VERO BEACH — Back for its third year, Burgers & Brews presented by Southern Eagle Distributing has local chefs battling it out to claim the title of “Best Burger in Indian River County.”
Attendees will enjoy tasting sliders from each “Best Burger” competitor from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. In addition to the Best Burger Competition, this family-friendly event will include a free street festival (no ticket required) from 1 to 9 p.m., including a celebrity dunk tank, food trucks, kids zone, Apple Pie Eating Contest, Vero Beach Police K-9 Demo and live entertainment featuring Ladies of Soul, East Harbor and headliner, Ballyhoo.
Competing restaurants include: American Icon Brewery, Bonefish Grill, The Green Marlin, Outback Steakhouse, Post & Vine, Sean Ryan Pub, The Source’s Dining with Dignity Program, Southern Social, The Tides, and Wilke’s 14 Bones.
A panel of judges will score each burger in the areas of presentation, creativity, taste and technique to determine the “Judges Choice Award.” Last year, Wilke’s 14 Bones took home the prize. Attendees will also get to vote to crown the People’s Choice winner. Wilke’s 14 Bones was the 2017 crowd favorite.
For foodies who have just got to try them all, punch cards allow the holder to sample 5 sliders and enjoy two beverages for just $25. If you choose to go VIP ($100), you’ll enjoy unlimited access to the VIP Lounge, complimentary Bloody Mary Bar by Filthy’s Fine Cocktails & Beer, a variety of local craft beers and soft drinks, private restrooms and reserved seating in the air-conditioned Heritage Center, in addition to the punch card. A limited number of individual slider tickets are available for $3.
And the best part? All funds raised from sponsorships, punch cards, vendor fees and beverage sales benefit United Against Poverty of Indian River County, so you can justify cheating on your diet by helping to break the cycle of poverty and help Indian River families reach their full potential.
“The harsh reality is that 22,197 families in Indian River earn less than what it costs to afford the five basic household expenses including housing, child care, food, health care and transportation,” says Annabel Robertson, Executive Director. “Burgers and Brews is an opportunity for families to kick-off the upcoming Independence Day holiday in a fun and memorable way, while coming together to make a meaningful impact in our community.”
Special thanks to our sponsors Southern Eagle Distributing, Bridge to Wellbeing, Elliott Merrill Community Management, New Vision Eye Care, Vero Fashion Outlets, Morningstar Screen Printing, 93.7GYL, B94.7, 99.7Jack FM, Giant RV World, Vatland Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Elite Airways. Please visit www.burgersandbrews.org for event details and to secure your tickets.
United Against Poverty is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering people living in poverty to lift themselves and their families to economic self-sufficiency. The organization operates UP Centers in Indian River County, St. Lucie County and Orlando which serve more than 10,000 low-income families daily.
Founded in 2003 by Austin and Ginny Hunt, United Against Poverty is headquartered in Vero Beach.