Chef Daniel Perron spent nearly two decades working in some of the Washington area’s most respected kitchens. His resume includes stints with James Beard Award-winning chef Fabio Trabocchi at Fiola Mare and at Blue Duck Tavern, as well as executive chef positions at Whaley’s, Trummer’s, and Charlie Palmer Steak.
His latest project is more casual.
The Origin of the New Concept
Beginning October 12, Perron’s downtown Fredericksburg restaurant, Locavore, will introduce Locavore Burger, a weekday lunch concept. The restaurant at 314 William St. will serve lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Delivery will be available daily through DoorDash and Grubhub.
The idea grew out of a burger Perron added to Locavore’s dinner menu when the restaurant opened a little more than a year ago. What was meant to be an easygoing option quickly developed a loyal following. The OG Burger features ground beef on a Japanese milk bun with caramelized onions and aioli, then goes a step further with braised short rib.
“It was so popular,” Perron says, “we took it off and made it a ‘secret menu’ item.” The change only seemed to make diners want it more.
“Guests regularly return and ask specifically for this burger,” Perron says. That demand ultimately prompted him to build a lunch concept around it, paired with the kind of sides and drinks that make a burger lunch feel complete.
Sourcing from Local Farms
The new menu also reflects Perron’s commitment to working with Mid-Atlantic farmers and producers. The beef comes from Charity Hill Farm, a sixth-generation family farm in Ruther Glen, while the locally made Japanese milk buns come from Workingman Bread.
The menu extends beyond beef. Perron plans to offer pork belly hot dogs made with pork from Autumn Olive Farms, along with vegetarian options such as a honeynut squash burger featuring produce from Chalet Farm.
That emphasis on local ingredients has been part of Perron’s vision for Locavore from the beginning. And at Locavore Burger, he is making the experience less formal and more accessible.
