September 15 - 21, 2024
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is known for its rich culinary scene, offering a diverse array of delicious foods that draw visitors from all over the country. Whether it’s the hearty breakfasts at local pancake houses, the Southern comfort food served at cozy diners, or the mouth-watering barbecues and steaks, Gatlinburg has something to satisfy every palate. But for one special week each year, the town’s culinary spotlight turns to a beloved American classic—the burger. GatlinBURGER Week is a seven-day celebration where participating Gatlinburg restaurants honor the humble patty with unique, one-of-a-kind burger creations that are not available on their regular menus. This event not only showcases the creativity of local chefs but also offers food lovers the chance to embark on a delicious journey through Gatlinburg, sampling inventive burgers and voting for their favorites. The stakes are high as each restaurant competes for the coveted title of GatlinBURGER Meister, and participants have the opportunity to win cool prizes along the way.
The Concept: A Culinary Challenge
A Week-Long Celebration of Burgers
GatlinBURGER Week is a celebration of all things burger, where creativity and culinary skill come together in the form of special, limited-time-only burgers that push the boundaries of what a burger can be. The event takes place over the course of seven days, giving locals and visitors ample time to explore Gatlinburg’s vibrant food scene and taste the unique offerings created by participating restaurants. Each restaurant participating in GatlinBURGER Week has crafted a special burger that is not listed on their regular menu, ensuring that this event offers a truly exclusive experience for those who take part.
How It Works: The Burger Trail
To participate in GatlinBURGER Week, all you need to do is visit the participating restaurants, order their special GatlinBURGER, and enjoy the culinary creativity on display. After trying each burger, diners are encouraged to vote for their favorite, with the restaurant receiving the most votes being crowned the GatlinBURGER Meister at the end of the week. Voting is typically done online through a dedicated event website or via social media, making it easy for participants to share their experiences and support their top picks.
In addition to voting for their favorite burger, participants can also enter to win cool prizes by completing a “burger passport.” As diners visit each participating restaurant and try their special burger, they receive a stamp or code that can be entered into their burger passport. Those who collect a certain number of stamps by the end of the week are entered into a drawing for prizes, which can include gift cards, merchandise, or even free meals at participating restaurants.
The Burgers: Unique Creations by Gatlinburg’s Best
The Creativity Behind the Burgers
The true stars of GatlinBURGER Week are, of course, the burgers themselves. Each participating restaurant takes the challenge of creating a special burger very seriously, using the event as an opportunity to showcase their culinary creativity and expertise. These burgers go beyond the traditional patty-and-bun combination, incorporating unique ingredients, bold flavors, and unexpected toppings to create something truly memorable.
One of the key elements of GatlinBURGER Week is that these burgers are not available on the restaurant’s regular menu, meaning that diners have the chance to try something completely new and exclusive. Whether it’s a fusion of different cuisines, an indulgent take on a classic, or a playful experiment with unconventional ingredients, the burgers served during GatlinBURGER Week are a testament to the culinary talent and innovation present in Gatlinburg’s restaurant scene.
Examples of Past and Potential GatlinBURGERS
While the specific burger creations vary from year to year, past GatlinBURGER Weeks have featured an impressive array of inventive and delicious offerings. Some examples of past GatlinBURGERS might include:
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The Smoky Mountain BBQ Burger: A juicy beef patty topped with smoky pulled pork, tangy barbecue sauce, crispy onion rings, and a slice of cheddar cheese, all served on a toasted brioche bun. This burger is a true celebration of Southern barbecue flavors, combining the best of both worlds in one mouth-watering package.
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The Bourbon Bacon Jam Burger: This burger features a beef patty topped with bourbon-infused bacon jam, caramelized onions, sharp cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of aioli, served on a pretzel bun. The sweet and savory flavors of the bacon jam paired with the richness of the cheddar make this a decadent and unforgettable burger.
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The Firecracker Burger: For those who love a bit of heat, the Firecracker Burger offers a spicy kick with a beef patty topped with pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, spicy sriracha mayo, and a slice of avocado to cool things down. Served on a sesame seed bun, this burger is not for the faint of heart.
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The Blue Cheese and Fig Burger: A gourmet twist on the classic burger, this creation features a beef patty topped with creamy blue cheese, fig preserves, arugula, and a balsamic glaze, all served on a ciabatta roll. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes this burger a standout choice for those looking for something a little different.
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The Vegan Delight: GatlinBURGER Week is inclusive of all dietary preferences, and some restaurants offer plant-based burgers that are just as creative and delicious as their meat-based counterparts. The Vegan Delight might feature a homemade black bean patty topped with avocado, pickled red onions, vegan cheese, and a spicy chipotle mayo, served on a whole-grain bun.
Voting and the Quest for the Title
As diners make their way through the GatlinBURGER Week offerings, they have the opportunity to vote for their favorite burger. The voting process is simple and usually involves ranking each burger based on criteria such as flavor, creativity, presentation, and overall enjoyment. The restaurant that receives the most votes by the end of the week is awarded the title of GatlinBURGER Meister, earning bragging rights and a special trophy to display in their establishment.
The competition is fierce, as each restaurant strives to outdo the others with their innovative creations. For diners, the voting process adds an extra layer of excitement to the event, as they get to play a role in determining which burger reigns supreme.
The Prizes: Rewards for Your Culinary Adventure
Winning Cool Prizes
In addition to the delicious burgers and the satisfaction of supporting local restaurants, participants in GatlinBURGER Week have the chance to win cool prizes. By completing their burger passport and collecting stamps or codes from each participating location, diners are entered into a drawing for various rewards. Prizes can include gift cards to local restaurants, branded merchandise such as t-shirts or hats, and even free meals at the winning restaurant. Some years, the grand prize might include a weekend getaway package in Gatlinburg, complete with accommodations and dining experiences.
Engaging with the Community
GatlinBURGER Week is not just about the food; it’s also about engaging with the Gatlinburg community and supporting local businesses. The event encourages diners to explore the town, try new restaurants, and connect with fellow food lovers. Social media plays a big role in the event, with participants sharing photos of their favorite burgers, tagging the restaurants, and using event-specific hashtags. This online engagement helps to spread the word about GatlinBURGER Week and creates a sense of camaraderie among participants.
Get Ready for a Burger Adventure
GatlinBURGER Week is a unique and exciting event that showcases the best of Gatlinburg’s culinary scene. For seven days, the town comes alive with creativity and flavor, as local restaurants compete to create the most inventive and delicious burger. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or simply someone who loves a good burger, GatlinBURGER Week offers a chance to explore new tastes, support local businesses, and be part of a fun and engaging community event. So, mark your calendars, bring your appetite, and get ready to embark on a burger adventure like no other—because GatlinBURGER Week is an experience you won’t want to miss!
