The Sioux Empire is absolutely sizzling right now, and no, it’s not because someone left the grill unattended. All the buzz is coming from the 2026 Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle, an event so popular it should probably come with a reminder to loosen your belt and a mandatory nap.
While locals are busy debating buns, patties, and toppings, there’s another impressive number stacking up behind the scenes: money. Lots of it. Last year’s Burger Battle generated an estimated $3.2 million in economic impact for the city of Sioux Falls. That’s a whole lot of cheddar, literally and figuratively.
According to Dakota News Now, Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. is hoping this year’s Burger Battle flips even more burgers and cash registers. The event was originally created to lure hungry diners downtown during January, historically one of the slowest months for local restaurants. Turns out, nothing cures winter blues quite like a perfectly cooked, mouthwatering burger.
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Brandon Hanson, CEO of Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc., told Dakota News Now, “And that was with 39 burgers; this year we have 50. So, we’re hoping to beat that number. That’s really our mission as an organization, to drive economic activity for small businesses and all businesses downtown.” Translation: more burgers, more bites, more bragging rights…