Share your taste buds & vote for the best burgers in Temecula Valley when restaurant chefs partner with area TVUSD culinary students.
TEMECULA, CA — Get ready to cast your vote for the best burger in town as the annual Battle of the Burgers returns on Saturday, October 18, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Pechanga Resort Casino Ballroom. This delicious annual event brings together local restaurants, culinary students, and burger lovers for an afternoon of friendly competition, all for a great cause.
The Battle of the Burgers is a collaborative effort between Visit Temecula Valley, Pechanga Resort Casino, and the Temecula Valley Unified School District (TVUSD). The proceeds directly benefit the TVUSD Career Technical Education (CTE) Culinary Arts Program, which provides high school students with hands-on, interactive training that prepares them for in-demand careers in the culinary world.
In 2024, the event raised over $8,000 for the program, and organizers are hoping to beat that record.
First Place: Pinnacle Restaurant at Falkner Winery, EverBurger (AKA Pinnacle Burger). Half pound Angus beef topped with melted cheddar cheese, bacon, grilled jalapenos, crispy shallots, lettuce, tomato, and 1000 Island spread.
Second Place: Luke’s on Front, Wham Bam Thank You Jam. Half pound grass fed beef patty topped with lettuce, tomato, roasted jalapenos, onion, garlic aioli, cream cheese, bacon and onion straws, finished with a roasted red pepper jelly on a homemade brioche bun.
Third Place: The Brunch House, Bacon Jam Beast Burger. 8 oz. beef brisket patty caramelized, demi glazed onions, slice of blue cheese, beef bacon, mushroom, tomato, bed of mustard greens, and a sunny side up egg served on a brioche bun.
People’s Choice - Best Burger:
First Place: Corkfire Kitchen, Mini Mac. American Kobe blend, special sauce, triple cream cheese, Persian pickles, and milk bread.
Second Place: Pinnacle Restaurant at Falkner Winery, EverBurger (as above).
Third Place: The Brunch House, Bacon Jam Beast Burger (as above)
Scott A. Wilson, CEO of Visit Temecula Valley, spoke about the upcoming event.
"We're so proud to be a part of Battle of the Burgers and help support TVUSD's work-based learning programs," Wilson said. "The hospitality industry is always looking for new talent, and this event gives us a fantastic opportunity to help cultivate the next generation of chefs and restaurant professionals."
With an afternoon filled with unique and tasty creations, nearly a dozen local restaurants will compete for the top spot.
A panel of five judges will select the top three winners, while attendees get to cast their vote for the "People's Choice" award.
Loaded Fries Competition for Culinary Students
Beyond the burger competition, the event offers a unique and valuable learning experience for high school students. Culinary arts students will work side-by-side with professional chefs from Pechanga Resort Casino, creating their own "Loaded Fries" recipes and dishes to compete for both "Judges’ Choice" and "People's Choice" awards.
Awards are also given for best loaded fries, which are some of the favorite items to sample during the tasting event.
"This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for these students to get real-world experience and insight into the culinary world," said Andre Pinto, Executive Chef of Pechanga Resort Casino. "Working alongside our team gives them a chance to learn professional tips and tricks that can help shape their future careers."
This exciting collaboration not only showcases the incredible talent of these young chefs but also highlights the power of community partnerships in helping students explore their career paths.
Tickets for the sixth annual Battle of the Burgers are on sale now and are expected to sell out quickly. Get yours today to help support the future of culinary arts in Temecula Valley! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: PECHANGA RESORT - BATTLE OF THE BURGERS - Banquet - Oct 18, 2025.