Gilly’s Pubhouse wins best burger in United Way Perth-Huron’s Burger Battle

United Way Perth-Huron executive director Ryan Erb, St. Marys Mayor Al Strathdee and staff at Gilly’s Pubhouse in St. Marys proudly pose with The People’s Choice Trophy from the United Way Perth-Huron’s Ultimate Burger Battle.

St. Marys’ Gilly’s Pubhouse has won the People’s Choice Award for Best Burger in the United Way Perth-Huron’s (UWPH) Ultimate Burger Battle fundraiser competition. 

Gilly’s Pubhouse brought their sweet and salty Lincoln Burger to customers throughout November in support of United Way Perth-Huron’s fundraising contest. Patrons were able to vote online on which restaurant made the best burger.

UWPH debuted the Ultimate Burger Battle competition this year, which invited local restaurants to make an original burger and sell it on their menu throughout the month of November. Participating restaurants donated $2 to UWPH from every burger purchase to raise funds for community programming. 

“It feels great to win this award,” said Miguel Raposo, manager at Gilly’s Pubhouse in St. Marys. “We aim to be a restaurant first and bar second. I think that’s what makes us stand out in a town like St. Marys. We are very warm and welcoming and that makes a difference in the hospitality atmosphere.” 

Ten restaurants competed in the contest to bring home the titles of People’s Choice or Most Burgers Sold, the latter of which went to Bentley’s in Stratford for their Gouda Cause Burger.

UWPH senior manager of resource development and communications Sonya Heyen said the local United Way brought in around $5,000 through the competition. She added the organization is proud of the intake, especially since it was the UWPH’s first time hosting the contest. 

“We accept donations in different forms and this is another way for people to support us,” said Heyen. “It's got an element of creativity and it encourages people to support local restaurants. It’s a friendly competition that brings in different pieces that combine to make this a successful event. 

“We have plans to include a judging panel and ranking systems to make this event more exciting next year. The People’s Choice is a pretty fun trophy, which will live at the winner’s restaurant for the year, and we hope that they display it proudly.”