Small businesses really showed their creativity and their care for community. Every burger sold helps make a difference.”
Kelly Ziegner
President & CEO, United Way Elgin Middlesex
United Way Elgin Middlesex celebrated the successful conclusion of its first-ever Ultimate Burger Battle at a special gathering at Tiger Jack’s Bar & Grill, where the region’s best burgers and the restaurants behind them were recognized for an incredible month of community fundraising.
The month-long competition exceeded expectations, with participating restaurants selling 5,159 Ultimate Burgers and raising $57,284 for United Way Elgin Middlesex programs that tackle poverty and support vulnerable community members.
“This event brought together everything we love about our community – great local restaurants, passionate food lovers, and a shared commitment to helping our neighbors,” said Chris McInnis, Director of Marketing & Communications at United Way Elgin Middlesex. “Every burger sold made a real difference.”
The Winners
After a month of culinary creativity and community voting, three champions emerged:
Ultimate Burger of the Year: Los Olivos – “Loosey Juicy Lucy” As scored by the panel of Burger Battle Ambassadors, Los Olivos claimed the top honor with their grass-fed beef burger stuffed with castello blue cheese, bourbon onion jam, maple bacon aioli, house salt & vinegar chips, and arugula. The judges evaluated each burger on presentation, taste, originality, toppings, and execution.
People’s Choice Award: House Craft Burgers – “Fake Shemp” The community spoke loud and clear, with House Craft Burgers’ double-patty smash burger winning the hearts (and taste buds) of voters. Runners up were Tiger Jack’s and Cintro.
Craft Farmacy ran away with the award for Most Ultimate Burgers Sold with 886 burgers sold! House Craft Burgers, Tiger Jack’s and Cintro all finished strong as well.
Special recognition went to Tiger Jack’s and owner Rick deJaeger for exemplifying community spirit throughout the event. Tiger Jack’s, along with Cintro, Los Olivos, Bear & Frankie’s, and Craft Farmacy, went above and beyond by doubling their $2 donation per burger sold.
The event brought together 18 local restaurants, 11 volunteer Burger Ambassadors, and thousands of burger enthusiasts across the region. Each participating restaurant crafted unique signature burgers ranging from classic to unexpected, festive, vegan-friendly, and chef-inspired creations.
Special thanks to all participating restaurants and to our Burger Battle Ambassadors. Special thanks to presenting sponsor TD Bank Group, along with McCormick Canada, The Finnerty, and Corus Radio for their support.
The $57,284 raised through Ultimate Burger Battle will support United Way Elgin Middlesex programs that serve over 112,000 people annually across London, St. Thomas, Elgin County, and Middlesex County. These programs provide housing stability, mentoring for students, mental health supports, food assistance, and poverty reduction initiatives. United Way Elgin Middlesex is one of the largest non-government funders of social services in the region, investing in strategic leadership, advocacy, and programs proven to get results. All donations stay 100% local.
Thank you to our Sponsors & Partners
Topics : Ultimate Burger Battle
