A month of great food all in support of a good cause.

The third annual Novemburger has wrapped up, and the public has spoken. For the second consecutive year, Beefcake’s Burger Factory has been named best burger with their latest creation.

Derek Lankinen of Beefcake’s Burger Factory says while it means so much to win this the trophy again, what makes the event special is that it’s all in support of a great local organization.

“We absolutely love working with the United Way and we love being a part of Novemburger,” explains Lankinen. “We really see ourselves as one of the premier burger shops in Thunder Bay so it really feels great that we were able to win people’s choice for the second year in a row. I love this event, it’s always been very lucrative for the shop as well as being a super great cause for everything the United Way takes care of.”

Beefcake’s is already beginning to formulate ideas for Novemburger 2022. Lankinen also mentions that he has been getting pressure to keep this year’s burger on as a permanent item.

Records were broken this time around, with over 10,000 burgers sold. That means overall, $25,472 was raised in support of the United Way of Thunder Bay.

Novemburger 2021 saw an expansion to 17 restaurants, including three in Kenora, and it would appear it will be an event that is going to continue to grow.

“The idea of getting involved in community, supporting local businesses, supporting local agencies, and supporting local people in ensuring they get what they need during the course of the year,” explains Alert Brule, Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Thunder Bay. “All of the funds raised from this promotion go to funding our service providers and partner agencies over the coming year, so why not see this grow. More communities, more restaurants, more people. It’s really a wonderful way to support local business, support community, and feel good about it when you’re eating a great burger.”

This year was also another successful one for Prospector Burger Barn, who sold the most burgers this time around with 2,546.

Over the past three years, Novemburger has sold 20,390 burgers and raised a grand total of $56,702 in support of United Way of Thunder Bay.