It's been a long time in the making, but MBB is finally heading to Hamburg, MI. We are looking forward to hitting the Hamburg Pub, and don't worry, we'll have the full report. Bring it on!

Beginning in 1999, Caseville has been home to one of the greatest festivals in Michigan. The Cheeseburger Festival is back this summer, and we want to get the word out early. Definitely check out their website and do some exploring. There's lots to see. 

CASEVILLE CHEESEBURGER FESTIVAL
CASEVILLE, MI
AUGUST 8-17, 2014

http://www.cheeseburgerincasevillefest.com

Michigan Burger Boys was recently contacted by Denny's and they wanted us to announce their new $4 Quesadilla Burger. Here's some stats from Denny's:

A delicious twist on the classic diner burger, Denny’s Baja Quesadilla Burger features a grilled flour tortilla filled with a hand-pressed beef patty, shredded Cheddar cheese and lettuce with freshly made pico de gallo and chipotle sauce. Complete with a side of tortilla chips and salsa, this $4 burger is available only on Denny’s $2468 Value Menu®. On the menu 24/7, the affordable Baja Quesadilla Burger offers big flavor at a small price – no matter when a burger craving strikes.

So, if you're looking for something different, maybe this is worth a shot. 

Hey burger junkies! If you're looking for some great burgers from Bagger Dave's, brew, and more, definitely check out BRU FEST in Royal Oak on Saturday, June 14th. Here's the ad, and click it for more info. 

Our former #1 burger is back, and Michigan Burger Boys can't be more excited. Here are some article links that will help you through the last few years of Blimpy Burger, ending with their reopening. 

Blimpy Must Move
http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/owner-blimpy-burger-must-move-as-university-of-michigan-buys-building/

Blimpy Closing Nears
http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/blimpy-burger-to-close-aug-14-plans-to-host-fundraising-meals/

Blimpy Raises 20K
http://www.mlive.com/business/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2014/01/blimpy_burger_raises_20k_to_he.html

Blimpy Set to Reopen
http://www.mlive.com/business/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2014/04/blimpy_burger_owner_signs_leas.html

Well, I finally made it back to JJ's Steak & Pizza House in Alpena and are famous for their pizzas. I ask friends that we have made since moving here, " Where can I get a good burger "? Well, needless to say they hit this one on the nail. When I take a second look at a hamburger that is a good thing. JJ's is located in the Old Town section of Alpena. While they have a very large menu it is hard to get past the burgers. Four of us all ordered burgers and we all left there HAPPY to have been there.

The burgers are served with a nice portion of veggie chips but I opted for the onion rings. As you can see I had a cheeseburger and it was so much the tomato was sliding off to the side. I was done in a short time because once you start it was hard to put it down. If you are passing by the city of Alpena this would be a good burger stop. I would say " 2 thumbs up for JJ's ".

This is huge news! Click the link below to find out more:

http://www.mlive.com/business/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2014/03/birminghams_hunter_house_hamburger.html

Why do we keep updating you on the state of Blimpy Burger? Because they were, before closing, our #1 burger. 

Here are two articles that feature a little Blimpy Burger. They are from MLive Ann Arbor:

http://www.mlive.com/business/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2014/01/blimpy_burger_raises_20k_to_he.html

http://www.mlive.com/business/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2014/02/report_should_retail_businesse.html

Freakin' Unbelievable Burgers, with only two years under their belt, is already opening up a second location. It appears that this Michigan chain is on their way to some great things. Farmington Hills - get ready!

Here's a press release that UFB sent Michigan Burger Boys:

The 19th Hole / Twin Acres is located on US23 just north of Alpena and it's an Alpena landmark that has been in business for many years. The bad thing is that they are not open on Sunday.

The 19th holer is 1/2 pound with a secret sauce and cheddar cheese. I would recommend the 19th holer because it goes fast but for those that can't do the 19th holer you can down size and build your own just the way you want it. If you really want to go big add an order of onion rings.

It's really tough to knock the Five Guys experience. The burger is sensational, the peanuts add some nice punch, and the fries are really, really good. If you are a fry lover, you won't be disappointed, especially by the amount that you receive. And how about that greasy bag?!

As of January 2nd, Blimpy Burger has raised about 1/4 of their $60,000 goal. They have 23 more days clicking on their clock. Check out the link below for all the details and information on how you can invest. 

And, what do you think of this? Will they make it? Will you invest? We'd love to hear your comments. 

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/krazy-jim-s-blimpyburger

Blimpy Burger may not be dead after all. A recent crowd sourcing project, led by the daughter of the owners, has people thinking triples or quads again. 

They are seeking $60,000 in funding to reopen Blimpy Burger in a location that will meet the needs of all burger fans. 

Please check out this article, and the story connected to it. It details what the $60,000 will do. And, obviously, donate to keep the reopening dream alive. All donations come with a "perk". 

Click below to reach the Blimpy Burger crowd sourcing contribution page:
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/krazy-jim-s-blimpyburger

By Lucas

You can't just head into the Thanksgiving Break with the stomach empty. Even though the holiday screams lots of food, I figured that the best way to prepare for a big Thanksgiving meal was to visit our top two burgers from michiganburgerboys.com. And I wanted to do it all within one week. 

Put them basically side by side. Stack them up against each other. Bring it on!

Schlenkers
On Saturday, November 23rd, I was able to hit Schlenkers in Jackson for lunch. This is currently our #1 burger in the Burger Taste category. I literally just about ran from the car into Schlenkers because I was so excited, and that's not a joke. With my wife, I sat down at their u-shaped counter, ordered a can of root beer, and got ready for one heck of a burger. Schlenkers offers burger patties that are a little on the smaller size, so most in there order a double cheeseburger. I went that route too. When it came, it was exactly like I remembered it from the summer, but only better. Through all of our burger travels, I've never had a burger that's so tender. You can literally flick the patty with your finger and it falls apart. It slides down way too fast, and the bun is a nice, airy compliment. While I ate, I took in the atmosphere that makes Schlenkers so unique. The u-shaped counter that seats 14 makes you feel like you are eating your burger with everyone in there. People slide down to make room for new customers, and it's just a really cool place.  

Roy's BBQ and Burgers
On Friday, November 26th, I was able to travel down to Milan for a Roy's BBQ and Burgers visit. Roy's sits as #2 within our Burger Taste rankings. Ironically, you've got to also sit at the counter at Roy's. This time around, I thought I'd mix it up a little. I've heard that most in Roy's get their pretty popular cole slaw on the side. Most also put this cole slaw on their BBQ and burgers. I had never tried their BBQ before, so I gave that a shot, with cole slaw on it. It was great. When my 1/2 pound burger came, I cut it in half, and had the first half in its original form, and I put cole slaw on the other half. Both halves were delicious, and next time I'm in there, I'll probably do the same thing. I've had a burger at Roy's on many occasions, and it's always really good. 

The Final Call
In my opinion, the distance between Schlenkers and Roy's is quite large. Schlenkers, I can say after having it for a second time, is mind-blowing. It's the whole experience, right down to the location. Roy's does remain a strong #2, but nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to Schlenkers right now. If you've never been, and you live reasonably close to Jackson, make the effort to try their double cheeseburger.  

Below is a photo slideshow, with captions, of the two visits, and click here to be taking to our Original Burgers review section for the complete reviews of these two great burger joints. 

On a hot summer day in August, the Burger Boys took to the Jackson area for some burgers and fun. 

Our Burger or Bust Itinerary:

The Jackson Coney Island (a must eat)
Chase Bar
Schlenker's (a must eat)
Tommy's Hot Dog Stand (a must see and eat)
Pleasant Lake
Jim's Lost Shoe Tavern
Crossroads Bar and Grill

Here are some photos from the day. 

Recently Kevin's dad moved north near Alpena to connect with nature. It became clear that he will serve as Michigan Burger Boy's Northeast Michigan Burger Scout after he recently had a variety of different burgers from the region. One burger in particular has proven to be note worthy. Kelly's Venture Inn of Rogers City offers up two delicious burgers weighing in at 1/3lb and 1/2lb. According to Kevin's dad, the onion rings are beer battered and excellent. He also mentioned that they have a terrific all you can eat buffet at a very good price. Add this to your hamburger bucket list for when you travel the Lake Huron shoreline. Kelly's Venture Inn is located at 3090 US23 south in Rogers City. They are open at 4pm daily except Mondays when they are closed.

A father and son team from Saline have won our BRU Fest Contest. They'll receive two free tickets to the November 9th BRU Fest in Grand Rapids. 

Matt and Blair Higgins traveled to the Jolly Pumpkin in downtown Ann Arbor and left no part of their stomachs empty. Matt ordered the "Woodson Burger", topped with fried egg (see photo). He noted that $2 from every "Woodson Burger" ordered goes to assist Charles Woodson's Mott Hospital endeavors. Blair ordered traditional cheeseburger on a toasted bun. Both ordered fries on the side, and they are said to be delicious. 

One great takeaway from the Jolly Pumpkin are the buns that they use. Matt reported that they are brioche and are really fluffy and light. They totally collapse when bit into, and overall, the bun does not overpower the burger. 

Congratulations to Matt and Blair for conquering the Ann Arbor burger scene, and for winning two free tickets to BRU Fest in Grand Rapids on November 9th! See below for a burger slideshow featuring their burgers. After viewing these photos, MBB must say, we've got to hit the Jolly Pumpkin!

Burger. 

Take Photo. 

Send it to MBB.

Win Tickets.  


If you take a photo of a burger you're having at a restaurant/bar or at home, send it to MBB for a chance to win two free tickets to BRU Fest in Grand Rapids on Saturday, November 9th. BRU Fest is an event that features craft beer, burgers, wings, and live entertainment. Proceeds from the event go to benefit the Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan.  

Here's what you need to do:
Take a photo of the burger you're eating. 
Include the location. 
Tweet it, Facebook it, or email it to MBB. 

The middle entry will receive two free tickets to BRU Fest!

We will announce the winner on Tuesday, October 22nd.

@MIburgerboys
https://www.facebook.com/Michiganburgerboys
michiganburgerboys@gmail.com


Good luck, and we're waiting to see your burgers!

Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan Hosts First Annual BRU Fest Fundraiser in Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The first annual BRU Fest Grand Rapids fundraiser will be coming to Grand Rapids on Saturday, November 9 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.at the Delta Plex. All proceeds benefit Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan, an independent nonprofit foundation whose mission is to provide and promote compassionate, personalized support to people in Michigan affected by leukemia and other related disorders.

Following the tremendous success of three prior BRU Fest events in Royal Oak, Mich., CLF is launching the event to Grand Rapids-area beer lovers, having opened a Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan regional office in downtown Grand Rapids this May.

BRU Fest fundraisers bring together aficionados of great craft beer and delicious food, with microbrews provided by Bell’s Brewery and food provided by Buffalo Wild Wings and Bagger Dave’s Legendary Burger Tavern. The event has sold out in previous years, with beer lovers enjoying the casual, fun environment to raise money to support a worthy cause.

General admission tickets are $39, and Designated Driver tickets are $19. General admission tickets include access to Bell’s Brewery premium craft beers, including everyday favorites, rare out-of-season brews, and exclusive specialty brews not offered to the public. Designated Driver tickets include unlimited non-alcoholic beverages including soda, water and coffee. With each ticket purchase, attendees will receive four tickets for burgers and wings, a souvenir BRU Fest2013 mug, and tons of free giveaways, along with live entertainment and games.

“The response to our Southeast Michigan BRU Fest events has been nothing short of spectacular,” said Bill Seklar, president and CEO of Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan. “We created this first-of-its-kind food and craft beer event three years ago to tap into a younger, broader audience through an affordable fundraising experience that leaves the black ties at home.”

“Now that we have a physical presence in West Michigan, we are confident that Grand Rapids, ‘Beer City USA,’ is a perfect home for a fun, beer-inspired event that raises awareness and funds for our patients and families affected by leukemia, lymphoma and other blood-related diseases.” 

For more information or to register for the event, visit https://brumichigan.com/. 

About BRU Fest: 

Event sponsors include: 
·      Culinary partners: Bagger Dave’s Legendary Burger Tavern,Buffalo Wild Wings
·      Exclusive Microbrew Brand: Bells Brewery, Inc. Bells will provide more than 17 of its craft beers, many of which are rarely available to the public!
·      Exclusive Microbrewery Distributor: Alliance Beverage Distributing

About Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan

Headquartered in Troy, Mich., Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan is a statewide nonprofit organization helping families cope with leukemia, lymphoma and related disorders by providing information, financial assistance and emotional support. In addition, CLF has provided more than $6.5 million in research dollars to Michigan’s comprehensive cancer institutes. For more information about Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan, please call 
248.530.3000 or visit http://leukemiamichigan.org.

We received a great email today from Brandi McDonald who is busy opening up the first BurgerFi in Michigan. Below is the press release that Brandi passed along:

MLive recently covered the demolition of Ann Arbor's Blimpy Burger, and also updated the search for a new location:

http://www.mlive.com/business/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2013/09/blimpy_burger_owner_continues.html

Williams and Sonoma has a "Quick Release" Stuffed Burger Press out now, and I was lucky enough to get one last Christmas from my mother and father-in-law. It took me some time to try it out, but the results were pretty positive. 

After giving it one full run, I would recommend it. However, quick tip, cover the sides with some cooking spray before placing the beef.

Here's a slideshow of my efforts. I used 80/20 ground beef, stuffed it with taco-flavored shredded cheese, and topped it off with some McCormick Hamburger Seasoning and garlic salt. Overall, I was impressed! 

Every now and again we send a special corespondent out into the burger field. This summer, we sent Gerbe down to the Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago, IL. The Billy Goat Tavern was founded in 1934 and it's one of the most legendary burger joints in all the land. The history of this place stretches across bounced checks, Saturday Night Live, and a curse on the Chicago Cubs. 

Beyond the history, they're obviously well known for their burgers. Gerbe grabbed a double "cheezborger". No Pepsi. Coke. 

Here are some of Gerbe's thoughts:
Meat: 4/5 (seasoned, hand crafted, falling apart, and must order a double)
Cheese: 3/5
Bun: 5/5 (great bun, but once again, order a double cheezborger or the bun will dominate)
Experience: 10/10 (tons of history)

Here's a slideshow from Gerbe's visit: