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Burgers on the Edge
APRIL 2025
New eatery to feature community kitchen for chefs, ‘pay it forward’ meals for patrons
Burgers on the Edge owner wants to serve more than good food
By Melissa James, York County Contributor
The nearly completed lobby of Burgers on the Edge
From learning to scramble eggs in his mother’s kitchen to helping a Food Network star launch a restaurant, Chris Waller found his calling as a chef. But now he’s answering an even greater call—giving back.
Waller’s latest endeavor, Burgers on the Edge, will be not only a signature smashburger joint, but a place that supports other chefs in achieving their dreams. Burgers on the Edge is slated to open this May in The Edge District (a trendy spot where York County borders Williamsburg and James City County). Waller, who also operates the pizza food truck Bald Guy Pies, wanted to expand his food offerings with a brick-and-mortar restaurant.
One of the restaurant’s smash burgers on a potato roll
“I thought it would be a good idea to collaborate with other chefs and food truck owners to save [them] money,” Waller said. “I saw a need for it. I want to help other people because so many people helped me out and supported me when I first started. Everybody in this business is willing to help each other out, and that is so good to see.”
Waller’s biggest supporters have been his parents, Roger and Donna. His mother taught him how to cook around age 10, and as he got older, Waller learned how to grill. After taking a culinary course at Lafayette High School, he decided to pursue a career as a chef.
“I couldn’t have done any of this without my parents,” he said. “I like making food and seeing people’s reactions and putting a smile on their faces.”
A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Waller started working in the local restaurant industry after graduating high school in 2008. Following a stint at Blue Talon Bistro in Williamsburg, Waller helped open Daddyo’s Pizza in Norge in 2015. Waller also did an externship with Colonial Williamsburg, where he honed his skills and worked his way up to sous chef.
Waller met his wife, Madeline, also a chef, while working at the Williamsburg Inn. The couple ventured to the West Coast in 2018, where Waller worked at Island Prime steakhouse in San Diego. He also had the opportunity to assist Food Network chef Brian Malarkey with creating Herb & Sea, a modern eclectic seafood restaurant in Encinitas, Calif.
“That was a great experience, and I really learned a lot,” he said.
During their time in California, Waller and his wife began experimenting with making pizza after his parents gifted them a pizza oven. A new passion ignited, and Waller dreamed of running his own pizza place. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, putting those plans temporarily on hold. Waller switched gears and became a consultant in the industry, helping restaurant owners recover from the pandemic’s subsequent labor shortages and high costs of food and supplies. In 2022, the couple relocated back to Williamsburg to be closer to family, and Waller teamed up with friend Jesse Altizer to launch Bald Guy Pies. The food truck quickly developed a fan following.
“It really took off, and I realized I needed a larger space for making my dough,” he said.
That’s when the space along Merrimac Trail opened up, and the concept for Burgers on the Edge and The Prep District was born. Renovations to the site are in progress, thanks in part to a grant from York County Economic & Tourism Development for repairs and upgrades, as well as new equipment and signage.
“I would’ve been so happy even if they had given me just a dollar,” Waller said. “I’m so grateful to the County for all their help. They have been super friendly and easy to work with. I can call them any time of day with any need. You don’t get that in a lot of places. I am very happy to be able to open my restaurant in York County.”
Another concept Waller brought back from California is a “pay it forward” meal program, where Burgers on the Edge patrons will be able to purchase a meal voucher for those in need. Anyone at any time can take a coupon from a board and have a free meal, no questions asked.
“Food is still expensive, and food insecurity is tough for a lot of people,” Waller said.
“We’re thrilled to welcome this business to The Edge District—not only because it brings a fresh new dining option, but because it represents exactly the kind of success story York County is proud to support,” said Kristi Olsen-Hayes, director of York County’s Department of Economic and Tourism Development. “Chris Waller’s journey from a home-based food truck to a full-fledged brick-and-mortar restaurant is what our home-based business program is all about.” With two-thirds of the County’s business licenses belonging to home-based entrepreneurs—many of them in the food industry—Olsen-Hayes said her department has developed targeted programs like grants, workshops and an annual Home-Based Business Conference to help them grow.
“What’s especially exciting is that Burgers on the Edge is boosting the economy by opening up their kitchen to other home-based food businesses that need commercial space to thrive. That’s a game-changer in our region, where the closest communal kitchens are over an hour away.”
Gearing up for the grand opening of Burgers on the Edge leaves little down time for Waller, who also plans to continue operating Bald Guy Pies. He savors what free time he does have with his wife and two young daughters, Camille and Josephine. The family enjoys watching Disney movies, frequenting local parks and tending to their 18 chickens.
“My family is my reason for everything,” he said.
They all will be on hand to celebrate when Burgers on the Edge opens next month. Waller reiterated his gratitude to be a part of The Edge District.
“My parents grew up not far from here,” he said. “I told my wife if we ever had our own restaurant, it would have to be in The Edge District. It’s such a cool, hip area. It’s a great fit.”