The 9th Annual Newport Burger Bender broke a record for the second consecutive year, with 60 restaurants participating and more than 7,000 burgers sold across Newport and Bristol counties during the 10-day event held Feb. 13-22.
This year’s contest featured the most participating restaurants in the event’s history, including 10 first-time entrants. Organizers say the February timing is intentional, designed to drive foot traffic and revenue to local restaurants during a slow stretch of the winter season.
“The Burger Bender is exactly the kind of off-season activation that supports our hospitality industry during a critical time of year,” said Discover Newport President and CEO Victoria Cimino. “By inspiring burger enthusiasts to get out and explore in February, we’re helping to drive visitation, revenue, and energy into our community when it matters most.”
The contest featured three categories — beef, non-beef and plant-based — with diners casting votes online at DiscoverNewport.org or at participating restaurants via QR code. This year’s winners were Brick Alley Pub in Newport for best beef burger with its Cajun Ranch Steak House Burger, The Mooring in Newport for best non-beef burger with its Yellowfin Tuna Katsu Burger, and Foglia in Bristol for best plant-based burger with its vegan Foglia Burger.
For Foglia, the event’s impact extended beyond the competition. Chef Peter Carvelli said the restaurant saw a noticeable uptick in business during the event, with some diners returning multiple times specifically for the burger.
“We have decided to add the burger to our menu full-time,” Carvelli said.
First established in 2017, the Newport Burger Bender is an annual February contest encouraging culinary creativity among participating restaurants. A full list of winners and superlative award recipients is available at NewportBurgerBender.org.