Ultimate Burger Battle set to get underway in northwestern Ontario
United Way’s Ultimate Burger Battle, which was previously known as Novemburger is kicking off for the year.
The annual campaign, rebranded this year, and is welcoming more restaurants than ever before.
The initiative invites local restaurants to create a custom burger for the event that will be sold throughout November.
At the end of the month, one of the creations will be selected as Thunder Bay’s Ultimate Burger of the Year, as voted by the Ultimate Burger Battle Ambassadors.
Funds from the campaign are supporting United Way, with $2 from each burger sold going to the not-for-profit.
“Another year of delicious burgers, friendly competition, and community building. What can we say, food brings people together!” said Ultimate Burger Battle Chef de Mission, Erika Mikkola. “When we started this event back in 2019, we brought in 11 restaurants.”
“This year, we have 55 participating restaurants, including six regional restaurants in Kenora, Nipigon, Terrace Bay and Manitouwadge! We’re eternally grateful to the community for helping us grow the campaign over the past seven years.”
On Wednesday night, a tasting party was held at The Outpost at Lakehead University to get a sneak peek of the burgers from several participating restaurants.
A total of over 400 people were in attendance.
There are also a couple of new additions to the event this year, including A&W and George’s Market & Celebrations.
Throughout the campaign, $1 will be donated to United Way of Thunder Bay when you upgrade your burger at A&W to double bacon, double cheese.
At George’s Market, 20 per cent of sales from their turkey feta spinach burger patties will support United Way, adding a new way to enjoy Ultimate Burger Battle by creating your own burger.
The event has also introduced merchandise.
Branded shirts, hoodies, and hats from Ungalli Clothing Co., bath bombs, lip balms, and body butters from Lovely Body Products, and candles from Waxxed Candle Co. are all available for purchase
Throughout the month, community members can rate what they ate by voting online on the campaign’s new website for their favourite Ultimate Burger.
At the end of the month, the three burgers with the most votes will be crowned People’s Choice.
“The Ultimate Burger Battle is about food in more ways than one. Sure, we get to enjoy a month of delicious burgers, but the campaign’s true aim is to provide food security for community members in need through NOURISH the North,” explained United Way of Thunder Bay CEO Albert Brulé.
“By connecting locally grown food with local needs, we help ensure that individuals, families, children, and seniors facing food insecurity have access to fresh, nutritious meals. Last year alone, we raised over $130,000 to support local food programs.”
There are a total of 13 United Ways participating in 2025.
You can learn more about the initiative by clicking here.
