Winners Crowned In United Way's Inaugural Ultimate Burger Battle Fundraiser

After eight participating restaurants put their cooked patties to the test, United Way Peterborough & District has announced its winners of its first-ever Ultimate Burger Battle at Agave by Imperial on Monday morning.

Jennifer Gutierrez, Agave by Imperial head chef (left) and Angelica Jimenez, Agave by Imperial partner (right) celebrating their victory, claiming the title of “Ultimate Burger of the Year.” Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The month-long fundraiser saw eight local restaurants, eight Burger Ambassadors, and the community participate. Each restaurant crafted a signature Ultimate Burger to compete for one of several awards.

The following were the participating restaurants: 

• The Dirty Burger Company

• Double Dz's Diner

• Agave by Imperial

• The Vine

• The Loon Lakefield

• The Chemong Lodge

• Pizza Villa & Pasta House

• The Rink Tap & Grill

This year’s Burger Ambassadors were:

• Laura Montague, PTBO Eaters

• Dan O’Toole, BetRivers

• Neil Morton, Consultant/ Entrepreneur, 2017 United Way Peterborough & District Campaign Chair

• Tiffany Arcari, The Tiffany Show

• Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA

• Pete Dalliday, TV Voice of the Lakers & Petes

• Jason Wilkins, Muralist/ Illustrator

• Paul Rellinger, Journalist, 2025 United Way Campaign Chair 

@ptbo_canada Agave by Imperial is crowned the winner of the United Way’s inaugural Burger Battle! 🍔 🌮🍹 #AgavePTBO #PTBOCanada #peterboroughontario ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

A combined 1,022 ‘Ultimate Burgers’ were sold, with two dollars from each supporting United Way’s work across its 20 partner agencies. In total, the inaugural campaign raised $2,065 for programs and initiatives that help ensure individuals, families and seniors have access to essential supports.

“This campaign exceeded every expectation,” Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “The Ultimate Burger Battle brought together local creativity, friendly competition, and real community spirit. Every burger sold represents not just a great meal, but a direct investment in the well-being of people across Peterborough and the County. We’re incredibly grateful to the restaurants, ambassadors, and residents who made this first year such a success.”

United Way has announced the 2025 winners:

Ultimate Burger of the Year

Agave By Imperial – Cien Fuegos

Double house-made beef chuck patty, spicy queso fundido, jalapeño & bacon jam, caramelized onion, chili oil aioli.

This title was determined by United Way’s Burger Ambassadors, who scored each burger on presentation, taste, originality, toppings and overall execution.

Most Ultimate Burgers Sold

Double Dz’s Diner – The Big D (207 Ultimate Burgers sold)

Featuring a fresh 6oz ground chuck smash burger with lettuce, peameal bacon, gouda, onion rings, double smoked bacon, signature whiskey sauce, peppercorn ranch aioli on a homemade bun.

People’s Choice Ultimate Burger

Pizza Villa & Pasta House – The United Way Burger

Melted mozzarella on both buns, bacon, mushrooms, onions, hot peppers, BBQ sauce, a six-ounce beef patty, and melted cheddar.

This title was determined through an online voting form available on the United Way’s website – diners were encouraged to visit the online page after trying each burger to crown their favourite.

Russell stated that he wants to do this fundraiser again next year.

“We’re already hearing from restaurants and residents asking when round two begins,” he said. “Based on the excitement and community pride we witnessed this year, we’d say the appetite is definitely there.”

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New Restaurant Agave By Imperial Serving Fine Mexican Cuisine In Downtown Peterborough

Margaritas, empanadas, chilaquiles and more are on tap at one of downtown Peterborough’s new restaurants, Agave By Imperial that opened in early December.

(from left to right) Jennifer Guiterrec, chef; Manesh Chowdry, co-owner; Juan Pablo Olvera, chef and Javier Reyes, prep cook. The restaurant’s logo is a yellow outlined pineapple and tequila bottle on a black background. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

It is owned by cousins and partners Manesh Chowdry and Jim Grover who also own The Imperial Tandoor on 554 Lansdowne St. W. Agave By Imperial is located at 376 George St. N., at the spot formerly occupied by The Fusion Bowl — that was also owned by Chowdry and Grover — next to The EL[P] in downtown Peterborough.

Chowdry opted for a Mexican restaurant since he already had a successful Indian restaurant, didn’t want to compete with himself and had a personal liking to Mexican food. He added that he met with Mexican chefs and believed they could add a level of authenticity to Mexican cuisine in Peterborough.

“Same as Indian food, Mexican food is full of flavour and it's loved by many,” said Chowdry. “One of my favourite cuisines is Mexican other than Indian. We came across these wonderful chefs and we thought it could be a really good team to work together and bring something special to downtown.”

Chowdry also noted that while Peterborough is already diverse in the restaurant business, it doesn’t hurt to add even more.

“By bringing diverse restaurants, I feel this will give people enough to go out in Peterborough and explore different things,” he explained. “Peterborough has a lot to offer, it's just that people need to go out and see what things are being offered.”

Classic Mexican staples served at Agave are Quesadillas, nachos and tacos but also include upscale items on their menu. Dishes include grilled shrimp, grilled chorizo, watermelon cevhice, basa and more.

The restaurant offers two happy hour times from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. and again from 9 p.m. to close. It offers $8 margaritas, tequila and $5 classic tacos.

“It's all about the experience,” explained Chowdry. “We want them to take the experience and always think about the next time they come back. Of course there is taste, flavour and great drinks but it's all about the moments you enjoy here with our team and we hope we can succeed at the same level as (The Imperial) Tandoor and here as well.”

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