Fire up the grill and brace yourself—Canada’s juiciest new competition is here to claim its spot at the top of your must-watch list. Premiering Monday, April 21 at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT on Flavour Network and STACKTV, Big Burger Battle is turning up the heat with a mouth-watering, high-stakes showdown that puts the beloved burger front and centre.
Hosted by the ever-charismatic Andrew Phung (Run the Burbs, Kim’s Convenience), this original Canadian series invites seven bold chefs from across North America to face off in three fiery rounds of burger brilliance each week. With $25,000 on the line, an all-inclusive tropical vacation for two, and the coveted title of Big Burger Battle Champion, the stakes are sizzling.
Alongside Phung, acclaimed chef Connie DeSousa and renowned burger expert George Motz bring their sharp palates and culinary cred to the judging table—ready to challenge, critique, and crown the best of the best. From fast food reinventions to gourmet creations, this is the burger’s big moment, and the competition is fierce.
The Format: A Burger Lover’s Dream
Each episode of Big Burger Battle is packed with three high-stakes challenges that will push the chefs to their limits, testing their creativity, skill, and passion for the perfect burger. Here’s how it works:
Fast Food Challenge
The competition kicks off with the Fast Food challenge, where the chefs must transform a mystery ingredient into a burger-adjacent dish. It’s a true test of quick thinking and culinary finesse as the chefs race against the clock to create something crave-worthy. But there’s a catch—those with the least impressive creations are sent straight to “Burgatory” where they will sit out the next round.
Burger Bucks
The next round brings the chance to win a juicy $5,000 in the Burger Bucks challenge. Here, the remaining chefs must craft a burger that features an innovative ingredient—something that pushes the boundaries of what a burger can be. As the stakes get higher, the chefs are forced to go beyond their comfort zones to create the most tantalizing burger of the bunch.
Big Burger Elimination
The final challenge is the ultimate test: the Big Burger Elimination. In this round, the chefs who were sent to “Burgatory” return for a shot at redemption. They must create a gourmet burger with a delectable side to impress the judges. Only the most exquisite burgers will make the cut as one competitor is sent home. Each week, the pressure mounts, and the chefs battle to avoid elimination and keep their dream of becoming the Big Burger Battle champion alive.
With the clock ticking and the heat rising, only the most skilled chefs will survive each challenge. As the series progresses, it all comes down to the grand finale, where one chef will rise to the top, claiming the $25,000 cash prize and the prestigious title of Big Burger Battle Champion.
The Contestants: Culinary Masters from Across North America
The competition is fierce, and the chefs battling it out in the Big Burger Battle come from diverse backgrounds, bringing their unique styles and flavors to the grill. One of the standout contestants is Tu Le, the owner of Jack’s Burger Shack in St. Albert, Alberta. Known for his culinary chops, Le has spent over a decade perfecting his burger creations, and he’s ready to prove his skills on a national stage.
In an interview, Le expressed his desire to represent not just himself, but also his employees and the city of St. Albert, stating, “We don’t get a lot of representation out west and not a lot of recognition, even though we have some pretty good restaurants in Alberta.” His passion for burgers is deeply personal.
He shared a touching story about his childhood, explaining how his family’s immigrant experience shaped his love for food: “We ate a lot of vegetables and boiled rice. I would take one bite of a burger with beef, cheese, thousand island dressing, pickles, and in my mind, it was the perfect food.”
Le isn’t the only chef hoping to rise to the occasion. The other talented competitors include Danielle Casario, the owner of The Seafood Shack in Vernon River, PEI; Christina Fitzgerald, a chef from St. Louis, Missouri; Stefan Jacob, the owner of Le Gras Dur Restaurant and Food Trucks in Terrebonne, Quebec; Jae Lee, the owner of Nowon in New York; Marissa Leon-John, a private chef from Montreal; and Tyler Thrift, a chef and co-owner of Virginia Smashburginia in Brooklyn, New York. Each contestant brings a unique set of skills, a personal connection to their craft, and an unrelenting drive to win.
The chefs’ diverse backgrounds and distinctive culinary perspectives are bound to make this a thrilling, unpredictable competition.
The Judges: A Star-Studded Panel with Expertise and Passion
The stakes are high, and the pressure is intense—but the chefs aren’t alone in this journey. They are judged by a panel of culinary experts who bring their deep knowledge and experience to every decision. The trio of judges includes celebrated chef and restaurateur Connie DeSousa, burger scholar and TV personality George Motz, and the show’s charismatic host Andrew Phung.
Connie DeSousa, known for her innovative approach to cooking, brings her years of experience in the food industry to the panel. As a restauranteur, she has a keen eye for what makes a dish stand out and what it takes to elevate a humble burger into a gastronomic masterpiece.
George Motz, a renowned burger scholar, is arguably one of the most well-known voices when it comes to understanding the art of the burger. As an author and TV personality, Motz’s deep knowledge of burger history and culture makes him a critical asset to the competition. He’s not just evaluating taste but is also looking for innovation, authenticity, and a true understanding of what makes a burger great.
Of course, Andrew Phung, the show’s host, adds his own flair to the panel. An award-winning actor and comedian, Phung brings humor and wit to every episode, lightening the atmosphere without taking away from the serious nature of the competition.
Sizzling Sponsorships: Powering the Burger Battle
The appeal of Big Burger Battle extends beyond the competition itself, thanks to the involvement of key sponsors who elevate the show with their unique contributions.
Hellmann’s: Official Condiment Sponsor
Hellmann’s is the official condiment sponsor of Big Burger Battle, adding its signature flavor to the competition. Known for its creamy, rich mayonnaise, Hellmann’s brings a saucy twist to the grilling action.
Throughout the series, the brand is integrated into custom challenges and in-show branded displays, ensuring that Hellmann’s premium products are front and center. As contestants compete to create mouthwatering burgers, Hellmann’s serves as a secret ingredient that enhances their creations, adding depth and flavor to the final results.
Portofino Bakery: The Perfect Bun Partner
No burger is complete without the perfect bun, and that’s where Portofino Bakery comes in as the official bread and buns sponsor of Big Burger Battle. Providing artisan loaves and fresh-baked buns, Portofino Bakery is instrumental in showcasing how a great bun can elevate any burger.
They also bring their own custom challenge to the competition, testing the chefs’ ability to create the ultimate burger with their premium bread. Whether it’s a soft brioche or a hearty whole grain, Portofino’s contribution ensures that each burger has the perfect foundation.
Think Turkey: Lean Protein, Big Flavour
Think Turkey joins the battle as the official protein sponsor, bringing fresh and lean turkey to the grill. Their products are stocked in the pantry throughout the season, offering the chefs an alternative to traditional beef.
Think Turkey’s partnership adds variety to the competition, allowing contestants to explore new flavors and create innovative turkey-based burgers. With a custom turkey challenge of its own, Think Turkey provides an exciting twist to the classic burger, encouraging contestants to think outside the box and push their culinary boundaries.
Viewer Engagement & Prizes: Join the Battle for a Chance to Win Big
Big Burger Battle not only sizzles on screen but also offers viewers a chance to win big with Flavour Network’s Watch and Win contest.
Throughout the month of April, viewers can tune in every night at 9 p.m. ET to catch the daily code word, which can be entered into the Watch and Win contest for a chance to win an incredible $15,000 to put toward their grocery bills.
This fantastic prize gives one lucky viewer the chance to stock up on their favourite ingredients, from fresh produce to premium cuts of meat, ensuring they’re ready to recreate their own burger masterpieces at home.
How to Participate and Enter the Draw
Participating is simple! All you have to do is tune in to Big Burger Battle on Flavour Network each evening, keep an eye out for the daily code word, and enter it at the official contest page on flavournetwork.ca/article/watchandwin. The more you watch, the more chances you have to enter and win. So, whether you’re a burger enthusiast or simply love a good competition, this is your opportunity to score big while enjoying the show.
Wrapping Up
With its high-stakes challenges, charismatic host Andrew Phung, and an all-star panel of judges, the show brings a fresh and exciting take on the art of burger-making. From the sizzling Fast Food challenge to the inventive Burger Bucks competition, each episode showcases the incredible culinary creativity of chefs from across North America, all competing for the coveted title of Big Burger Battle Champion.
But Big Burger Battle isn’t just about the food—it’s about community, creativity, and fun. With Flavour Network’s Watch and Win contest offering a $15,000 grocery prize and engaging challenges sponsored by Hellmann’s, Portofino Bakery, and Think Turkey, viewers have a chance to be part of the action in more ways than one.
