Popular Norwalk Bakery Owners Open New Smash Burger Restaurant

NORWALK, CT — The owners of Wave Hill Breads recently opened a new burger restaurant just steps away from their popular bakery.

Located at 249 Westport Avenue, TAC Burger offers an upscale take on the smash burger and more, according to the restaurant's website.

Tim Topi, who co-owns Wave Hill Breads with his wife, Angela, said he wanted to open a high-quality burger restaurant where diners did not have to sacrifice their health for a quick, delicious meal.

"I wanted the community, and especially the younger generation, to be able to have a healthier version whenever they're craving a burger or fast food in general," Topi said in an email to Patch. "I knew there was a need for a more wholesome, high-quality burger joint which focuses on using more local and healthier ingredients. Hence, the concept for TAC Burger was born."

Fans of Wave Hill should have no trouble finding TAC Burger, as it is located in the same shopping plaza as the bakery.

"We love our Norwalk community and have always gotten tremendous support from both the town and our regular customers," Topi said. "Knowing that we already have that established foundation here made the decision easy. Plus, from a business viewpoint, having both locations in the same plaza makes logistics a whole lot easier to manage behind the scenes."

TAC Burger offers a variety of specialty smash burgers served either single, double or triple, as well as hot dogs, "tallow fires" cooked in tallow oil, onion rings, salads, chicken sandwiches and soft serve ice cream.

The restaurant also offers a kids menu featuring sliders and chicken tenders.

"Our options run from grass-fed beef to a custom blend of brisket, chuck and short rib. For our hot dogs, we use local favorites from Hummel Brothers out of New Haven," Topi said. "Our fresh brioche buns are made daily at Wave Hill Breads with zero preservatives, 82 percent fat European butter and whole fresh eggs from The Farmer's Cow, all long-fermented and hand-shaped. Plus, for our fries and onion rings we cook with beef tallow instead of seed oils to keep everything as natural and flavorful as possible."

Even the bacon used at TAC Burger is sourced from Nodine's Smokehouse in Litchfield County, while the dairy for the soft-serve ice cream is from RonnyBrook Farm in New York, according to Topi.

"We are as local as local can get," Topi said.

All buns used at the restaurant, aside from the gluten-free ones, are made fresh at Wave Hill Breads, according to Topi.

"Without Wave Hill Breads, I don't think I could have ever opened a burger place," Topi said. "Having the foundation of artisan baking is what inspired me to push the boundaries of what fast-casual food can be, showing that even a simple burger deserves the very best ingredients. I like to say that a good burger starts with an amazing bun."

Topi also noted TAC Burger's unique name is an acronym using the first letters of the names of his wife, Angela, his son, Timmy, and daughters Claire, Charlotte and Catelyn.

"It's a true family-backed business," Topi said, "and that personal connection inspires everything we do here. Business may be business, but family must always come first."

Topi said the restaurant, which officially opened in mid-June, has already received an incredible response from customers.

"People are excited to finally have a healthier alternative available whenever they are craving a burger or fast food," Topi said. "We've been receiving amazing reviews and feedback. Our customers are especially impressed by the amount of local ingredients we use, and they love that they can actually taste the difference."

Topi recommends first-time customers try the signature TAC Burger, which features a perfectly smashed patty, Nodine's bacon, crispy onions and the restaurant's signature TAC sauce served on an organic sesame and poppy seed bun.

He also recommends ordering a slider or chicken finger combo for kids.

"If you're looking for a high-quality, healthier burger option but don't have the time or budget for a sit-down restaurant, come to TAC Burger," Topi said. "We are bringing you that exact same premium quality in just 5 to 10 minutes. It's all about premium ingredients and honest pricing. Come taste the difference for yourself."