The new event dubbed “Owensboro Burger Week” is set for March 2-6, and it is designed to showcase signature burgers from restaurants throughout the city and county. Any local restaurant can participate.
The Burger Week is a partnership between Visit Owensboro and the City of Owensboro, with the goal of supporting local restaurants that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We continue to try to do everything we can to support the hospitality industry during COVID-19,” said Dave Kirk, destination management director for Visit Owensboro. “There are some incredible hamburger options at restaurants in our community. We can’t wait to see what exciting options they come up with.”
Restaurants that participate will sell a burger of their choosing for $6, including tax. Each restaurant will decide how large the burger will be and if it comes with any sides.
According to a release, a tasting panel of “local celebrities and food critics” will judge all the burgers throughout the week without knowing which restaurant they came from.
“Judges will tally all of the scores to select an overall winner who will receive a traveling trophy and bragging rights for ‘Burger of the Year.’ Burger Week will also have a contest with a fabulous prize for everyone who participates and shares their Burger Week experience on social media,” Kirk said.
Kirk said officials holding the event hoped it could become an annual tradition that helps get people out and about during most restaurants’ slow seasons.
Public Events Director Tim Ross said other cities across the country have held Burger Week competitions similar to this one.
“Owensboro has some very good burgers and we wanted to encourage people to get out to their favorite local burger place and, hopefully, try a burger from some new places too,” he said. “In addition, it is a good opportunity to help bring some more business to the local restaurants that have struggled quite a bit this year.”
Lure Seafood and Grille Operating Partner Ben Skiadas called the event “awesome,” saying he loved seeing such a creativite event transpire from the local tourism industry’s partnership with the City.
“Bring on Burger Week,” he said.
For more information, visit owensboroburgerweek.com. Restaurants wanting to participate in Owensboro Burger Week can email Kirk at [email protected]. Restaurants must submit their information by Feb. 5.
