The Mycenaean

In the bustling borough of Brooklyn, New York, a small bodega in Red Hook has become a culinary sensation, thanks to the innovative creations of its owner, Rahim Mohamed, popularly known as “General Ock.” 

His unique sandwich-making style, dubbed “The Ocky Way,” has taken social media by storm, transforming traditional deli fare into extraordinary gastronomic experiences.

What is “The Ocky Way”

“The Ocky Way” refers to a distinctive method of crafting sandwiches that blend classic deli ingredients with unconventional additions, often incorporating popular snack foods. 

This approach results in towering, mouth-watering creations that are as visually striking as they are delicious. For instance, Mohamed has been known to prepare a sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich using a Honey Bun as the base, combining sweet and savory flavors in a novel way. 

“I believe that his ‘Ocky Way’ breakfast sandwich is his best creation,” typed Andrew Lieb via Messenger, a senior.

“I like how he’ll make anything if someone asks for it, like putting [sausage, egg and cheese] on a pancake,” said Christopher Pharr, a senior.

The term “Ocky” is derived from the Arabic word “akhi,” meaning “brother.” In New York City slang, “Ock” has become a colloquial term used to address bodega workers, many of whom are of Middle Eastern descent. Thus, “The Ocky Way” translates to the “brother’s way,” highlighting the personal touch Mohamed brings to each of his creations.

The Origins of “The Ocky Way”

Rahim Mohamed, a Yemeni-American, began his culinary journey working at his family’s bodega in Red Hook. 

Seeking to differentiate his store from the myriad of delis across the city, he started experimenting with unconventional sandwich combinations, drawing inspiration from the diverse tastes of his community.

In June 2020, Mohamed launched his TikTok account under the handle @rah_money1, aiming to showcase his inventive sandwiches to a broader audience. 

His early videos featured the preparation of these unique dishes, but it wasn’t until December 31, 2021, that he coined the phrase “The Ocky Way” in a video, which garnered significant attention.

The Rise to Fame

The combination of Mohamed’s charismatic personality and his extraordinary sandwich creations quickly caught the eye of social media users. His catchphrases, such as “Sure! Sure!” when acknowledging an order, and “Don’t forget the bev, never, never, never!” reminding customers to grab a beverage, became iconic among his followers.

“I like the energy he brings into cooking. It’s really entertaining how he shows his whole process and you can tell he loves every part of it,” said Pharr.

One of his breakthrough moments came on January 13, 2021, when he posted a TikTok video showcasing a sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich made “The Ocky Way” using a Honey Bun. This video amassed approximately 7.2 million views over the course of a year, propelling Mohamed into the social media spotlight.

As his online presence grew, so did the foot traffic to his bodega. Fans traveled from various parts of the city, and even from other states, to experience “The Ocky Way” firsthand. 

Collaborations and Cultural Impact

Mohamed’s popularity opened doors to collaborations with celebrities and brands. 

In July 2024, he partnered with Paramount Pictures for the marketing campaign of “A Quiet Place: Day One,” integrating his unique style into promotional content. This collaboration, facilitated by QYOU Media, showcased the influence of creator-driven content in modern marketing strategies.

Beyond brand partnerships, Mohamed’s bodega has become a cultural landmark. Notable figures, such as NBA player Mikal Bridges, rapper Quavo, streamer Kai Cenat, YouTuber Faze Rug, former NFL player Eli Manning, rapper Lil Uzi Vert, streamer Agent, and more have visited to sample his creations, further cementing “The Ocky Way” as a staple in New York City’s vibrant food scene.

“I liked the video where he made a chopped cheese sandwich for Eli Manning, because Eli doesn’t understand a single thing going on for the whole video,” said Pharr.

The Future of “The Ocky Way”

As of February 2025, Mohamed’s online presence continues to thrive, with his YouTube channel, “The Ocky Way,” boasting over 1.25 million subscribers. His content consistently garners significant engagement, reflecting a dedicated and growing fanbase.

Looking ahead, Mohamed plans to expand his brand while staying true to the community-oriented roots that sparked his rise to fame. He aims to inspire other small business owners to embrace creativity and authenticity, demonstrating that with passion and innovation, even a modest bodega can achieve global recognition.

In essence, “The Ocky Way” is more than just a method of making sandwiches; it’s a testament to the power of cultural fusion, community engagement, and the boundless possibilities that arise when tradition meets innovation.