Month-long event across Cabarrus County highlights local restaurants with the largest number of competitors to date

CONCORD, N.C. (January 13, 2026) – On March 1, Cabarrus County’s month-long celebration of culinary creativity will return for the sixth consecutive year. During Cabarrus Burger Madness, diners are invited to indulge in limited-time burgers from participating local restaurants and vote for their favorite. The 2026 contest takes place from March 1-31 and will feature the most participating restaurants to date.

Diners can track their tasty tour of Cabarrus County and unlock the ability to vote for their favorite burger with the free Cabarrus Burger Madness mobile pass. Details on how to sign up will be shared on ExploreCabarrus.com in February, along with mouthwatering descriptions and photos of the specialty burgers.

“Cabarrus Burger Madness has become a powerful way to celebrate and support the local restaurants that make our community so special,” said Donna Carpenter, Cabarrus County CVB President and CEO. “The competition grows in both participation and enthusiasm each year, drawing locals and visitors alike to discover new favorites. We’re proud of the impact this event has on our restaurants and invite everyone to experience this year’s creative and delicious burger lineup.”

The 2026 Cabarrus Burger Madness entry list is comprised of 25 local restaurants, the largest number of competitors to date. Among the contenders are four new participants and four returning champions including last year’s winner, Lee’s Sandwich Shop.

This year’s participating restaurants are:

• 2 Gals Kitchen
• 44 Mills Kitchen + Tap
• 73 & Main
• Bubba’s Bunkhouse
• Cabarrus Brewing Company
• Concord Trading Post
• Crack of Dawn Diner
• For Crying Out Loud
• Garden Grille & Bar at Hilton Garden Inn
• Grounds & Vine
• Havana Carolina Restaurant & Bar
• Jake’s, an R&R Bar-B-Que Restaurant
• Johnny Roger’s BBQ & Burgers
• Lee’s Sandwich Shop
• Mt. Pleasant Smokehouse
• Pump Social
• The Eatery at Southern Strain Brewing Company
• The Smoke Pit
• The Speedway Club
• Towel City Tavern
• Union Street Cafe
• Vibez Bar & Grill
• Village Corner Comfort Kitchen & Bar
• Wake Up & Eat
• WAB#13

To learn more about Cabarrus Burger Madness, visit ExploreCabarrus.com/BurgerMadness. Stay connected with real-time updates by following @ExploreCabarrus and #CabarrusBurgerMadness on social media.

As photos for this year’s burgers are underway, see HERE for photos of previous Cabarrus Burger Madness winners.

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About the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau
As the official destination marketing organization for Cabarrus County, North Carolina, the CCCVB is dedicated to promoting Cabarrus County as a visitor destination and enhancing the complete visitor experience. We also represent and support the interests of the local tourism industry and promote public awareness of the importance of tourism. For more, visit CabCoCVB.com or connect with Explore Cabarrus on social media.

About Cabarrus County, NC
Cabarrus County is in south-central North Carolina in the Piedmont region, about 30 minutes north of Uptown Charlotte. The area encompasses five municipalities: the cities of Concord and Kannapolis, and towns of Harrisburg, Midland and Mount Pleasant. Known as a hub of engaging experiences, Cabarrus County is home to premier motorsports entertainment, shopping, family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures, historic sites, charming downtowns and more. Learn more at ExploreCabarrus.com.

Media Contacts:

Julie Hinson
Cabarrus County CVB
JulieHinson@ExploreCabarrus.com
704-575-9379

LOU HAMMOND GROUP
Cabarrus@LouHammond.com