Guess Who’s Back in 2022: The Wilmington, Delaware Burger Battle

The 9th back-to-annual Delaware Burger Battle returns to round out the summer on the picturesque grounds of Rockford Park on Saturday, Aug. 27, the Saturday before Labor Day weekend. Some of Delaware’s fiercest chefs will put their burgers on the line as they compete for fame and glory in three categories: Critic’s Choice, Alternative Burger, and People’s Choice. 

The 2019 Battle broke attendance records and raised more than $14,000 for its charity beneficiaries, after relocating the Battle inside city limits.  

“After experiencing our first ‘sold out’ Battle in 2019, the pandemic hiatus broke my heart, especially as our charitable purposes—alleviating food insecurity and supporting culinary careers—became ever more important,” said DBB founder JulieAnne Cross. “Based on the response so far to the 2022 Battle, I’m not the only one overjoyed by its return.”  

The Delaware Burger Battle is known to induce meat sweats, as guests sample a dozen burgers presented by Delaware-area chefs. The majority of burger entries are beef, but with a trophy reserved for “alternative” entries, burger lovers often delight in variations on the American classic that have never once mooed. Guests vote and judges judge, resulting in trophies awarded in three categories: Critic’s Choice, Alternative Burger and People’s Choice. 

Confirmed restaurants so far include newcomers Cromwell’s American Tavern & Taqueria, DE Slider Co., Hamilton's on Main, Makers Alley, Vita Nova (with multi-trophy winning Billy Rawstrom of Maiale Deli & Salumeria at the grill), and Zach’s Grille. 

Returning trophy winners Chelsea Tavern and RedFire Grill & Steakhouse; battle-hardened veterans Farmer & the Cow and Uncle John's BBQ. The ten restaurants will serve 13 different burgers. 

Burger Battle attendees have the chance to enjoy burger samples from all participating restaurants. Beer and wine are included in the ticket price for adults, while soft drinks are available for children and designated drivers. Tickets are $54 (plus processing fees) through 6 p.m. Aug. 26 or until they sell out (a sellout is imminent). Any unsold tickets will be $65 at the door. Tickets for designated drivers and teens ages 13-20 are $32, and children ages 5-12 are $13. Children under 5 are free. 

In 2022, all proceeds from this volunteer-run event will again benefit Food Bank of Delaware and the ProStart Program of the Delaware Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, with ten percent of the proceeds set aside for small food pantries statewide. 

The Food Bank of Delaware’s mission is to inspire hope in our communities by providing food to nourish Delawareans, while collaborating on long-term solutions for hunger and poverty. Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, the Food Bank of Delaware and statewide partners have distributed more than 37 million pounds of food to Delawareans in need. 

The Delaware ProStart Program is currently implemented in 18 high schools, reaching over 3,000 students. From culinary techniques to management skills, ProStart's industry-driven curriculum provides real-life experience opportunities and builds practical skills and a foundation that will last a lifetime. Feeding dreams and building futures for an industry that is hungry for talent. (Note: The Team Delaware students from Caesar Rodney High School in Camden earned first place in- the 2022 National ProStart Invitational!)  

The Delaware Burger Battle has been named “Best Fundraising Festival” by readers of Delaware Today. Delaware Food Battles has raised more than $83,000 for Delaware nonprofits over the past seven years, thanks to 50+ restaurants and hundreds of volunteers that have made the events successful. 

For more information, visit www.deburgerbattle.com or facebook.com/deburgerbattle.