GUELPH – What brings great local food and giving back to the community together?
United Way’s Ultimate Burger Battle (formally Novemburger) is set to kick-off on Nov. 1, “a great new fundraiser and burger challenge that supports all things local,” officials state.
The Ultimate Burger Battle, presented by Elinesky Schuett Private Wealth of RBC Dominion Securities, “brings together the power of food and the power of giving back,” officials state.
Local restaurants have created unique burgers to offer for the month and will compete in a friendly battle of the burgers.
Two dollars from each Ultimate Burger sold will be donated to United Way and will support local food insecurity programs across Guelph, Wellington and Dufferin.
“United Way is all about supporting local. Through the Ultimate Burger Battle, not only are we able to support and strengthen local organizations, but we can support local business as well,” said United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin executive director Glenna Banda.
“Every bite gives back to our community!”
Elinesky Schuett Private Wealth senior portfolio manager Jay Elinesky said “As business leaders in Guelph, we firmly believe it is our privilege and responsibility to give back to the communities we serve.
“The fight against food insecurity is a cause that resonates strongly with our team, and we are proud to be presenting sponsors for the Ultimate Burger Battle this year and to support United Way’s critical efforts to create a healthier and happier future for our region” Elinesky continued.
Since burgers come in many forms, there are a variety of Ultimate Burger options at the restaurants, including vegetarian and beef, and a vast number of creative toppings including candied pineapple and crispy cheese.
Eight restaurants across Guelph and Wellington have signed on to participate:
– 1881 Steakhouse & Burger Bar, @1881steakhouse with its Weststar Burger;
– Bar Mason (@Delta Hotels Guelph), @barmasonrestaurant with its Kicked Up KRunch Burger 2.0;
– Elora Distilling Compay, @eloradistillingco with its Pineapple Express Burger;
– McCabe’s, @mccabesguelph, with its The “Brie”zy Burger;
– Montana’s Stone Road, @guelphmontanas with its Canadian Burger;
– Royal Electric, @royalelectric, with its Ultimate Royal Burger;
– R U Serious, @ruserious92, with its R U Local Burger; and
– Shakespeare Arms, @shakespearearmsguelph, with its Shakey’s Ultimate Burger.
The Ultimate Burgers will compete for three awards up for grabs:
– Ultimate Burger of the Year voted on by Ultimate Burger Battle Ambassadors (local community members who will be out trying all the burgers);
– Most Ultimate Burgers Sold; and
– the People’s Choice Ultimate Burger, voted on by the people.
Throughout the month, community members can visit as many of the restaurants as possible and rate what they ate by voting online for their favourite Ultimate Burger.
Participants can also access an Ultimate Burger Battle Passport which allows them to keep track of how many burgers they’ve tried.
Those who try five or more have the chance to become an Ultimate Burger Battle Ambassador for 2026.
The Ultimate Burger Battle originated in Thunder Bay in 2019 with other United Ways across Canada, including United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin, bringing the fundraiser to local communities in 2025.
The Ultimate Burger Battle runs Nov. 1 to 30.
For more information and to place a vote for the favourite Ultimate Burger, visit unitedwayguelph.com/ultimateburgerbattle.
