Behind the burger: Cleveland’s smash-hit Tallow House
Since it opened in May, the Tallow House has taken the Cleveland area by storm. The restaurant charms locals and influencers alike, and averages 250 - 300 customers per day.
“We’ve had lines to the street, which is like, 50, 60 yards away,” said Nathan Zakkas, 27-year-old owner and Lee graduate. “I’ve got pictures that are unbelievable. I mean, lines of over 100 people.”
Though the menu is simple, consisting of smash burgers and hand-cut tallow fries, customers of the Tallow House enjoy high-quality ingredients with every bite. The restaurant prides itself on cooking without any seed oils or preservatives.
“We have fresh, locally baked sourdough buns. People absolutely love those,” Zakkas said.
The attention to detail does not stop there. Even the beverages are not run-of-the-mill fountain drinks.
“Our drinks are either reverse osmosis water, which is completely clean and free of any heavy metals or microplastics… And then we offer organic Main Root sodas, so those are made with organic cane sugar, no High-fructose corn syrup,” Zakkas said.
In addition to its clean-label status, part of the Tallow House’s charm is its emphasis on community and family, with Zakkas’s family working alongside him.
“We’re trying to be set apart and doing things as best as we can and offer things to the community that most places don’t,” said Zakkas.
For the Tallow House, Lee roots run deep. Zakkas, his mother, and his uncle are all alumni, and the idea of a healthy spin on a classic American meal was sparked during Zakkas’s time at Lee.
“I thought about doing a food truck back then… I didn’t have any money, but I grew up in the food industry. I know a lot about it,” Zakkas said.
The unique growth and connections of the Lee campus also influenced what the Tallow House would come to be.
“My friendships and the people that I got close with in the community and the connections is really what aided my knowledge in business and even within what I’m doing now,” said Zakkas.
With the Tallow House’s success, it might not be long before fans see the name stretch to further horizons.
“We’re already in the process of trying to find a second location, potentially somewhere close to Lee…. We’re looking at Chattanooga, so we’re gonna try to make it happen soon,” Zakkas said.
Anyone who makes the trip to the Tallow House is in for a treat.
The Tallow House is located at 4602 North Lee Highway, attached to Harry’s gas station. It is open from 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. They are closed on Sundays.
Photos by Emme Lowder.
