Richard Court knew something was up Thursday night when his phone started lighting up with texts.
The texts were from staff and customers at the Pilot House letting Court know their P.E.I. Burger Love entry – The One-Eyed Jack – had captured the top prize this year.
“It was a shock to us,” said Court, the restaurant’s owner.
Court said staff and customers in the restaurant were watching the announcement on Eastlink.
“I was with my wife, and she was actually the first one to tell me,” he said.
The Pilot House has participated in the contest since it was launched in 2011. Since then, the contest has grown from 14 participants to 85 this year.
The One-Eyed Jack burger has a six-ounce Island Beef Patty with a tomato, spring mix, barbecue braised beef, panko-crusted deep-fried Monterey Jack cheese, garlic aioli and sweet (candied) banana pepper jam on a steak spiced bun.
“Easy to get in your mouth. Not too big. Not too many ingredients. And, it was kind of a burger for everyone.”
-Jared Acorn
The Pilot House sold more than 5,000 burgers during the month-long contest.
“It was just a sweet, savoury, delicious package. They’re always really good, but this one was exceptional,” said Court.
“The kitchen did amazing. They held it together and they were pounding out burgers. It just blew my mind how calm they were and how amazing and organized they were. Every burger was done from scratch.”
For the victory, the Pilot House receives a plaque that reads “P.E.I.’s Most Loved Burger.”
But, the long-time Charlottetown restaurant at 70 Grafton St. also won something else – bragging rights for the next 12 months.
Pilot House chef Jared Acorn said the kitchen staff met and decided to create something simple.
“We just came up with a few ingredients, and that was it,” he said.
Court responded by noting that Acorn is being modest about the burger.
“There’s some great culinary minds back there, including himself. They’re being modest for sure,” Court said.
Acorn said a few factors led to the burger’s success.
“Easy to get in your mouth. Not too big. Not too many ingredients. And, it was kind of a burger for everyone,” he said.
The contest and food marketing campaign, organized by Fresh Media, began on March 29 and wrapped up April 30. Last year, Mill River Experience won the contest for its Beefy Vixen burger.
According to Fresh Media’s website, more than 180,000 burgers were sold during the contest.
Burger Love 2018 at a glance
- 85 participating restaurants
- $2.6 million in burger sales
- 78,000 pounds of beef
- More than 180,000 burgers sold
- First Burger Love in 2011 (14 restaurants and 5,517 burgers sold)
- More than $10.7 million in burger sales since 2011
Source: Fresh Media
