May is National Burger Month, and The Log wanted to know what the local favorites for this American staple were here in Destin. From an informal poll of more than 100 people, The Log found that two restaurants topped the charts. First place winner by a landslide of 20 votes was McGuire’s Irish Pub, and runner-up with 11 votes was Tops Choice Hamburgers.
McGuire’s General Manager Patrick Grantello III said that more than 100,000 burgers are sold per year in his restaurant.
“We have over 20 different burgers our customer’s get to choose from, and we also have the “Name your own burger,” where the customer’s get to create their own,” he said.
When asked what makes his burgers so great Grantello said, “Well they are 14 ounces of 80/20 ground beef, and pattied daily in our butcher’s shop.”
As for Top’s Choice Hamburgers, known for their 50’s style drive-through kiosk, owner Matt Rosicka said it’s the customers that make his business a success.
“First of all it’s only $2.59, and 30 years of faithful customers,” he said. “The customers say it every day they come; it’s a great burger and a great price.”
Rosicka said that his only marketing plan is word-of-mouth, and so far the burgers and the customers speak for themselves. As for his reaction to coming in second place, he said he is honored.
“I’m happy; for fast food it’s a privilege to even be in the running,” he said.