Dine and Dish: Wisconsin’s ‘Best Burger’ title skyrockets business for Northwoods restaurant

HAZELHURST, Wis. (WSAW) – We’re checking in with the winner of ‘Wisconsin’s Best Burger.’ We’ve already announced Pickles Bar and Grill won the Wisconsin Beef Council’s Best Burger Contest. It’s something they weren’t really expecting considering their location and having just opened in 2021.

“We didn’t really expect to hit the ground running as fast as we did,” said Dan Linscott, Head Chef and co-owner of Pickles Bar and Grill.

Lindscott said it comes down to quality homemade ingredients and of course the beef, “It’s a ground brisket short rib blend.”

He went through 10 different blends of meat to find the one and all the work has sure paid off. Just with word of the competition getting around, it brought in business and quadrupled his burger sales.

“It really helped during that slow season with no snow or snowmobiles,” said Linscott.

“It’s drawn up a lot of business almost to the point where a lot of small businesses can’t handle this, it’s very difficult, but it’s a good challenge,” said Justin Koshak, Co-owner of Pickles Bar and Grill.

Koshak said when they first made the Elite 8 in the competition they were selling around 70 pounds of meat that week. Sales were already boosted, but now with being crowned winner, it’s skyrocketed and last week alone they went through 356 pounds of beef.

“We have heard from every one of our Elite 8 restaurants that it has increased their business,” said Tammy Vaassen, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Beef Council.

“I think it’s just going to get crazier come summer,” said Linscott.

Justin Koshak said surrounding restaurants have helped them amid the rush by sticking together and supporting one another by bringing them ingredients when they’re running low.

“A lot of other businesses in the area that have really stepped up, helped us out to really bring home this win,” said Koshak.

The owners say they’re happy to make a name for the Northwoods. Linscott added that there are a lot of other great restaurants up there to check out as well. It’s opened the door to more opportunities for Pickles Bar and Grill too.

“I’m going to add a few more burgers to the menu going forward,” Linscott said.

“We really look forward to continuing this contest in future years,” Vaassen added.

If you own a restaurant and want to get involved in the next Wisconsin Beef Council Best Burger Competition, click here to learn more.

As you’re planning your summer trips across the state, you could try out any of the Elite 8 restaurants including Pickles Bar and Grill which is located about four miles off Highway 51 in Hazelhurst.

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