Alchemy owner and chef Christopher Stam has dreamed of opening a no-frills burger place.
Ray Ewing

Alchemy Owner to Open Edgartown Burger Joint

Wicked Burger, a new venture by Alchemy chef and owner Christopher Stam, is set to take over the former R&B’s Eatery space at 258 Upper Main street later this year.

The Edgartown restaurant scene is getting fresh meat. 

Wicked Burger, a new venture by Alchemy chef and owner Christopher Stam, is set to take over the former R&B’s Eatery space at 258 Upper Main street, offering a menu of smash burgers and sides. The select board approved the restaurant’s application for a common victualler’s license at its meeting Monday.

Although his background is in fine dining, Mr. Stam said it’s long been his dream to open a no-frills burger joint.

“It’s trendy but not too trendy,” he said in a phone call Tuesday. “I thought it fit the space really well, between a liquor store and a tackle shop. It’s kind of one-stop shopping.” 

If hiring goes well, Mr. Stam hopes to fully commence operations by Memorial Day weekend, with a soft opening sometime earlier this spring. The full menu will include smash burgers, veggie burgers, fries, onion rings, and milkshakes. 

“I’ve started getting texts from friends like, ‘Oh my god, it’s finally happening!’” he said. “It’s been a long road to get here, but we’re excited to make a splash in town.” 

In other business, Zachary Moreis was sworn in as a full-time police officer Monday in a ceremony attended by friends, family, and fellow members of the force. 

Fire Chief Alex Schaeffer’s contract with the town was also extended for another three years. 

“It’s the golden handcuffs, right?” select board member Arthur Smadbeck joked. “You’re not going anywhere.” 

Comments

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/24/2024 - 10:14

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Lorraine Edgartown

Fantastic. I love smash burgers. No designer burger for me. I grew up with diner smash burgers, the All American Diner Food. The important thing in this mix: Absolutely fast service. Online ordering, phone ordering, fast pickup window, etc. You can have the best burger in town but if the implementing of this product falls flat, it will be a no go. Glad to see this happen. I wish them much success. For them and for myself and my household.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/24/2024 - 10:29

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Laura Bryant German Chilmark!

Awesome! Congratulations Zachary on your hard work to achieve this!!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/24/2024 - 17:03

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Carne Asada OB

I pray the burgers are less than $32. We all need a great burger at a reasonable cost.

Kate OB

I agree, but with the prices of everything and inflation, it’s very difficult. Prices of goods and services have doubled and tripled in some cases.
I can barely afford my groceries now.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/25/2024 - 19:51

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Jay Eff Edgartown

Great idea. Hoping the new place caters to gluten and other alergy sufferers.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 01/26/2024 - 10:39

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Barbara Edgartown

All I ask is to please consider having a veggie burger on the menu. Love all the toppings, sides, etc! And please, not the "Impossible" or "Beyond" burgers. They are not healthy and real veggos are not into trying to replicate the blood thing.

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