Lance White thought he knew what to expect at this year’s Burger Battle, but the owner of Chef Lance’s on Phillips couldn’t keep up with the demand.
“We couldn’t answer the phone fast enough,” White said after accepting the championship title for the 2022 Burger Battle.
More than 44,000 burgers were sold during the 2022 competition, generating a total of $667,231, according to a report from Downtown Sioux Falls (DTSF). There were 31,000 burgers sold in the 2021 Burger Battle, making this year’s sales a 42% increase. Compared to 2019, when 19,000 burgers were sold, that’s a 131% increase.
The sales from the month-long promotion resulted in an estimated $1,338,040 economic impact for the community of Sioux Falls, based on an Arts and Economic Prosperity Study by DTSF.
More: The 2022 DTSF Burger Battle votes have been counted. Here’s this year’s winner
“We’re floored,” DTSF community outreach coordinator Sadie Swier said in a news release. “DTSF is thrilled to once again report another record-breaking Burger Battle this year. Behind these numbers showcase the hard work from the 27 participating restaurants and the amazing support from the community.”
More: How the DTSF Burger Battle grew from 6 restaurants to 27, generating $1M in economic impact
Chef Lance’s on Phillips sold about 1,800 burgers in its second year of the competition, facing off against 26 other competitors. Blarney Stone Pub sold 6,795 burgers.
While seeing the tremendous influx of business and support was encouraging, the trickle effect from the burger battle to other restaurants and downtown businesses was also gratifying to White.
“It’s so humbling,” White said. “There’s so much good talent at all the participating restaurants, so it’s surreal a little.”
