Peterborough, ON, [Thursday, October 30, 2025] – United Way Peterborough & District officially kicked off their first-ever Ultimate Burger Battle today at a media launch event held at the United Way office, where local restaurants and Burger Ambassadors gathered for a “First Bite” preview of this delicious new fundraiser.
Move over Burger Day, Peterborough is getting an entire Burger Month with big flavour and even bigger impact! United Way Peterborough & District is thrilled to introduce the first-ever Ultimate Burger Battle, a new community fundraiser running all November long.
Eight local restaurants are joining forces with United Way for a friendly (and delicious) competition, each crafting a one-of-a-kind burger to battle for the title of Peterborough and County’s Ultimate Burger of the Year. For every burger sold throughout November, $2 will be donated to United Way Peterborough & District, supporting programs and services that strengthen our community.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to bring the first-ever United Way Ultimate Burger Battle to Peterborough and District,” said JimRussell, CEO of United Way Peterborough & District. “This campaign is a fun way to celebrate the creativity of our local restaurants while uniting the community around a shared cause. We’re especially proud to see participation from restaurants across both the City and County, a reflection of the wide reach and generosity of our region. Every Ultimate Burger sold helps build a stronger, more caring community, and I think that’s something we can all sink our teeth into.”
The Ultimate Burger Battle is expecting burgers of all stripes; restaurants will be getting creative (and maybe even a little whacky) with their burger creations, from fish patties to burgers that are bringing the heat stacked high with pickled jalapeño peppers. One thing can be sure: participating restaurants are bringing their A-game because they know that every bite gives back.
Restaurants joining Peterborough & District United Way’s inaugural Ultimate Burger Battle include:
- Dirty Burger – 211 Hunter St W Peterborough, ON K9H 2L1
- Double Dz’s Diner – 2622 Maple Grove Rd Peterborough, ON K9J 0G5
- Agave by Imperial – 376 George St N Peterborough, ON K9H 3R3
- The Vine – 165 Sherbrooke St Peterborough, ON K9J 2N2
- The Loon Lakefield – 150 Queen St Lakefield, ON K0L 2H0
- The Chemong Lodge – 764 Hunter St Bridgenorth, ON K0L 1H0
- Pizza Villa & Pasta House – 846 Ward St Bridgenorth, ON K0L 1H0
- The Rink Tap & Grill – 597 Monaghan Rd Peterborough, ON K9J 5J1
Throughout the month of November, a team of local Ultimate Burger Battle Ambassadors will be tasting their way across Peterborough and the County, sharing their experiences, reviews, and behind-the-scenes peeks on social media. These local food lovers will help spotlight participating restaurants and encourage the community to join the fun by trying new burgers and voting for their favourites – community members can get involved by voting online at uwpeterborough.ca for their favourite burger to help decide the People’s Choice Awards.
The Burger Ambassadors taking a bit include:
- Laura Montague, PTBO Eaters
- Dan O’Toole, BetRivers
- Neil Morton, Consultant/ Entrepreneur, 2017 United Way Peterborough & District Campaign Chair
- Tiffany Arcari, The Tiffany Show
- Nour Mazloum, Peterborough, DBIA
- Pete Dalliday, TV Voice of the Lakers & Petes
- Jason Wilkins, Muralist/ Illustrator
- Paul Rellinger, Journalist, 2025 United Way Campaign Chair
“The Ultimate Burger Battle is a fantastic way to showcase the creativity and passion of our local restaurants,” said Nour Mazloum, Executive Director of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and one of the eight Burger Ambassadors. “It’s more than just a culinary challenge; it’s an opportunity to bring people together, celebrate local talent, and support a meaningful cause. I’m excited to see our community come out, enjoy some incredible food, and cheer on their favourite spots in the spirit of friendly competition.”
“From the Adam Scott Cafeteria to Zeke’s — I’ve done the A-to-Z of Peterborough burgers!” laughed Pete Dalliday, TV Voice of the Lakers and Petes and fellow Burger Ambassador. “The Burger Battle just gives me another excuse to keep the streak going, support local spots, and have some fun for a great cause.”
For the most devoted of diners, the Ultimate Burger Battle Passport is available to help track burger adventures, and anyone who tries five or more burgers will have the chance to become an Ultimate Burger Battle Ambassador for 2026.
Workplaces can also get in on the fun through “Ultimate Burger Battle @ Work,” a team lunch initiative that lets staff order burgers together in support of United Way workplace campaigns, a great way to boost morale and give back.
While the Ultimate Burger Battle is all about great food and friendly competition, its impact goes far beyond the plate. Proceeds will help support United Way Peterborough & District’s network of local agencies and initiatives working to address poverty and strengthen community well-being. From ensuring residents have access to food and housing, to supporting mental health services
and programs for children, families, and seniors, every burger sold helps build a stronger, more caring Peterborough and County.
The Ultimate Burger Battle has been tested to delicious success in other communities, with United Way Thunder Bay launching the original event six years ago. Since then, it has expanded to a national event brought on by United Ways across Canada, serving up more than 60,000 burgers nationwide last year alone.
Peterborough’s first Ultimate Burger Battle runs from November 1 to 30, 2025. The Ultimate Burger of the Year, People’s Choice Winners, and Most Burgers Sold will be crowned in early December.
So, grab your napkins and your appetite, Peterborough. Let the burger battles begin!
To learn more or find participating restaurants, visit https://www.uwpeterborough.ca/get-involved/united-way-ultimate-burger-battle/
