🍔 Watertown Celebrates Records and “Moos” as 2026 Burger Battle Wraps Up
- Steve Jurrens
- Mar 4
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The grills are cooling down, but the excitement is just heating up in Watertown as the community concludes its most successful Burger Battle to date. Featuring a record-breaking 19 participating restaurants, the 2026 competition has not only tested the palates of local foodies but also significantly boosted the local economy.
“Several of those businesses reached out to me, and they had sold what they sold last year in just the first two weeks,” said Tim Sheehan, President and CEO of the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce. “People really were out supporting them, showing them love, and making this thing happen”.
The Man, The Myth, The “Moo”
While hundreds participated, one man stands alone in his dedication: Todd Whetzel. Known locally as the “Burger Guy,” Whetzel has achieved the remarkable feat of eating every single entry in the Burger Battle for four consecutive years. Whetzel uses a specialized five-point rating scale—aptly measured in “Moos”—to judge each creation.
“It’s been tough; there have been some really good burgers,” Whetzel shared during a local broadcast. Among his top picks for 2026 were Dakota Butcher, Tables in Castlewood, and Dempsey’s at the Airport, but one stood above the rest: “Probably my top one is Watertown Brewing. It was an amazing burger that was bursting with a plethora of Angus goodness”.
Despite the heavy diet, Whetzel maintains his “Burger Guy” physique through a rigorous marathon schedule. “I run marathons... I think that probably helps,” he joked, adding that his primary motivation remains the community. “It’s all about the children—the charity and the fundraising”.
Luck of the Irish and Summer Heat
As one tradition ends, another begins. Ashley Johnson, Director of Community Engagement, is already shifting gears to the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026.
“We’re doing raffle buttons again this year for a chance to win some really good prizes,” Johnson noted. “The grand prize is $500 in Watertown Bucks”. The day’s festivities will include:
· Pancake Breakfast: At the Knights of Columbus Hall.
· Run for the Gold 5K: In partnership with Prairie Lakes Wellness Center.
· St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Kicking off at noon downtown.
· Pet Contest: Hosted at Happy Tails following the parade.
The Chamber also looked ahead to the summer, officially marking the calendar for Cookin’ on the Kampeska, set for July 16–18, 2026.
