United Way Peterborough & District’s first-ever Ultimate Burger Battle has wrapped up with strong community participation, more than 1,000 burgers sold, just over $2,000 raised for local programs and services, and three local restaurants winning bragging rights for the year’s ultimate burger, most burgers sold, and the people’s choice award.
Held throughout November, the inaugural month-long fundraiser saw eight restaurants each create a one-of-a-kind “Ultimate Burger” while eight volunteer “Burger Ambassadors” encouraged residents across the city and county to purchase the burgers in support of the United Way’s 2025-26 community campaign.
By the end of the month, a total of 1,022 Ultimate Burgers had been sold, with $2 from every burger sold supporting the United Way’s work across its 20 partner agencies. The campaign raised $2,065 for initiatives that support individuals, families, and seniors with essential services.
“This campaign exceeded every expectation,” says United Way CEO Jim Russell in a media release.
“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.”
The eight restaurants that participated in the fundraiser were Agave by Imperial (376 George St. N., Peterborough), Chemong Lodge (764 Hunter St., Bridgenorth), Dirty Burger (211 Hunter St. W., Peterborough), Double Dz’s Diner (2622 Maple Grove Rd., Peterborough), The Loon Lakefield (150 Queen St., Lakefield), Pizza Villa & Pasta House (846 Ward St., Bridgenorth), The Rink Tap & Grill (597 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough), and The Vine (165 Sherbrooke St., Peterborough).
Agave By Imperial won the Top Ultimate Burger of the Year award for its “Cien Fuegos” burger, a double house-made beef chuck patty topped with spicy queso fundido, jalapeño and bacon jam, caramelized onion, and chili oil aioli. The award was based on evaluations by the United Way’s Burger Ambassadors, who scored each entry on presentation, taste, originality, toppings, and overall execution.
Double Dz’s Diner won the Most Ultimate Burgers Sold award, with customers purchasing 207 of its “The Big D” burger, a six-ounce ground chuck smash burger with lettuce, peameal bacon, gouda, onion rings, double-smoked bacon, whisky sauce, and peppercorn ranch aioli on a homemade bun.
Finally, Pizza Villa & Pasta House was awarded the People’s Choice Ultimate Burger award for its “The United Way Burger,” featuring a six-ounce beef patty, melted mozzarella on both buns, bacon, mushrooms, onions, hot peppers, BBQ sauce, and melted cheddar. The award was determined through online voting on the United Way’s website.
At a wrap-up event on Monday morning (December 8), Agave by Imperial’s Chef Jennifer Gutierrez thanked the community for its enthusiasm, noting how meaningful it was to see residents support both local restaurants and the United Way through the friendly competition.
For its part, the United Way thanked its eight volunteer Burger Ambassadors — Laura Montague, Dan O’Toole, Neil Morton, Tiffany Arcari, Nour Mazloum, Pete Dalliday, Jason Wilkins, and Paul Rellinger — for dedicating their time throughout November to visit all eight participating restaurants and scoring each burger while promoting the fundraiser on social media and shining a spotlight on local businesses.
The event also benefited from significant media support, with kawarthaNOW and Corus Entertainment each providing $10,000 in in-kind coverage after a challenge issued by local media leader and campaign cabinet member Jeannine Taylor of kawarthaNOW.
In addition, thousands of residents engaged with participating restaurants throughout November, sharing recommendations and joining in the competition while learning more about United Way’s work.
To view this year’s participating restaurants and their burger creations, visit www.uwpeterborough.ca/get-involved/united-way-ultimate-burger-battle/ .
According to Russell, the community is already hungry to see the Ultimate Burger Battle return next year.
“We’re already hearing from restaurants and residents asking when round two begins,” he says. “Based on the excitement and community pride we witnessed this year, we’d say the appetite is definitely there.”
Funds raised through the Ultimate Burger Battle will support United Way Peterborough & District’s 2024-25 community campaign, which aims to raise $1.6 million to strengthen the local social safety net. In addition to supporting programs delivered by its 20 partner agencies, the organization says campaign dollars help advance research and community planning to address long-term challenges facing the region.
