AmericanFast FoodMusic/Events/Other

***** BOCA BURGER BATTLE, A GRILLING AFFAIR! *****

Posted on June 12th, 2012 · American Boca Raton Fast Food Music/Events/Other

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***** BOCA BURGER BATTLE, A GRILLING AFFAIR *****

Got a real good one for you guys…”BOCA BURGER BATTLE, A GRILLING AFFAIR!” -Saturday, July 14th-7PM-10PM at Sanborn Square Park, Boca Raton.

From what I’m hearing, this “thing” is gonna be something else!

All kinds of food, beer, booze, burger contest, celebrity judges, bands, live entertainment, retail shopping bazaar…

Pre-sale tickets $50, at the door $75. The price of admission includes all food and beverage tastings.

The 2012 “Burger Contestants'” preliminary list includes- in no particular order…Super Dave’s Diner (Boca Raton), Biergarten (Boca Raton), Gimme A Burger (Deerfield Beach), Big Joe’s Burger & Wings (Boca Raton), Red’s Backwoods BBQ (Boca Raton), Boardwalk Fresh Burgers & Fries (Boca Raton), Brickyard Micro Brewery (Boca Raton), Saquella Caffe (Boca Raton), The English Tap & Beer Garden (Boca Raton), Dubliner Irish Pub (Boca Raton).

For whatever it’s worth, amazingly- Jeff Eats has “writeups” on all of the current contestants–except The English Tap & Beer Garden.

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, check www.bocaburgerbattle.com for information/tickets.

I’ll keep you guys updated as new contestants and details are announced.

****June 23, 2012 UPDATE

By the way, since Jeff Eats’ “initial” writeup, Morton’s, Brewzzi’s, Smashburger and Rebel (same guys that own Charm City), Wave 2700 have been added to the contestants’ list.

159 Comments to “***** BOCA BURGER BATTLE, A GRILLING AFFAIR! *****”

  1. Robert Berger says...

    HRC

    You should check us out at Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood! Try one of our Legendary Burgers, and get a blog out!

    • HerbK says...

      You can buy a ticket to the burger battle for only $26 through this link http://bit.ly/LMEaXo

  2. HG says...

    Jeff, my wife and I live in Boca.
    Hadn’t heard about this until you mentioned it.
    Definitely going to try and make this one.
    Thanks for the heads up.

    HG

  3. Bobby Peter says...

    Between this one and the Seminole bbq on june 30 hope i dont end weighing 300 lbs.

  4. JeffEats says...

    Robert Berger:

    Just had a chance to read your comments.

    Just so you know, Jeff Eats has had a Hard Rock All Access card for years. I’ve eaten at numerous Hard Rock Cafes including New York, Orlando, Miami, Hollywood FL, Puerto Rico, Fort Lauderdale, Detroit and Las Vegas.

    Suffice it to say, I’ve never had a bad meal not to mention a bad burger.

    Thanks for reading…

  5. Mr. Cohen says...

    Jeff Eats:

    How come your not one of the celebrity judges?

    • JeffEats says...

      Mr. Cohen:

      Just had a chance to read your comments.

      The reason why Jeff Eats isn’t a celebrity judge is because the sponsors didn’t ask “him” to be a judge. Really, just that simple.

      Thanks for reading…

  6. Mr. Itzler says...

    Jeff,
    My wife and I have lived in Boca for 34 years. We eat out a lot and know most of the burger places in the area. Looking at the list that Battle has so far, it appears a bit light. Most of the contestants are ok but nothing great. Where are the 5 Guys, BurgerFi, CG Burgers, Charm City, HiWay of the world? I sure hope they add some of these names.
    My wife and I are going to go. Sounds like a fun evening. It should be really busy if the weather is good. We’ll also have friends going.
    One quick question, are you going?

    • BOCABABE says...

      looked at the names not too impressive.
      best one is tucci’s which does pizza and wings which is right across from the park.
      i agree that stronger players should be added.
      all in all this is a nice thing for us boca residents and should be very well attended.

  7. Joe Cano says...

    Jeff let’s talk economics here.
    TKTS are 50 bucks on line and 75 bucks at the door.
    The event is rain or shine.
    If it rains you lost your ticket money.
    Is it worth the $25 and buy the ticket at the door and this way insure that there is no rain? I dont think so. Maybe 5-10 more but 25, get real.
    Based on my knowledge of concerts and big events I’ll bet you a burger that this event maybe draw tops 500 paying people. The reason Boca’s population is too heavily weighed to the elderly who wont pay that price.

  8. 1212aw says...

    how come charm city isnt in the mix

  9. Lila says...

    Jeff you gotta try one of our amazing bugers at The Samich Shop! If you like spicy try our Volcano Burger- 1/2 lb, fresh, black angus beef hand pattied topped w/ grilled onions, grilled jalepenos, pepper jack cheese, & my homemade spicy mayo. Or maybe the Italian Stallion- 1/2 lb patty, seared hot cappicola, seared genoa, grilled onions, & smoked provolone all on a grilled buttered bun served w our handcut fries! 🙂 To die for I promise!

  10. ASKER says...

    I see that Smashburger, Morton’s and Rebel House ( this is a new coming venture from the guys who own Charm City) were added to the contestant’s list. These are strong places.
    Jeff,
    Looking forward to Boca Burger Battle.

  11. Carleton says...

    why would anyone pay $50 or $75 to eat some burgers? Most of the place participating sell burgers for under $5.

    Fort Lauderdale charged $40 and it was reported as a money grab. At least they had mostly good restaurants. Not diners and fast food places.

    • CCCA says...

      I agree 75 bucks is way too much. The sponsors are obviously trying to book the cheaper 50 bucks just in case the weather doesn’t go their way.
      You are also right the restaurants aren’t all that strong. Some are ok but most of them aren’t anything special.
      The way I figure 50 bucks is still a fair price. All you can eat and beer to drink with music is ok. Nice night out.

    • BOBBYC0890 says...

      Carleton:

      Im with you.
      Also if it rains you are screwed if you paid up front.
      Thing is going to bust out.

    • THE GUY says...

      $50 is absurd.
      Most of the big burger places aren’t even going to be there.
      This looks like a huge money grab by the promoters.
      If it rains you are screwed big time. No refunds.
      And, who in their right mind would pay $75 the day of the event? $75 for this Street Fair they must be nuts.
      As for their band, you can see them around the corner for $5.
      Also know one wants Regaee music.
      This event is a joke and I’m surprised that Jeff thought it looked good!

  12. Annie D. says...

    Going to be a ton of fun.
    Hope the weather is good!

  13. Bernie1956 says...

    Jeff,
    Definitely going to go.
    Thanks for finding this one hadnt heard about it.

  14. EVA says...

    Jeff. love the blog. more discussion going on here about other isuues than just a good burger v a bad burger.
    on this one, i cant figure out what other than pr is in it for the contestants.
    lets say they have to make 1,500 min burgers here. even at 50 cents a piece it means that each contestant has to spend about $750 for food not too mention labor. so figure at least a grand. by the way i’m figuring the grill setups are providied by the promoter.
    so they are paying a grand for some pr.im assuming that 1,000 people come to the event.
    now a big chain can handle the cost but how does a small guy spend that kind of money?

  15. ARNIE B. says...

    Jeff,
    will you be there?
    i see that they got blogger Burgers On The Beach as a judge. you got far more joints under your belt than that guy.

    • Jeff Eats says...

      ARNIE B.:

      Just had a chance to read your comments.

      Jeff Eats will not be attending this event.

      A week or so ago, Jeff Eats’ requested a “media pass” for the event. Suffice it to say, that such request was not honored.

      Thanks for reading…

      • TTA33496 says...

        Jeff, why in the world would they not give you a pass? it costs them nothing. you brought them great attention. if you went you could have done a follow up story.
        doesnt make sense to me.

        TTA33496

      • Brenda Cohen says...

        Dumb guys must be running this thing.

      • Tom Lehrman says...

        $50 presale is a lot for an out door thing.
        $75 at the door is way too high.
        not making Jeff Eats a judge is dumb.
        not giving Jeff Eats a pass is insanity.

      • ZED says...

        Jeff, not giving you a ‘pass’ makes no sense whatsoever.
        it costs these guys nothing to have you there.
        you originally gave them a terrific writeup.
        if you attended i assume that you would do a followup story and review the different vendors there.
        your site is fun, informative and at times controversial.
        i really dont recall how many times it has been, but on a number of ocassions ive actually seen your writeups in restaurant windows and on counters.
        these guys dont seem to appreciate that Jeff Eats is a very good pr tool if a restaurant gets a decent review.
        oh well, im sure you wont lose any sleep over no pr pass.
        thanks,
        ZED

        • Poolgirl says...

          ZED

          Your comments are right on point.

          If you do a search of various restaurants JEFF EATS often shows somewhere at the top.

          I have been in several restaurants where his reviews are actually framed and displayed. I have also seen his reviews featured on various restaurants’ websites.

          WHY? Jeff Eats wouldn’t be welcomed with open arms by sponsors of a burger contest his a mystery to me. Like you said it costs nothing to have Jeff there.

          I do see that the Hard Rock BBQ set for June 30 has Jeff Eats as one of the CELEBRITY JUDGES. Maybe the Boca Battle guys were jealous and didn’t want to use Jeff as a judge, but not to have invited him is crazy.

  16. kko says...

    going to this one
    hopefully it wont rain

  17. Leon Kurt says...

    jeff, i’m in.
    hope to see you there.

  18. lily epstein says...

    looked at the list of contestants. doesnt look all that good to me.

  19. xds says...

    if it rains you dont get a refund, i’ll pass on a deal like that.

  20. Louis m says...

    Not for me. 3 hours for 50 bucks plus I got to pray it doesn’t rain. Sorry I ain’t going.

  21. LeoFromQueens says...

    Jeff,
    I know that you live in the Boca Raton area.
    How come the folks who organized this BOCA event didnt put you on the judging panel?

    By the way, last night it poured here in Boca and right now its like a hurricane coming down.

    Hope it doesnt rain for this one.

    The huge problem they got is that its rain or shine. So if it rains they keep your money.

    Not sure if I really want to risk 50 bucks in advance to see how the weather turns out.

  22. Ronnie P. says...

    My husband and I are going.
    Looks like a fun time.
    Nice list of restaurants.

  23. Edward S says...

    Jeff, I heard if you enter the word BLISS in the Promotional Code box you maybe able to save $5-$10 per ticket.

  24. Larry R. says...

    jeff, on 6/30/12 they are having a bbq contest at the hard rock in hollywood. tkts are 35 online and 45 at the door. there is also a 10 off coupon out there so you can get a 35 tkt for 25. the contest is 4 hrs. now this burger battle is 50 bucks and 75 bucks at the door and goes for 3 hrs.
    on paper the bbq is a much better deal.
    i sort of think that the boca sponsors are trying to take advantage of people. while the hard rock is giving you a great deal. what do you thinK/

    • Duke of Earl says...

      kind of agree with you. $50 is too much.

  25. PopWarner says...

    Absolutely no way this thing is worth $50.

  26. JIMBO C. says...

    This is a burger battle like I’m Joe Biden.
    Look at the names of whose competing.
    You got no bodys.
    Where’s the CGs, Five Guys, BurgerFi, HiWay, Eleavtion, Office, Doc’s, Jake’s, Charm City, Shake Shack, Pincho, ROK, just to name a few.
    This one’s got a hodgepodge of names.
    Guess they couldnt convince any of the really big players in the area to come in.

  27. KLJ says...

    Am I reading right that the event’s sponsors turned Jeff Eats’s request for a press pass down?
    I think I know how to read but I can’t really believe what I’m reading.
    The sponsors must have a screw or two lose.
    Why wouldn’t you want a guy like Jeff Eats who gave you a terrific writeup to come to your event? Makes no sense whatsoever.
    One last thought, I guarantee the sponsors that Jeff Eats won’t be writing anything about the Burger Battle after it is held and guranteed unless Jeff Eats is a nut will he be writing anything favorable about these sponsors in the future.

    • Robert L. says...

      Jeff:
      Why in the world wouldn’t the folks running this thing give you a pr pass?
      The cost to them is ZIP.
      I did a quick search and your writeup comes up right at the top of the heap on the battle. You gave them gratutiously a ton of free pr and then they dont treat you right.
      They are jerks.

  28. SKIP MAHONEY says...

    betcha jeff wanted to bring jiggy the dog? just kidding. check table 42 review for jiggy story.
    jeff, these guys didnt do right.

  29. RALPH K. says...

    Jeff, I just got 2 tickets for 50 bucks for the Hard Rock’s BBQ on 6/30. Why is this Boca one so expensive at 50 a head? They got to cut the price.

  30. POPEYEDOYLE says...

    my bet here is that the guys running this thing have never done one before.
    its bloggers like burgers on the beach, chowfather, jeff eats, burger beast, worst pizza, who really spread the word for these type of events. thesebloggers have enormous followings and generate buzz for the events.
    common sense which obviously the guys doing this one dont have is to use the bloggers as judges and to have them as VIPs at the events. then get the bloggers to do followup articles about the actual event.
    for these guys not to have invited Jeff Eats and for that matter Mrs. Jeff Eats tells me that they are probably rank amateurs at doing an event like this.

  31. wedmab11218 says...

    I live in Mizner Park which is a 2 minute walk to the parkwhere this is being held. I’m very familar with the area and actually have been to many of the contestants on the current list. The best by the way is HIWAY which is in Delray.
    I know that park and based on its size, location and the $50-$75 ticket price I would be shocked to see more that more than 350 people show up for this Burger Battle. The ticket cost is too high and most of the contestants aren’t all that strong and at 3 hours the Battle is too short. By the way you can check the band out at Funky Biscuit about 3 minutes away for maybe a $5 cover charge if there is one at all.
    I didn’t plan on going and could give a rat’s ass if its successful or not.
    What caught my eye is this little debate going on here about the owners of the Battle not inviting Jeff Eats to attend. I first heard about what I think is a huge error in judgement when I read comments here and on several other Jeff Eats’ comment pages.
    Since the owners of Battle are running this thing they can do whatever the hell they like. BUT common sense tells me anyone with half a brain that when you have NO DOWNSIDE you invite a guy like Jeff Eats and his wife to your event.

    Im 66 years old and it often amazes at how stupid certain people are in business.

    Im sure Jeff Eats couldnt careless, but it goes to show you that stupid people run businesses.

    • rstanfield says...

      You should be more supportive and proactive for local community events.

  32. DONNA R. says...

    as of todays date judge burger on the beach has 12 2012 reviews and jeff eats has 117 IN 2012. BETCHA A MILLION BUCKS JEFF EATS HAS MORE READERS.

  33. WINKLER says...

    Hey,
    Just looked at the contestants’ list and it’s a whole lot stronger than it was when it was first announced. I live in Boca and have been to many on the list.
    Can’t speak to the JEFF not being given a PR PASS because I don’t know all the facts. On the face of it. it doesn’t seem like to smart of a move, but I don’t know the facts.
    What I know is $50 is too much for this. $75 at the door is utterly ridiculous.
    I expect the sponsors to lower the price in the coming days. I dont know for sure, but I’d bet sales aren’t too hot. I’m thinking that 30 at the door will work for me.

  34. lokj65 says...

    jeff, id laff my ass off if it rained that night and the whole bs thing got washed out. it would teach everyone a lesson not to plan outdoor nite events in florida in the dead of summer and not to fuk with jeff.

  35. Johnny V. says...

    Jeff Eats,

    You recently reviewed my restaurant. For the record, after you ate and paid your bill, you then introduced yourself to me. First, thanks for the nice review.
    I just wanted you to know, that since that review went out, a number of people mentioned the writeup. Now the number wasn’t huge compared to other things, but 7 or 8 people actually mentioning it to me in the restaurant is damn good.
    Anytime, you and your wife want to stop by for dinner , let me know and please be my guest.
    For a small mom & pop restaurant buying advertising is very expensive and really not possible. It’s blogs like yours and others that help get the word out to the public. Hopefully as in my case the word was good.
    I follow your blog.
    That’s how I heard about BOCA BURGER BATTLE. probably never would have heard about it if it wasn’t for you.
    Sorry, the BOCA BURGER BATTLE doesn’t know how valuable bloggers are.

    Johnny V.

  36. ronroyce says...

    Jeff Eats
    I guarantee you won’t be missing anything really special.
    I would think that this burger contest at 50 a head won’t draw too many I was at the Miamione where the fire marshalls had to shut it down because of smoke. That one before it came to an abrupt halt had some really good burger places like Shake Shack, Elevation, Charm City, Pincho, Quickie’s and loads of others. This Boca one has a few good ones but really doesnt have the depth or the quality of players.
    Miami has the population that goes for this type of thing, I assure you Boca doesn’t.
    By the way, the people running this whatever the heck it is, should have without any qualm whatsoever invited you to attend.

  37. PAUL R. says...

    we yap about this and jeff really says nothing.
    im sure he’s well past this crap.
    personally i wouldnt waste even 10 cents on a dumb contest that means nothing.

  38. HerbK says...

    $50 is too much but if you use this link http://bit.ly/LMEaXo you can buy a ticket to the Boca Burger Battle for only $26

    • ZED says...

      herbk, thanks for the link. for $26 i’m going to get a tkt. a whole lot better than $50 which is too much.

    • Poolgirl says...

      thks for the link.
      at 50 my husband and i werent interested. but at 26 a person its not a bad deal.

    • SLIP M. says...

      HERBK, see your comments a lot on Jeff Eats. You seem to know your stuff and be very sensible.
      What do you think of the sponsors not giving Jeff Eats a pass for the event?

      • HerbK says...

        It’s their loss but this is a second rate event anyway. Too many fast food or chain burger places. The fast food places that have to serve two thin burgers because that cooks faster than a single thicker burger can’t be considered above average. If I can’t get a thick, juicy, medium rare burger I’m not buying. That is why I consider Charm City to be the best of the “gourmet fast food” places, by far. You can keep Shake Shack and 5 Guys with their overcooked meat

  39. BOBBY MARTIN says...

    Jeff Eats: Can’t believe that you weren’t given media credentials to Boca Burger Battle.
    Maybe more to this story?
    Any further comments?

  40. Jeff Eats says...

    BOBBY MARTIN:

    Just had a chance to read your comments and those of many others discussing JEFF EATS not being issued a “press pass” for Boca Burger Battle.

    Let me start by saying, that if JEFF EATS attended all of the restaurant/food events that he is invited to, he wouldn’t have time to breathe.

    Not going to go into real detail, but there are weeks were JEFF EATS is invited to attend something like 4 events. As a matter of fact, today alone, 2 invites for new Miami restaurants were received.

    If you check, JEFF EATS doesn’t make it a habit to attend events. As a matter of fact, in calendar year 2012 JEFF EATS only attended one event and has never served as a “judge” for any event. For the record, on June 30, 2012 JEFF EATS will be a judge at the Hard Rock’s BBQ event in Hollywood.

    As many of you folks know, JEFF EATS lives in the Boca Raton area. On point, JEFF EATS received a PR piece about Boca Burger Battle and after checking around decided to feature it on the blogsite. The principals of the event were never told or informed in advance by JEFF EATS about the article. A week or so after the story appeared, an e-mail with a link to JEFF EATS was sent to the principals with a request for a “media pass.” A few days after that, JEFF EATS followed with a phone call and spoke with a Russell who initially “blew” off the request. After explaining the site to Russell and spending time giving him names/addresses/phone numbers of possible “contenders”-Jeff Eats expected to receive a followup concerning the “press pass.” To date, neither Russell or anyone at Boca Burger Battle has contacted JEFF EATS.

    As indicated earlier, JEFF EATS isn’t in the habit of attending “events”–The only reason why JEFF EATS selected Boca Burger Battle to attend was because it was 10 minutes from his home, was outdoors, was extremely informal, looked to be a lot of fun, would provide old and new restaurants for a future review article and would be such a large event, that his attendance in no way compromise his objectivity about the event/restaurants in a future article.

    Trust JEFF EATS on this, the 26 bucks that a ticket now goes for- won’t stop JEFF EATS from attending if that’s the call that he makes.

    As to why, Russell and his principals never followed up with JEFF EATS…go ask them!

    In closing, JEFF EATS still thinks that the event is going to be awesome…and that-the “new” discounted $26 tickets make Boca Burger Battle a super-deal.

    Thanks for reading…

    • Laura Robinson says...

      Jeff Eats:
      Love your site.
      Check it evry day.
      Don’t always agree with your picks but all in all you got some really good one.
      Really how you rate joints 5 stars or no stars. You’d either go back or you wouldn’t, just that simple.
      From your site and many of the topics you cover, I get the distinct impression that you are a 100% straight shooter and call them just as you see them.
      I read how Boca Burger Battle came to be featured on Jeff Eats. I agree with you that the event has great possibilities.
      To be honest with you, there is no logical reason why the folks running Boca Burger Battle just ignored your request.
      No sure how it all ends up, but there is no valid reason not to have you there. As others have pointed out it costs the principals absolutely nothing to have you there.
      You would think that these folks would love the future PR that Jeff Eats could bring to the event, the restaurants and any future events they might have.
      One thing I’m willing to bet on, is that Jeff Eats wont be doing a followup after the event is held.

      • JeffEats says...

        Laura Robinson:

        Just had a chance to read your comments.

        You are so right… If Jeff Eats doesn’t attend Boca Burger Batlle..Jeff Eats can’t review the event, the participating restaurants/vendors or entertainment.

        Apparently, the principals of Boca Burger Battle aren’t interested in possible post event PR for the Boca Burger Battle and its various “parts.”

        Thanks for reading…

  41. Ed Posner says...

    jeff, folks running this one not too swift.

  42. Marty K. says...

    Hey Jeff,
    Maybe Russell will call you and make things right.
    I just bought a tkt for $26.
    By the way, the band they have is totally awesome. Seen them 3 maybe for 4 times.
    Looked at the list of burgers and HiWay and Smashburger caught my eye. Both make a great burger.

    • Marty K. says...

      Jeff, one other thing.
      On the list is Dave’s Super Diner. Tried Dave’s the other day and his wings are right up there with the best I’ve ever had. I am also interested in trying Rebel at the battle. The two guys who own Charm City own this one and Charm City makes one hell of a burger. I also see they got Brewzzi’s on the list. Not exactly a burger by its meatloaf has been one of my favorites for years.

  43. HBR says...

    Jeff,
    real simple the sponsors are SCHMUCKS!

    See you Saturday June 30, 2012 at the Hard Rock Rock n Roll Bar-Bq in Hollywood. Going to be an amzing time, not some small local street fair like Bpca Burger Battle will end up.

    HBR

  44. Utter974 says...

    Just watch, this Boca Burger will be a huge DUD.
    I live in the area and the events in that park are not well attended. Once a month they have a musical act for free. The only people who show up are the nursing home crowd. Bad location will doom this one.

    • rstanfield says...

      This event is not produced by the same organization that produces the music events. Turns out this production company are also the ones that produce The Boca Raton Wine and Food Festival. That was a great event!

  45. Joey Long says...

    Just checked that coupon site where you can get that $50 ticket for $26 and as of right now 41 of them have been sold. Such a minimal amout of tickets being sold tells me that no one really gives a rat’s ass about this battle.

  46. POPW says...

    That $50 tkt is now $26 on the site.
    Probably having trouble getting people to go to this one.

  47. Caddybear says...

    Jeff no bulls@t, the guys behind this battle have to be absolute jerks,
    You got a pr outlet and they don’t use it, morons,

  48. rstanfield says...

    I found it very entertaining reading all of the commentary on Boca Burger Battle. Some are very proactive and have valid points. Others seem downright nasty. Those are most likely coming from individuals thathave never even hosted a dinner party let alone produced a large community event. I come from the Event & PR world and would never wish anyones production to be a failure. Let’s take the recent Miami Grind for example; There was obvious lack of culinary logistics but I still felt horrible for the production team. I also think that anyone who takes on the project of producing an event in downtown Boca Raton deserves an applaud. The community desperatly needs more of these events that will showcase the local businesses. If you take the time to visit The Boca Burger Battle website, you will see that on top of the 20 Grilling Contenders which are showcasing beef, turkey, tuna, fish, veggie and vegan burgers (sure to appease to the masses) that here is going to be a french fry bar, onion ring bar, chicken wings, roasted corn, a bourbon spice bbq sauce station, kettle corn, bourbon pecan ice-cream, liquor infused frozen treats, 6 varietals of Craft Beer, 4 varietals of Wines, 2 featured summer Jack Daniels’ cocktails and live entertainment. It also appears that this event is to help raise awareness and proceeds for two local Non Profits. $50 doesn’t sound that bad after all for a Saturday night out in July.

    • Eddie Krause says...

      rstanfield,
      since you say you come from the event and pr world, can you explain why if the guys running this are as you think smart and industrious, they didnt give Jeff Eats a couple of media passes to this event since they cost nothing to do so? i think their failure to get Jeff Eats there shows they know dick sheet about running and publizing an event. what do you think?

      • rstanfield says...

        Mr. Krause,

        I know it the past that I have contacted events and requested Media Passes and the organizers have asked me to provide them statistics, domographics of readers and viewers and what the pre or post coverage would entail. That would then determine if passes were granted. I have also been on the other side of events and know that you get contacted by multiple walks of life saying they are “media” and request free passes. You do have to look and see what will give you the best return. You are correct that that the out of pocket expense is nothing however two here, 4 here, 2 more here does add up and then you have to take into consideration the amount of food and product along with comped tickets taking away from ticket sales. I’m not pervy as to what Jeff Eats presentation is when requesting media passes. The Boca Burger Battle website does have a Media Sponsor page with a good variety of supporters.

        • Eddie Krause says...

          rstanfeld:
          if have been reading jeff eats for a long time. not sure the readership but i got a feeling its very large. when id o google and other searches jeff eats reviews seem to be right at the top of restaurants sites. if i recall correctly jeff eats in 2008 was named best ever day food blog by the sun sentinel.
          look at the comment that jeff eats wrote up above. it seems that he even called the sponsors and provided them with names etc of possible contenders.
          i also see jeff eats is a guest judge at hard rock’s event set for saturday. now you know that event is going to be huge and probably 5 times at least bigger than the bica burgr battle.
          i think it wa stupid for the sponsors to just blew him off.
          like you said it really doesnt cost them anything to have him there. now they lost future pr from him.
          i think the guys are DUMB.

          • rstanfield says...

            I attended the Hard Rock event last year and it wasn’t all it was hyped up to be. I recall multiple vendors running out of food very early and receiving a 1oz plastic shot glass to sample the minimal craft beer. People were trying to sneak into the VIP area which was the only place that had food and quality beer. It was a Parking Lot Party on the grounds of Hard Rock.

          • rstanfield says...

            If you visit http://seminoleparadise.com/beerbque/restaurants.html It doesn’t appear that they have any more or better quality participating food establishments than Boca Burger Battle. In fact, advertising less. There are several that don’t even fit into the “showcasing the best in bbq” theme.

          • popper says...

            Yeah but there the hard rock and this boca battle is some crap thing.
            because it the hard rock it works. end of story.

        • Steve Lynn says...

          On the face of it, sponsors aren’t too swift.
          Everyone in South Florida food blogging arena knows that Jeff Eats has a huge following.
          All you have to do is search any South Florida restaurant and Jeff Eats’ site shows up right at the top .
          Got to agree with others here, sponsors aren’t too swift.

        • BOBBY D. says...

          You sure want Jeff to jump through some hoops to get a lousy pass.

          I’m in the PR business.

          Take it for what’s worth, two weeks ago I wrote to Jeff offering him with no strings attached, for him to bring his wife and up to eight friends to try a new restaurant that a client is opening. Everything would be comped.

          Jeff Eats politely declined.

          I don’t think that you fully appreciate what Jeff Eats is. Take a look at the site, there is no advertising. This guy in no way shape or form wants to compromise is objectivity.

          Our agency knows the value of a Jeff Eats recommendation. We also know that if he pans you, you must really be bad news because he seems to go out of his way to find something worthwhile.

          As far as SEARCHES, you want him writing about you.

          The folks at Burger Battle should have him there.

          If Jeff wanted to come, which is a rarity, you let him come.

  49. Laura J. says...

    I just did a GOOGLE for Boca Burger Battle and Jeff Eats comes up #4 on the search list. Way ahead of Burgers On The Beach who’s one of the judges.
    End of story!
    Stupid guys running this thing.

    • rstanfield says...

      Why are they stupid? Just as with a great burger, there are multiple ingredients in a great event. You can’t judge the whole thing by one media partnership.

      • DDD10018 says...

        Based on what you have read, don’t you think that the smart thing for Boca Burger Batlle to do is just invite Jeff & Mrs. Eats to attend?

        This isn’t the forum to discuss Jeff Eats but is word of mouth can generate tremendous interest in an event or restaurant.

        Take a few seconds and read all of the comments from restaurants and band who have thanked him for his comments.

  50. DDD10018 says...

    My partners and I own a rather successful restaurant here in Boca Raton.
    The Boca Burger Battle has no idea what weight Jeff Eats carries in our area.
    The smart move would be to invite Jeff Eats and Mrs. Jeff Eats to attend and leave it at that.

    One final comment, Jeff Eats has more pull in Boca Raton than most of the overcharging PR agencies that work the area.

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