YFC Burger Bash returning for seventh year

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More than 30 restaurants in the Fredericton area will soon be competing to see which one can make the best burger in the capital region.

The YFC Burger Bash will be back for its seventh year from March 2 to 23, with restaurants in the city and Oromocto vying for bragging rights for having the most popular burger.

Lloyd Chambers, who organizes the annual promotion, said it’s an opportunity for burger lovers to try different offerings throughout the region.

“A lot of restaurants create new and special burgers, so it’s a good chance to explore the burger culture in the city,” he said. “There are a lot of different options, from simple to gourmet with macaroni and cheese, extra bacon, and a variety of other sides.”

Last year’s Burger Battle winner was Monks & Jonesie Gastro Truck on Bishop Drive. Previous winners have included Pine Tree Bar & Grill, Rocket Burger, and the Hilltop Maritime Tavern.

Participating restaurants this year include The Diplomat Restaurant, Red Lantern Pub & Steakhouse, Claudine’s Eatery, Pine Tree Bar & Grill, King West Brewing & RustiCo., Cheese Curds: Gourmet Burgers and Poutinerie, Stmr.36 BBQ and Social, Monks & Jonesie Gastro Truck, Gahan House Riverside, St. James’ Gate, Cannon’s Cross Pub, Ramada Fredericton, Rocket Burger, Regency Restaurant and Bar, and The Snooty Fox.

Also taking part are Pickle Jar, The Joyce Pub, Montana’s Fredericton, 540 Kitchen & Bar, 540 North, Jenna’s Nut-Free Dessertery Inc., William’s Seafood, and Isaac’s Way Restaurant, along with Skinny’s Scoop, Mama’s Brew Pub, Ringo’s Bar and Grill, Sam Snead’s Oak Grill and Tavern, St. James’ Gate at Westhills, The Lunar Rogue Pub, and Williams Seafood. Beverage sponsors are Foghorn Brewing Company, Big Spruce Brewing, and Lone Oak Brewing Company, with some hops from Hops Connect Canada.

Chambers said Burger Battle has been taking place since 2016, aside from a two-year break during the pandemic. He said it was launched as a way to promote local restaurants and “celebrate good food.”

“The burgers seemed to work really well for what people were looking for,” said Chambers, who owns Black Galley Distilling and has organized Burger Battle since its second year. “It allows local chefs to show off their culinary skills through different creations.

“Everyone is always excited to get out and try different creations. Restaurants really step up and put out some fabulous burgers. In the post-COVID world, everyone is still getting back out and checking out restaurants, and they want to support local businesses. This is a great way to do that and try some different items that may not always be on the menu.”