Jerk chicken empanadas and brisket mac & cheese: Welcome to Top Fusion Smokehouse

At Top Fusion Smokehouse, chef and owner Syron Wheeler is serving up a new kind of barbecue: slow-smoked meats with creative twists that reflect Springfield's diverse food scene.

Born and raised in Springfield, Mass., and a graduate of Central High School, Wheeler has spent more than 17 years in kitchens across Western Massachusetts, including five years at MGM Springfield where he rose from cook to executive chef.

"There aren't many smokehouses around here," Wheeler said. "I wanted to bring something different — real smoked meats, but with a twist."

That twist shows up in Top Fusion's fusion-style menu, which blends barbecue classics with global flavors. Dishes like brisket mac and cheese quesadillas, jerk chicken empanadas with honey jerk sauce, and loaded mac and cheese fries have quickly become local favorites.

The restaurant's signature brisket — smoked for up to 12 hours and rested to perfection — is a must-try, but Wheeler says he also loves giving customers the freedom to build their own creations.

Wheeler also offers game-day specials featuring family-sized orders of some of your favorite barbecue, wings and sides.

Looking ahead, Wheeler plans to launch a Top Fusion Smokehouse food trailer in 2026 to serve events and festivals across Western Massachusetts.

"I grew up here," Wheeler said. "I don't want people to have this negative look on Springfield. So when you come to this restaurant, I definitely want you to feel the hospitality, definitely want you to feel welcome… I want to make sure that people understand that we're in Springfield, but we still love the same."

Top Fusion Smokehouse is open from Tuesday through Thursday 11 AM to 8 PM, Friday through Saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM and Sundays from 9 AM to 3 PM. It's located in the Forest Park section of Springfield, at 672 Dickinson Street.

Read the original article on MassLive . Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here .