Restaurant Eating Challenges in the Midwest
Popular Ongoing Food Contests and Competitions
Jun 19, 2009
Enjoy eating? Looking for a unique vacation idea or weekend activity? Try visiting or participating in one of the many restaurant sponsored eating contests in the Midwest. These competitions challenge participants to eat everything from a 5 pound burger to a sundae with 42 scoops of ice cream. Contest winners receive various prizes and awards such as a free meal, their name on a plaque or a commemorative t-shirt.
Following are just a few examples of these popular food contests:
Eating Contests and Challenges in Michigan
Fifth Third Ball Park in Grand Rapids—Known as the Fifth Third Burger, this gigantic sandwich consists of five beefy burgers, five slices of cheddar cheese, several scoops of chili, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes and a host of other toppings and condiments. All of these ingredients are stacked together between two giant burger buns. Although many buy it to share with a group of people, a few brave hearts choose to take on the Fifth Third challenge. What's the challenge? Eat this monstrosity in one sitting (participants are required to sit at a picnic table where they can be observed to ensure there is no cheating) and receive a Fifth Third Burger t-shirt.
Mr. B's Pancake House in Muskegon—This small family restaurant offers the "Big B" contest. The challenge is to eat a 2 1/2 pound, twelve egg omelet with three different meats and cheeses in less than 45 minutes. Winners of this challenge receive a t-shirt, their name on a plaque and bragging rights of course. To date almost 200 patrons have accepted the challenge, but less than half have been successful.
Eating Contests and Challenges in Ohio
Cleats Club Seat Grille in Cleveland—Take the "Garbage Dumpster" challenge at any Cleats restaurant in the Cleveland area. The sandwich consists of a 5 pound burger on 2 pounds of bread. True to its name many items are "dumped" on this burger including cole slaw, french fries, cheese, bacon, tomatoes, grilled onions and more. The sandwich is divided into five slices making it easy to handle. Eat it in one sitting and there is no charge for the sandwich (a $29.99 value).
Eating Contests and Challenges in Illinois
The Cooling Station in Highwood—Imagine a 42 scoop sundae with all of the toppings. This enormous sundae is known as the Avalanche. The Cooling Station offers a challenge to all of its guests and patrons. Eat the sundae in 30 minutes and it's free (nearly a $60 value). Although the sundae to date has gone unconquered, one gentleman did come really close with five minutes remaining and just a little left in the bowl. Nonetheless, he was unable to finish. If and when anyone does meet the challenge, in addition to getting the sundae for free, they will receive a t-shirt along with both their picture and name posted on the restaurant's wall.
Eating Contests and Challenges in Kansas
Papa Bob's BBQ (in the Kansas City area)—Barbecue lovers will be happy to take on this challenge. Known as the Ultimate Destroyer, this sandwich features 4 1/2 pounds of meat (pork, ham, hamburger and sausage), six slices of bread, 1 1/2 pounds of french fries, a tasty sauce and the option of either pickles or jalapeno slices. This challenge is not for the faint of heart though many have tried. To date only one individual has come close to completing the challenge (he came within 2 1/2 pounds of finishing). The challenge is to eat the entire sandwich within 45 minutes. Winners get the sandwich for free.
If desiring to participate in an eating challenge, it is important to call ahead for reservations. Some of the restaurants require that the challenge dishes be ordered in advance.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
