Peterborough’s Ultimate Burger Battle Returns With 11 Local Restaurants Competing for the Crown

By Scott Arnold

11 local restaurants are putting their own spin on the ultimate burger this November, giving Peterborough residents plenty of delicious reasons to eat local while supporting United Way Peterborough & District.

Dani Guppy, Brenda Whitehead, Tracey Germa, Phillip Joliceur, Adam Hopkins, Rose Terry and lakers mascot teddy each take a bite during the United WAy’s ultimate burger battle kickoff on tuesday at agave. (photo courtesy of the united way)

If you enjoy a good burger, November is a pretty good month to get out and try something new.

The United Way Ultimate Burger Battle is back for its second year, bringing together 11 restaurants from Peterborough and the surrounding area for a month-long competition celebrating local food and supporting the community.

Running from November 1st to 30th, each participating restaurant has created a featured burger that will be available exclusively throughout the competition. Even better, $2 from every Ultimate Burger sold will go directly to United Way Peterborough & District to support local programs and initiatives.

There is also a little friendly competition involved, with restaurants vying for the title of Peterborough and County's Ultimate Burger of the Year.

11 Restaurants, 11 Unique Burgers

Whether you have a favourite local restaurant or are looking for an excuse to discover somewhere new, there are plenty of options to explore this month.

This year's participating restaurants and their locations are:

• Agave by Imperial – 376 George St N, Peterborough

• Ashburnham Ale House – 128 Hunter St E, Peterborough

• Boston Pizza North – 821 Rye St, Peterborough

• Boston Pizza South – 1164 Chemong Rd, Peterborough

• Double Dz's – 2622 Maple Grove Rd, Peterborough

• La Mesita – 247 George St N, Peterborough

• Law and Orders – 89 Hunter St E, Peterborough

• Papas Burgerland – 116 Parkhill Rd E, Peterborough

• Pizza Villa and Pasta House – 846 Ward St, Bridgenorth

• Riley's – 251 George St N, Peterborough

• Taso's – 18 Lindsay Rd, Peterborough

• The Vine – 165 Sherbrooke St, Peterborough

From creative combinations to reimagined classics, each restaurant is bringing its own take to the competition.

The first Ultimate Burger Battle was a success, with more than 1,000 burgers sold and $2,065 raised for United Way. With the competition returning with an expanded lineup, there is an opportunity to make an even bigger impact this year.

A Little Friendly Competition

There is more than one way for participating restaurants to take home some recognition.

Three awards are up for grabs:

• Ultimate Burger of the Year: A panel of VIP Ambassadors will judge the burgers based on taste, creativity, toppings and presentation.

• Most Ultimate Burgers Sold: Awarded to the restaurant that sells the greatest number of its featured burgers throughout November.

• People's Choice Award: Community members can vote online for their favourite Ultimate Burger.

The competition also has some familiar local faces helping bring the excitement to the community.

Seven local Burger Ambassadors will be visiting participating restaurants throughout November, sampling the featured creations and sharing their experiences along the way.

This year's ambassadors are Tracey Germa, Brenda Whitehead, Phillip Joliceur, Rose Terry, Dani Guppy, Adam Hopkins and Tiffany Arcari.

Joining them is Teddy, the Peterborough Lakers mascot, who is making his first appearance as a Burger Ambassador.

Having watched Peterborough rally behind its local sports teams, Teddy is looking forward to seeing that same community spirit move from the lacrosse floor to the burger table.

He is encouraging residents to get behind the participating restaurants, bring their appetites and help make every bite count.

Residents can also follow the Burger Ambassadors on social media throughout the month for restaurant visits, featured burgers and behind-the-scenes looks at the competition.

More Than Just a Burger

While trying different burgers and voting for a favourite makes for a fun November activity, there is a bigger reason behind the competition.

Money raised through the Ultimate Burger Battle helps support United Way Peterborough & District's work with 20 local partner agencies.

Those investments help connect people throughout Peterborough and the surrounding area with essential supports and services, including access to food, housing and mental health resources, as well as opportunities for children, families and seniors.

Whether it's getting together with friends, discovering a new local favourite or revisiting a restaurant you already love, the campaign offers a fun way to support local businesses while contributing to programs that help people across Peterborough and County.

With $2 donated for every featured burger sold, even a simple meal out can contribute to programs and services that make a difference locally.

The United Way Ultimate Burger Battle runs until November 30th.

To see this year's featured burgers, find participating restaurants and cast your vote for the People's Choice Award, visit United Way Peterborough & District's Ultimate Burger Battle page.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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