Throughout the afternoon on Sunday, Sept. 15, Martin Hoeger, owner of the Southampton-based Steam Pub, was hard at work serving a seemingly endless line of hungry customers. All were vying to get a bite of the restaurant’s Ultimate Breakfast Burger – an 8-ounce patty with slow-cooked, candied bacon and American cheese in between french toast, all topped with a fried egg and maple syrup.
Steam Pub was once again part of the annual Philadelphia Burger Brawl, which celebrated its ninth year at a larger location, the Marine Parade Grounds at Navy Yard Philadelphia. Not only was Hoeger able to introduce his prized food to nearly 4,000 people (a record number of attendees), Steam Pub took home the “Instagrammers’ Choice” award for “The Sauce Boss,” decided by prominent food influencers in the region.
But most importantly, Hoeger’s involvement in the event was for a worthy cause. It was recently announced that the 2019 Burger Brawl raised more than $73,000 to support education and literacy projects in 13 Philadelphia public elementary schools, exceeding its original goal of $56,000.
“Record crowds, increased sponsorship and a new venue meant more money would go to the schools to support projects. Philadelphia Burger Brawl is proud to announce that we raised over $73,000 to help students,” said volunteer organizer and founder Rob Wasserman. “Supporting student learning is the reason we started the event nine years ago and the reason that we all – sponsors, restaurants, chefs and volunteers – do this year after year. Burger Brawl is a win-win for foodies, restaurants and the Philadelphia school district.”
For Hoeger, it was a thrill to assist in Wasserman’s initiative.
“What Rob and his team do down there is just great,” he said. “They work tirelessly to put this event on and what a great cause. Having school-age children myself, their education is very important to my wife and I. In a major city like Philadelphia, no child or school should go underfunded. So we are always happy to support their efforts.”
Though Steam Pub didn’t earn the coveted “Judge’s Choice” or “People’s Choice,” Hoeger said the experience of competing at Burger Brawl was unforgettable.
“People were going crazy for the Ultimate Breakfast Burger. We had a line that stretched for 50-60 feet at least the whole time we were down there,” he said. “Even after the event was over and we were cleaning up, people kept coming by asking if we had any left. I know some guests were upset that we didn’t win it all, but we are happy to be recognized. We had a blast.”
Will Steam Pub make an appearance in 2020?
“Yes, I think we will be in it as long as they will have us. It’s great exposure for the restaurant and it’s so much fun,” Hoeger said. “I think we will bring a different burger down next year. It’s always good to showcase our diversity.”
All proceeds raised from the Burger Brawl have gone directly to support literacy programs in partnership with the nonprofit The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia. Since its inception in 2011, the event has raised $356,000.
Thanks to Burger Brawl support, new computers and carts will be secured for a number of schools, which will use the technology in the following ways: implementing blended learning in reading and math, increasing student collaboration in all subjects, expanding coding, using G Suite, small-group instruction, engaging students in peer-to-peer activities, inquiry-based learning projects and problem-solving.
“We continue to be grateful for the support of our schools through the Burger Brawl. It’s great to see the community come together year after year to ensure our students have the resources they need to succeed,” said Dr. William R. Hite, superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia. “We’re already looking forward to next year.” ••
The 2020 Philadelphia Burger Brawl is set for Sunday, Sept. 20. For more information, visit phillyburgerbrawl.com.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
