The results are in, as the 2025 Steinbach Burger Days has officially wrapped up with a sizzling success story. Tessa Masi, Executive Director of the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce, says from October 2 to 11, there were 14 restaurants and one brewery across Steinbach that took part in the community-wide food event, serving up original burger creations that had customers lining up across town. Record-Breaking Sales and Community Support Masi was excited to share some numbers. “This year, we bumped the event into October instead of September. We think that went pretty well; we weren’t competing with the back-to-school rush. And over $150,000 worth of burgers were sold between 14 restaurants that week.” She added that those numbers only reflect the burgers themselves, not the sides, drinks, or desserts that diners added to their orders. “That’s a big deal,” Masi said. In total, 7,500 burgers were sold during the 10-day event. “The feedback we got from restaurants was that they loved it, and they were hanging on by their fingertips,” she says. “They love the sales, and that’s what it’s all about, getting folks in the door.” Celebrating the Winners This year’s winners showcased creativity and flavour in every bite. Best Presentation: R-Bistro at the Frantz Inn Runner-up: Doener Grill Express Best Tasting: Oakridge Greenhouse Café Runner-up: IRAL Creatives Most Creative: Grandpa’s Café Runner-up: Oakridge Greenhouse Café Masi said it was especially exciting to see newcomers take the stage. “Something cool about this year's winners is that both Oakridge and Grandpa’s Café are both first-time participants. When we told Grandpa’s they had won, the entire team came out for the photo. They were so excited.” A Focus on Local Ingredients Masi notes that many restaurants were intentional in incorporating local ingredients into their burgers, something the Chamber loves to see. “Buy local, support local; it’s all part of showing what our community has to offer." Looking Ahead After last year’s event was impacted by flooding, Masi said the Chamber wanted to ensure this year’s Burger Days bounced back strong, and it did. “Numbers were definitely up from last year. Even higher than the year before, which was already a good year.” When asked whether the Chamber plans to keep Burger Days going, Masi said the answer was clear. “We asked our members and the public if they wanted to keep Burger Days or switch it up,” she explained. “And the answer was a resounding Yes, keep Burger Days!” As for expanding it, Masi says. “Yes, we can absolutely handle more restaurants. If someone’s thinking, ‘I want a turn’, then you should definitely be part of it. We’d love to have you.” A Thank You to the Community The chamber executive director notes her gratitude to everyone who made the 2025 Steinbach Burger Days a success. “Thank you so much to everyone who came out and supported the restaurants during Burger Days,” Masi said. “Thank you to the public who voted and helped pick the winners, and congratulations to the three voters who won a package of restaurant gift cards.” And to the restaurants themselves, she added: “We know it’s such hard work. You definitely deserve a break when it’s over. Thank you for putting in all that energy, creativity, and love, it wouldn’t be the same without you.”