United Way of Thunder Bay’s iconic hamburger-themed charity burger-buying contest, the Ultimate Burger Battle, is expanding its reach this year with regional participants around northwestern Ontario.
While most of the action will still be centered around Thunder Bay, B&B Roadhouse in Dryden and Lake of the Woods Brewing Company in Kenora will both be featuring their own inventive burger creations for sale over the month of November.
During the contest, $2 from any burger sold at participating restaurants will go to United Way, for use in local programs.
This is the first year that United Way is expanding its reach across the northwest, and United Way of Thunder Bay CEO Albert Brulé hopes to see its reach continue to grow in the future.
“Important to note that the proceeds generated in those [regional] communities will go back to support programs and services in their communities, in their region,” assures Brulé.
The Burger Battle is a smash hit in Thunder Bay: last year it raised $135,000 for the charity’s programs.
“People can appreciate the challenges are greater than ever for many families, many individuals experiencing poverty or at risk of experiencing poverty,” says Brulé. “So United Way of Thunder Bay is investing in programs to help those folks. Whether you’re a restaurant putting the burgers on or an individual just going to sample the burgers, you’re making a difference.”
40 restaurants will be participating this year, and new this year, there will be no tiered system for participants, meaning any of the restaurants have a shot at winning the title of Ultimate Burger of the Year, which is voted on by a team of judges and ambassadors.
There is also an award for most burgers sold and a “people’s choice” award, which the general public can vote in.
