By Kate Mileti, advertising writer
At an Aug. 17 press conference promoting the sixth annual National Hamburger Festival Aug. 20-21, a lucky group gathered at Highland Square’s MetroBurger to taste the greatly anticipated Deep Fried Cheeseburger. The culinary treat is the brain-child of MetroBurger’s owner and chef Scott Buford and Drew Cerza of Buffalo, N.Y., founder of the National Hamburger Festival.
Scott Buford (left), Drew Cerza (center) and Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic prepare to taste the world's first Deep Fried Cheeseburger.
The Deep Fried Cheeseburger is one of many unique treats visitors can expect at this weekend’s festival. Culinary creations such as Cheeseburger Soup, Black Bean Burgers and outrageous burger toppings join the lineup of festival favorites along with Funnel Cakes and Dippin’ Dots.
For two full days of fun, Lock 3 will be taken over by burgers, buns and more to celebrate the tasty concoction created right here in Akron more than 120 years ago by the Menches Brothers. The Original Burger has come a long way since then, affirmed this year by the debut of the world’s first Deep Fried Cheeseburger.
Cerza, who is known as the “Buffalo Wing King” and the “Burger Master,” helped the festival grow to what it is today. More than 21,000 people visited the festivities last year and organizers are anticipating that number to grow for the sixth annual event this weekend.
Food Network Television has visited this celebration in past years – and with good reason.
Akron Mayor Donald Plusquellic
This year, 17 different eateries with more than 30 different types of burgers will be flanking Main Street. Presented by the city of Akron and Yancy’s Fancy Artisan Cheese Company, this year will also showcase delicious burgers from Cleveland’s own start to the Food Truck craze: Hodge Podge and Zydeco Bistro.
The festival will feature live music on the Lock 3 stage including jazz, country and America’s premier Jimmy Buffet tribute band, Changes In Latitude. While listening to the tunes, visitors can also take part in bobbing for burgers, the Ohio Hamburger Eating Championship, Yancy’s Fancy Cheesiest Couple Contest, classic car racing, the National Hamburger Festival’s Pageant and more.
Saturday, gates open at noon and the activity goes until 11 p.m. Sunday hours are noon to 7 p.m. Admission is $5 (children under 48 inches are free). Partial proceeds go toward Akron Children’s Hospital.
A big thank-you goes out to this year’s event sponsors: Barefoot Wine and Bubbly, Bath Fitter, Chevy Riders, LeafGuard, Miller Lite, Molson Canadian, Ohio State Waterproofing, Renewal By Anderson, US Bank, and the Akron Beacon Journal and Ohio.com.
For a complete listing of participating restaurants and the schedule of events, go to hamburgerfestival.com.
MetroBurger in Highland Square, site of the Aug. 17 debut of the world's first Deep Fried Cheeseburger.
Judy Menches (left) of Menches Brothers, inventors of the Original Hamburger, attended the press conference with Melissa Menches-Clapper and her daughter, Samantha.
Scott Buford of MetroBurger deep fries a juicy, cheesy burger coated in a slightly sweet batter, which is then drizzled with a special sauce. A winning combo indeed!
Here we go!
Yum!
Mayor Don approves!
I had my first deep fried cheeseburger in Columbus at Eddie George’s resturant almost 3 years ago. Their great. My husband, daughter & son-in-law all loved them.