Smitty’s finishes first in Burger Brawl
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Winnipeg Free Press subscription for only
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
*$1 will be added to your next bill. After your 4 weeks access is complete your rate will increase by $4.99 a X percent off the regular rate.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 04/12/2021 (1384 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
A new victor has emerged in Brandon’s Burger Brawl competition, with the staff of Smitty’s securing the largest number of votes this year thanks to their Chicken Little Burger.
Smitty’s Brandon co-owner Ivale Crooks told the Sun on Friday that she was very excited about this outcome. The restaurant has taken part in the contest every year since it debuted in 2018. However, this marks the first time her team has actually taken home the Burger Brawl crown.
“Every year, every business believes that they have the burger that’s going to win, and this year we came up with an amazing burger that tasted great and the profile was fantastic,” she said.
The Chicken Little Burger itself is a physically towering creation that features two house-marinated battered chicken breasts topped with a significant helping of chipotle lime coleslaw.
Each piece of chicken is also complemented with mozzarella, cheddar cheese and four strips of bacon, contained within a Kuipers brioche bun.
Because this item received such a positive reception, Crooks thinks it could definitely migrate onto one of the restaurant’s signature menus in the new year, which would go a long way in bolstering their reputation as a burger joint.
“Here at Smitty’s we are more than just pancakes,” the co-owner said. “We’ve been known for our pancakes for so long … so it was great to finally have that other recognition.”
Over 900 people cast their ballots in the fourth annual Burger Brawl competition — presented by Assiniboine Community College and The Brandon Sun — which ran from Nov. 2 to Nov. 29.
The 2021 event featured seven competitors in total, including former winners from The Dock on Princess and Benny’s Restaurant.
This year’s roster was rounded out by the likes of Echo Restaurant & Wine Bar (Pub Burger), T-Birds (Ring Toss Burger), Browns Socialhouse (Smokehouse Burger) and Coffee Culture (Sierra Turkey Bagel).
While there can only be one winner, Crooks was very impressed with the level of creativity and innovation on display from her opponents this time around.
She was also heartened by the support her staff received from the broader Westman community throughout this year’s competition, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic continues to hover over the Manitoba service industry like a dark cloud.
“We watch the numbers closely and try to prepare our staff for if something is going to happen,” Crooks said.
“So hopefully we can just stay status quo, and keep on trucking along here, and get this industry back to where it was before the pandemic.”
The winner of the first place draw in this year’s Burger Brawl was Jeff Dubnick, who was awarded $500 cash.
The other draw winners include Brad Cline, Jean Drysdale, Janice Robinson and Tyson Chambers. They all received gift certificates from participating restaurants.
» kdarbyson@brandonsun.com
» Twitter: @KyleDarbyson