Grab your napkins again, Peterborough — the battle of the burgers is back.
United Way Peterborough & District has launched the second annual Ultimate Burger Battle, with 11 local restaurants serving up specially created burgers throughout November and donating $2 from every one sold to the United Way.
The month-long fundraiser officially kicked off Tuesday (November 3) at Agave by Imperial in downtown Peterborough, which earned the title of Ultimate Burger of the Year when the competition debuted in 2025.
That inaugural battle saw eight restaurants sell 1,022 featured burgers during November, raising $2,065 to support United Way programs and services. Agave by Imperial took the top judged honour with its Cien Fuegos burger, while Double Dz’s Diner won the award for Most Ultimate Burgers Sold after customers ordered 207 of its Big D burgers. Pizza Villa & Pasta House in Bridgenorth won the People’s Choice award with its United Way Burger.
This year’s Ultimate Burger Battle has expanded to 11 restaurants, including all three winners from last year, another contestant from last year, and seven newly participating restaurants.
“We’re excited to see the Ultimate Burger Battle return for a second year, especially with so many local restaurants stepping up to be part of it,” said United Way Peterborough & District CEO Jason Seguya.
“What makes this campaign special is that it gives people a fun, tangible way to support their community. You can get together with friends, discover a new local favourite, or revisit a restaurant you already love, knowing that your purchase is helping support people and programs right here in Peterborough and County.”
This year’s contenders are Agave by Imperial with the Volcano Burger, Ashburnham Ale House with the Unity Burger, Boston Pizza North and South with the Maple Bacon Burger, Double Dz’s Doughnuts and Diner with the Cask & Barrel, La Mesita with the Mexican Fiesta Burger, Law & Orders with the Probable Cause, Papas Burgerland with the Big Papa Burger, Pizza Villa & Pasta House with the It’s All Greek to Me Burger, Riley’s with the Devil’s Candy, Taso’s with the United Waygu Burger, and The Vine with the Falafel Burger.
The creations include new takes on traditional beef burgers with creative toppings, a turkey burger, and — for vegetarians — a falafel burger (two of the meat burgers also have a veggie patty substitute available).
Agave’s Volcano Burger features two beef patties with American cheese, maple bacon, crispy onion, grilled mushroom, pickles, garlic Dijon mayo, and a bubbling jalapeño queso sauce.
Ashburnham Ale House is taking a different approach with an apple-sage turkey burger topped with brie, berry compote, Dijon aioli, and arugula, while The Vine’s vegetarian entry features a traditional falafel patty with garlic tahini, hot sauce, pickles, pickled turnip, tomato, and cucumber.
Taso’s United Waygu Burger features two Wagyu smash patties with smoked gouda, caramelized onions, sliced pork belly, horseradish aioli, and chimichurri in a soft potato bun..
Prices and full descriptions of all 11 creations are available on the United Way’s website at www.uwpeterborough.ca/get-involved/burgers/.
As in the inaugural competition, the restaurants are competing for three awards.
Ultimate Burger of the Year will be selected by a panel based on taste, creativity, toppings, and presentation, while Most Ultimate Burgers Sold will go to the restaurant with the highest sales during November. The public will decide the People’s Choice winner through online voting, which is open until November 30.
Also returning from the inaugural competition are the Burger Ambassadors — eight community volunteers who will make their way to all the participating restaurants during November to taste the entries, share their experiences on social media, and encourage people to join the fundraiser.
This year’s ambassadors are 2026-27 United Way community campaign chair and Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory community manager Tiffany Arcari, retired teacher Tracey Germa, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Brenda Whitehead, Be Your Brand and Photobooth Fun owner Phillip Jolicoeur, Community Futures Peterborough’s Rose Terry (who is also the founder of Nectar Co.), Pete 99.7 afternoon host Dani Guppy, First Nations Technical Institute senior vice-president Adam Hopkins, and — for some extra fun — Peterborough Century 21 Lakers mascot Teddy.
“I’ve seen Peterborough come together for some pretty big games, but this November, the competition is moving from the lacrosse floor to the burger table,” the sports-loving bear said.
“We’ve got eleven local restaurants bringing their A-game, and I can’t wait to see who takes home the title. Peterborough, let’s rally behind our local restaurants, bring your appetite, and help make every bite count.”
The fundraiser originated locally as part of the United Way 2025-26 community campaign, although similar burger competitions have previously been held by United Way organizations elsewhere in Canada.
With the Peterborough version, the local United Way hoped the combination of local food, friendly competition, and community fundraising would encourage people to visit restaurants across the city and county.
By the end of the month, more than 1,000 burgers had been served and thousands of residents had engaged with the competition and participating restaurants.
Funds raised through this year’s Burger Battle will once again support United Way Peterborough & District’s network of local agencies and programs addressing issues including food insecurity, housing, mental health, literacy, and supports for children, families, and seniors.
The second annual Ultimate Burger Battle is on now and runs until November 30.
Burger lovers can view the participating restaurants and creations, find out more about the Burger Ambassadors, and vote for the People’s Choice award at www.uwpeterborough.ca/get-involved/burgers/.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be a media sponsor of this year’s United Way Burger Battle.
