New Burger Joint Coming to Downtown

There are few places in Darien to grab a burger, but before the year's close, residents may well see Burgers, Shakes & Fries open its doors on the Post Road. The restaurant, its current location in Greenwich, specializes in fresh beef patties, hot fries; and yes—diners can get a shake with that too.

Owner of the Greenwich restaurant, Kory Wollins, came before the Planning & Zoning Commission on Tuesday evening. His current location is too cramped to meet his customers' cravings, he said. He's planning to move in to 800 Post Rd, the site of the former Bruegger's, which closed just months after its opening last July.

"What we lose in our present location is the ability to eat in. We want to keep the industrial feel but to also meet and exceed our customers' needs," said Wollins.

Described by Wollins as "great food, great prices and a fun, funky atmosphere," Burgers, Shakes & Fries should be up and running for take-out and eat-in business, in about seven to eight months, he said.

But before any burgers are flipped, Wollins first needs P&Z to sign off on a permit that will allow him to grill on an open flame and install a 1.5' by 5' vent to suck out smells. The Health Department and the Fire Marshal will also have a say in the resolution.

That approval may well come in two weeks, said P&Z Chair Fred Conze. The commission just needs to amend Bruegger's resolution to include the ventilation system. Wollins is to come back at the end of the month for a predicted "go ahead" to start work on the interior, said Conze.

"Two weeks," Conze said. "I think you'll be pretty happy."

Plans for outdoor dining are also in the works, and at the commission's suggestion, some "beefed up the signage." A restaurant at the base of an office-like building can go amiss, said Conze.

"Come back in April with the outdoor details to make sure it fits in," said P&Z Director Jeremy Ginsberg.

Wollins said details shouldn't be a problem. He's working with Glazer Construction & Development, who built the restaurant at Rowayton Seafood among others.

"He's got a great eye for detail and knows how to really make these things come alive," said Wollins. "This is going to be about comfort, but we also want to keep a certain rough appeal."

Wollins will return to the Planning & Zoning Commission at the end of the month, where he seeks approval to begin with Burgers, Shakes & Fries interior fit-up.