Elgin Middlesex United Way launches Ultimate Burger Battle

The United Way of Elgin-Middlesex is launching a unique fundraiser with local restaurants taking part. CTV London’s Bryan Bicknell explains.

Elgin Middlesex United Way has launched its first annual Ultimate Burger Battle.

Throughout November, 18 participating restaurants will each serve up their own take on the Ultimate Burger. Two dollars for every burger sold goes to United Way.

“We know that the needs in our community are great,” said Elgin Middlesex United Way president and CEO Kelly Ziegner. “We have about 7,000 people that are on the list for affordable housing in London. One in five kids in our community lives in poverty. So we have some big challenges,” she said.

The launch took place Thursday at 100 Kellogg Lane, where some of the participating restaurants had a chance to showcase their Ultimate Burger entries.

Here’s how it works:

Diners visit participating restaurants and order the Ultimate Burger.

The public votes online. And at month’s end a panel of Burger Ambassadors will declare the Ultimate Burger of the Year.

It’s a role they take seriously.

“I think I’m up for it,” boasted Burger Ambassador John Fyfe Miller while clutching the giant, cheese-drenched, meat-patty sandwich he was in the middle of devouring. “When I look at the other people at the table, I think we’ve trained for it over the summer, gotten ready for it. It’s going to be a tough November,” he conceded.

“I love to eat out in London, and I support the United Way, so it’s a combination of all great things,” said Ambassador Christine Quinlan.

Ambassador Jeff Schiller got down to business immediately, sampling the first entries in earnest.

“I have been preparing my entire life for this,” he stated confidently.

Winning categories for Ultimate Burger Battle also include People’s Choice, and Most Burgers Sold.

Participating Restaurants:

• Bear & Frankie’s (130 King St)
• Beer Kitchen (110 Kellogg Lane)
• The Bungalow (910 Waterloo St)
• Burger Factory Wharncliffe (276 Wharncliffe Rd N)
• The Church Key Bistro-Pub (476 Richmond)
• Cintro on Wellington (731 Wellington St)
• The Clock Tower Inn Bistro (71 Frank St, Strathroy)
• Craft Farmacy (449 Wharncliffe Rd S)
• David’s Bistro (432 Richmond St)
• Edgar & Joe’s (255 Horton St E.)
• House Craft Burgers (640 Richmond St)
• Joe Kool’s (595 Richmond St)
• The London Club (177 Queens Ave)
• Los Olivos (2140 Kains Road)
• Milos Craft Beer Emporium (4-420 Talbot St)
• New Leaf Food Truck (London)
• Tiger Jack’s (842 Wharncliffe Rd S)
• Winks (1212-551 Richmond St,)