California-Based Burger Chain Owner Bringing Franchise To His Native Connecticut

MIDDLETOWN, CT — The California-based Acme Burger chain is poised to open its first Connecticut franchise at 584 Main St., in Middletown.

The target to open is on or around Columbus Day.

The co-owner and founder of Acme Burger is Todd Kniess, whose roots are in the Nutmeg State — in Wallingford.

A company profile says Kneiss' passion for food began at a young age in Connecticut with the family catering business. He graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in New York and completed his apprenticeship on Grand Cayman Island in the British West Indies.

He also cooked at the Four-Star Sazerac Restaurant in the Fairmont Hotel in New Orleans, the 5-Diamond Ritz Carlton Hotel in Naples, FL; and the Left Bank in Larkspur.

Kneiss then owned and operated Bistro Liaison for 16 years in Berkeley, sold it and another restaurant, Le Petit Cochon, and moved to Sonoma County. It was there he met his wife, Erica, and combining his culinary skills with her marketing and design talents, Acme Burger was created in early 2019.

One of his childhood friends, Christian Schunmann, will be the owner and operator of the franchise's first Connecticut location.

So what's the menu all about?

There are, of course, burgers with "locally raised, hormone & antibiotic free, grass fed & grain finished" beef.

There's a plant-based burger and a tuna burger.

There's hot and mild chicken, pulled pork and fried cod.

The offerings can be made into a meal with shoestring fries, shakes and drinks. Customers can choose from eight cheese items, including bleu and goat and the traditional ones.

At Acme, first responders get a discount every day. Mondays are senior discount days. Kids get free cones and toys on family Tuesdays. Thursdays are student discount days.