THUNDER BAY – Novemburger is back and bigger than ever, with 17 eateries taking part in the mouth-watering United Way of Thunder Bay fundraiser.
Judging by the Prospector Burger Barn’s entry for 2021, all of the restaurants are at the top of their games.
The Prospector Barnyard features beef and chicken patties, smothered in barbecue mayonnaise, chicken Caesar sauce, pickles, pickled jalapenos, fried chicken breast, aged cheddar cheese and bacon.
Samples were scarfed down on Monday morning by the five Novemburger ambassadors at the third annual event’s kick-off celebration.
Damien Gilbert, a hamburger connoisseur, said he plans to have all eight platinum sponsors checked off on his burger passport by week’s end, the remainder – if he can get to Kenora where for the first time three restaurants are taking part – by the end of the month.
“I think it’s a great cause and it’s a good incentive for people to support local, on top of supporting a local charity. And what better way than by eating burgers,” Gilbert said. “You never think that you get to eat a good healthy meal and support a good cause at the same time.”
He was joined on Monday by Sean Spenrath, one of the driving forces behind the Wake the Giant Music Festival, former mayor and MP Ken Boshcoff, Rainbow Collective founder Jason Veltri and Eat Local’s Jim Stadey.
Gilbert said Burger Barn always takes things to the next level during Novemburger, which last year saw 6,370 burgers sold and $18,267 raised for the United Way of Thunder Bay.
“They try to incorporate many different ingredients. This year it was a chicken and beef patty. I find every restaurant tries to get really creative and put together a big burger,” Gilbert said.
Albert Brule, the United Way of Thunder Bay’s CEO, says he plans to try as many of the burgers as he can, likely not at Gilbert’s pace, and said the month-long event is the perfect win-win scenario for both the charity and the local restaurants taking part.
“The theme for this year is local love in action, and if you love burgers and you like to be active, you just have to get out there, try all of these burgers and know that you’re also helping issues of poverty, helping provide food access for members of our community,” he said.
Two dollars from every burger sold is turned over to the United Way. There will be prizes for the best burger and the most burgers sold and a chance to win
In addition to the Prospector Burger Barn, platinum double-stack participants include the Neebing Roadhouse, Apple Chipotle’s, Daytona’s, The Sal, Bonobo’s Foods, Red Lion and Beefcake’s Burger Factory.
Gold single-stack sponsors include the Prospector Brew House, Madhouse, Bight Restaurant, the Foundry, Galaxy Lounge and Java Hut. And for those in Kenora, Bob’s Burger Bar, Lake of the Woods Brewing Company and the Boathouse are also taking part.
