The winner of the first-ever Sioux County Battle of the Burger was announced earlier this week, and now organizers have announced the rest of the top three finishers.
Sliders Pub in Granville was previously named the champion with its Southwest Barnyard Burger, earning the highest rating among voters during the month-long competition.
Organizers now say the Garden Cafe at Sioux Center Health finished second, while Brady’s Pub placed third.
The county-wide contest generated strong participation across Sioux County. Organizers say 2,238 votes were cast, and the event produced an estimated $31,380 in spending at participating restaurants.
The competition invited residents to visit participating establishments, order specialty burgers created specifically for the event, and vote for their favorites. In addition to friendly rivalry between restaurants, organizers say the contest was designed to highlight local dining options and encourage residents to support small businesses during the winter months.
Leah Koole, Event and Marketing Assistant with the Sioux Center Chamber, says the first year of the event generated strong engagement, particularly online.
Koole says the strong response from both diners and restaurants is already prompting conversations about bringing the event back.
Organizers say the enthusiasm surrounding the first Battle of the Burger has them optimistic about the future of the event.
