Don’t Runaway: Joo Chiat’s Bold New Free Sandwich Pop-Up

Starting 29 August 2025, a brand-new sandwich concept called Don’t Runaway is shaking up the neighbourhood with a no-rules, all-flavour pop-up where every sandwich is free. Yes, free.

Launched by The Platform Collective (the team behind cult favourites Champion Bolo Bun and Dickson Nasi Lemak), Don’t Runaway isn’t just about food, it’s an experience. Think unapologetic flavours, a fast-and-fun vibe, and a splash of chaos that turns a sandwich run into an event.

From New York to Joo Chiat: A Sandwich Rebellion

The idea for Don’t Runaway was born in 2023 when founder Hoh Loyi went on a sandwich-fuelled pilgrimage across the US, devouring everything from New York pastrami to Chicago meatball subs. Her takeaway? A sandwich is never “just a sandwich.” It’s messy, comforting, and creative, something Singapore was missing. Don’t Runaway is her remix of that American sandwich spirit, tailored for local palates with an extra spicy kick.

One Sandwich. One Weekend. Zero Rules.

Here’s how it works: every weekend, the pop-up serves one hero sandwich only, no repeats, no complicated menus. Past creations include:

• The Side Chick – smoked chicken, punchy white sauce, pumpkin seed dukkah.
• Mortadel-lah – mortadella, stracciatella, salsa verde, and yuzukosho zing.
• Jack & Loaded – smoky jackfruit chilli with all the comfort, none of the meat.
• Beef Me Up – yakiniku brisket, peanut butter, and a fiery tallow chilli crunch.

Each sandwich is messy, craveable, and designed to keep you coming back but you’ll only ever get one shot at each.

How to Score a Free Sandwich

All you need is the Don’t Runaway app (available on the App Store and Google Play). Sign up as a member, show up at the pop-up, flash your QR code, and walk away with a sandwich in one hand and a Coke in the other. Limit: one sandwich per person, per weekend.

Feedback is the only “price tag”. Diners are encouraged to drop unfiltered reviews through the app to help shape the brand’s upcoming brick-and-mortar launch.

Free Merch for the Early Birds

As if free food weren’t enough, the first 20 in line each day get exclusive Don’t Runaway merch:

• Fridays – limited-edition keychain
• Saturdays – Don’t Runaway tote
• Sundays – iron-on patch

Don’t Runaway Pop-Up Details

• Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427571
• Fridays to Sundays, from 11:30am until sold out
• Starts 29 August 2025 — runs indefinitely