United Way Oxford’s second Ultimate Burger Battle a success
- Lee Griffi
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
United Way Oxford’s second annual Ultimate Burger Battle concluded at the end of November with more than $20,000 raised after 2,831 burgers were sold during the lively charitable competition.
“We are so thankful to our community for supporting this event. Two dollars from every Ultimate Burger sold was donated to United Way Oxford, and all the money raised will be invested back into our community,” said United Way resource development coordinator Megan Porter. “We’ve seen such a growth between last year’s event and this year’s. We are so excited to see how it grows from here.”
Throughout the month, burger fans voted for their favourite among 16 restaurants’ unique burger creations. Tavistock’s Madmash Brewery and Restaurant won first place in the people’s choice voting, with Woodstock’s Charles Dickens Pub coming in second and Tillsonburg’s The Copper Mug third. Platinum-level restaurants also competed for the 2025 Ultimate Burger of the Year, as voted by 10 burger ambassadors. With nine contenders, Madmash took the title.
Madmash co-owner Jon Ross said his immediate reaction was pure and absolute joy.
“As a grown man, it takes a lot to bring a tear to my eyes, but when we heard the announcement on Heart FM, I was overcome with emotion.”
Ross said he knew opening a brewery and restaurant in a small town like Tavistock wouldn’t be easy, but his mission has always been focused on community.
“We wanted to create a place that served amazing food and was deeply invested in making this area a better place to live. To be recognized as the Ultimate Burger Champion and to also win the People’s Choice Award as a young operation is truly humbling and, honestly, pretty amazing. It validates all the long hours and passion our team puts in.”
Ross added winning awards for the burger meant a lot, but the best part was being able to help those in need across Oxford.
“The most rewarding part of the entire competition was the fact that it was all in support of United Way Oxford. Their team does absolutely crucial work in our region, and to know we played a part in that is what truly makes us proud.”
He added Madmash has a responsibility to support those in need, which is why the operation runs a Give a Meal program which directly supports the Tavistock Assistance Program (TAP), ensuring local families have access to a fun and nutritious night out at our restaurant.
“Participating in the Burger Battle allowed us to grow our commitment to helping those in need. To be able to leverage something as simple and fun as a delicious burger to raise over $1,000 for United Way Oxford’s critical programs, that’s the real victory.”
Ross gave all the culinary credit to chef Will Churchward, who said he added a few ingredients to a burger already on the menu.
“It’s finished with a bacon jam that really does the heavy lifting in this burger. I originally came up with something similar while helping a friend create a cocktail for a contest at a bar where we worked together. He needed a tasty garnish, and that’s where these flavours come from.”
He added there is no better feeling than seeing the hard work he’s put in recognized in this way.
“I’m so happy to have been a part of this, and you best believe that this will be a permanent member on our menu. Could not have made this happen without my boys, Austin and Mac in the kitchen, Chad and Jon, and Ed, Brett, and Cole helping us all out.”
Ross added his thanks to Churchward and the kitchen team at Madmash.
“We sold 273 of those burgers during the month competition, and the kitchen staff had to deliver that complex, consistent, high-quality burger every single time. That level of repetition and consistency, especially during busy periods, is an amazing feat of coordination and quality control.”
United Way Oxford is thanking all participating restaurants, the presenting sponsor, Sierra Construction Group, the silver sponsor, Oxford County Cattlemen’s Association, and everyone who supported the event.
Any restaurants or businesses interested in getting involved in the 2026 Ultimate Burger Battle can email megan@unitedwayoxford.ca.