East Wareham Smash Burger Pop-Up Is Drawing Big Crowds

If smash burgers are your love language, you’re going to want to pay attention to what’s happening in East Wareham.

A new pop-up called Big Al’s Smash-Burgers has quietly been building a buzz at 3136 Cranberry Highway, operating out of the kitchen at Ella’s Woodfire Kitchen — and for a business that’s only been around a few weeks, the response has been anything but quiet.

Behind the grill is 19-year-old Alex Swierkowski, better known as Big Al.

Meet “Big Al” — A Young Chef With Big Plans

Big Al officially fired up his first service about three weeks ago, launching Big Al’s Smash-Burgers as a pop-up series that runs on Sundays and Mondays from 11:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. or until sell-out.

While this week’s snowstorm forced a brief pause, Al confirmed he plans to be back at it this coming Sunday, weather permitting.

The collaboration with Ella’s Woodfire Kitchen came naturally. The restaurant is owned by his parents, Mark and Bree Swierkowski, but Big Al’s is Alex’s own venture, built from the ground up with the help of a few close friends.

Why Smash Burgers? It All Started in High School

Alex’s love for smash burgers began back in high school while attending Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School, where he studied culinary arts.

During a lunch service at the Canal Side Dining Room, a smash burger special changed everything.

“I fell in love with the method of cooking it,” Alex said. “The flavor you can get, the simplicity behind it — but still making it elevated.”

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From there, Big Al’s Smash-Burgers was born. Over the last two years, Alex developed menus, researched food trucks, and ultimately decided to test the waters with a pop-up concept.

So far? It’s working. “My first two weeks were very good,” he said.

A Small Menu That Delivers Big Flavor

Big Al’s menu is intentionally limited — and that’s part of the appeal.

Right now, the stars include:

• Big Al Classic Smash Burger
• The Wareham Smash
• Big Al’s Crispy Chicken Sando

Surprisingly, the crispy chicken sandwich has become one of the most popular items.

“It’s tied with the classic smash for my favorite,” Alex said.

Alex says the inspiration came from simply building a burger around flavors he loves, especially chipotle mayo, and pairing it with something more exciting than standard American cheese.

This Is Just the Beginning

The Wareham Smash won’t be around forever — it’s rotating off the menu soon to make room for new creations from Alex’s larger lineup.

The bigger picture? A food truck.

Alex hopes to purchase one in early April, with plans to roll it out by late April or early May. Once that happens, expect Big Al’s Smash-Burgers to expand beyond East Wareham and pop up at fairs, festivals, and food truck events, including potential stops across the SouthCoast and Cape Cod.

“I’ve really enjoyed it,” Alex said. “The community’s been very supportive — and I’m looking forward to what the future has in store for me.”