School, and Grace Moerner (’25). We got to taste a variety of their sandwiches. All were prepared within minutes and reasonably priced for size, so it was a great ordering experience. While ordering, Drummond was the first up, and with just a glance over the menu, he knew what he wanted. 

Drummond got the Urban Cowboy, a sandwich made of rare roast beef, dill havarti, onion jam and horsey sauce on a toasted baguette, for just $9.95. When asked about his sandwich, Drummond answered instantly, “The savory flavors and the hint of dill really stood out. It was a good size, not too filling, but just enough that I didn’t have leftovers. Honestly, it was exactly what I needed this morning.” 

Drummond also had some thoughts on the store itself: “I think the store is really innovative. They use a lot of local products, which I love. Their prepared food is always well done, and their hot bar is even better. Overall, it was a pretty great experience.”

Moerner went with a different taste palate, getting The Godfather sandwich, a curation of mortadella, prosciutto, soppressata, capicola, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, arugula, balsamic glaze and fresh basil on an untoasted hero roll, for $10.95. When it comes to sandwiches, The Godfather certainly makes a statement. Loaded with meat and bold flavors, it’s a hefty choice.

The Godfather sandwich.

Moerner rated the sandwich a generous 7.5/10. While she enjoyed the flavors, one issue stood out: “There was just a lot of meat. I knew it would be meat-heavy, but I feel like they could have balanced it better with more arugula and other toppings.” Despite the imbalance of her preference, she still found it enjoyable, calling it “valid”—not necessarily her favorite, but a solid option for someone who loves a protein-packed delicious sandwich. 

Beyond the sandwich itself, the overall experience at the Midlothian location was a highlight for Moerner. “I love the Supper Club. I’ve been to the other Supper Club, and this location has the same vibe. The ambiance is great, it has a really good aura, tons of options, and you can either grab something to go or order fresh. Super lit, good vibes all around,” she stated.

Like Drummond and Moerner, I had a great experience at Supper Club. It was my first time, which made it all the more special. I ordered the A Star Is Born sandwich, which, like every sandwich on the menu, is named after an iconic 1970’s movie. Co-owners Carlisle and Christy Bannister are lifelong fans of classic films.

A Star Is Born is a mix of roasted turkey, applewood smoked bacon, dill havarti, avocado, tomato, lettuce, and dijonnaise on multigrain bread, for $10.95. The flavors worked wonderfully together, and the portion was generous but just right. The sandwich was cut in half, making it great to share, and the multigrain bread gave the flavors of the sandwich the perfect base to stand out. I also got the carrot cake from the refrigerated sections; it was the best piece of cake I have had in a while. It had the perfect taste to wash down my sandwich. Overall, the experience was perfect, and I see how the business has popular so quickly over these past few years.

What makes this place truly special is that it operates with a deep-rooted commitment to community, a value that first emerged when it began preparing meals for neighbors during COVID-19. That sense of generosity flows throughout the store, creating an atmosphere like stepping into a welcoming family kitchen. 

All photos courtesy of Supper Club via instagram @supperclubmarket.