This past month, Thunder Bay did what Thunder Bay does best: we rallied together — not over politics, not over weather complaints, not even over Leafs vs. Jets. No. We united over burgers. Ultimate burger battle, proudly powered by TBay Modular Floors, once again turned our city into the juiciest, cheesiest, sauciest battleground in the North.
Every November, restaurants throw their hats — and buns — into the ring. And we, the people, do our civic duty by eating them. It’s basically community service, but greasier and way more fun.
Over the last five years, our beloved local restaurants have sold more than 54,250 Ultimate burger battle and raised nearly $150,000 for local needs. If that isn’t reason enough to strut through the drive-thru like the hero you are, I don’t know what is. This event literally wouldn’t happen without everyone getting out there and trying these beautiful beefy creations. So yes — you’re doing charity work every time you demolish a burger. Pat yourself on the back. And then order fries.
But let’s be serious for a hot second: Ultimate burger battle isn’t just about food babies and bragging rights. It supports the United Way of Thunder Bay, raising funds for programs fighting food insecurity across our community — like the Dew Drop Inn’s Senior Food Hamper Program, Our Kids Count’s Food Security Program, Evergreen A United Neighbourhood’s Feeding Program, and the Good Food Box Program. When we eat burgers, we feed others. You love to see it.
My Personal Ultimate burger battle Journey (or: One Girl vs. Eight Burgers)
Though the challenge was real at times, I did my part. I humbly — no, proudly — report that I consumed eight glorious burgers… and honestly, I’m still open to takeout tonight. For the cause. Obviously.
My burger roster:
- Outlaws
- Burger Barn
- The Foundry
- George’s Market
- The Sal
- The Wayland
- Nortenos
- The Nook
ALL. WERE. SO. GOOD.
Anyone who says burgers don’t fuel the soul… I’m not convinced food is their motivator the way it is mine.
Covello + Graysen Night: Where the Magic Really Happened
Somewhere in the middle of all this burger greatness, fate delivered a reunion night that should honestly become an annual holiday.
Long story short: I grew up with the Covello kids because our dads were best buds. Billy and Karen raised four rad humans — Danielle, Codi, Connor and Stephanie — and as adults, we’ve been making more of an effort to hang out without parental supervision.
So naturally, Codi, her husband Anthony (who I prefer to call Rigatoni), and I declared that a Covello & Graysen Night needed to happen. That declaration then spiraled — beautifully — into a competitive burger taste-off and the grand opening of Tony’s Bar (one night only). Sadly, Connor doesn’t live in town so us girls (and Rigatoni and Ross), rallied and ate not nearly enough burgers, and yet so many.
Four Burgers, One Weekend — Because Go Big or Go Home
When the clock is ticking and Ultimate burger battle is nearing its end, you don’t pace yourself — you commit. Which is exactly how I found myself kicking off the weekend on
Then things escalated.
Thursday – Thursday with burger #1 from The Nook, shared with my beloved bestie Kevin. This burger knocked my socks off. A literal burger-meets-sandwich dream.
Friday — The Wayland: Burnt ends in the burger? Heaven. I could have written a sonnet.
Saturday — The Sal: The mac ‘n’ cheese burger — a “fork and knife unless you like chaos” situation. Carbs on carbs? My love language.
Sunday — Nortenos: A well-deserved post–Craft Revival reward after many hours of sensory overload and supporting every local maker in sight. Scotia and I needed it. Spiritually and physically.
Four burgers. One weekend. Zero regrets.
Speaking of — shout-out to my girl Scotia for tackling so many burgers with me that weekend. Every hero needs a sidekick. And sometimes that sidekick brings napkins, antacids, and moral support.
Your Mission (Should You Choose to Accept It)
There’s STILL time to get your hands on these burgers.
So:
- Call your buddy — a Covello, a Scotia, or whoever fuels your joy
- Pick a restaurant (or three)
- Buy a burger for a good cause
- Make memories with good people
Because good people and good food fuel my soul, and I really hope they fuel yours too.
