Explore Cabarrus Serves Up Another Season of Burger Madness Starting March 1
January 13, 2026
Lee’s Sandwich Shop named 2026 Cabarrus Burger Madness Winner
April 2, 2026
Diners can find burger details and sign up for the free mobile pass now at ExploreCabarrus.com
CONCORD, N.C. (February 23, 2026) – With Cabarrus Burger Madness kicking off in Cabarrus County next week, Explore Cabarrus has unveiled photos and descriptions for all 25 of this year’s mouthwatering entries. Returning for its sixth year March 1 – 31, the friendly competition invites diners to visit, taste and vote for their favorite burger.
“Cabarrus County’s local restaurants have wowed us once again,” said Donna Carpenter, Explore Cabarrus President and CEO. “There are a record number of burgers in the lineup this year and each one is crafted with creativity and care. Whether you live local or you’re visiting, March is an excellent time to savor something new and make memories in Cabarrus while supporting our area’s independent places to eat.”
Diners can view photos, read burger descriptions and sign up for the free Cabarrus Burger Madness mobile pass at ExploreCabarrus.com/BurgerMadness. The pass lets participants track their tasty tour of Cabarrus County and unlock the ability to vote for their favorite burger by checking in at each location. Voting will be open from March 24-31 and is available exclusively through the Cabarrus Burger Madness mobile pass. Diners must check in at the restaurant to vote for their burger.
A printed list of all participating restaurants is also available on the website and at the Cabarrus County Visitor Information Center in Concord. Among the contenders are four returning champions, as well as four restaurants participating for the first time.
The full list of participating locations and their creations include:
- 2 Gals Kitchen: Seoul On a Bun Gochujang Kimchi Burger
- 44 Mills Kitchen +Tap: The A44 Wagyu Burger
- 73 & Main: Bad to the Bone Burger
- Bubba’s Bunkhouse: The Brunch Burger
- Cabarrus Brewing Company: Southern Heat Juicy Lucy
- Concord Trading Post: The Good, The Bacon and The Smash Burger
- Crack of Dawn Diner: Cheesy Mac Burger
- For Crying Out Loud: Jalapeño Popper Philly Cheesesteak Burger
- Garden Grille & Bar at Hilton Garden Inn: HGI Norbie
- Grounds & Vine: The Butcher’s Blend
- Havana Carolina Restaurant & Bar: Havana Frita Burger
- Jake’s, an R&R Bar-B-Que Restaurant: French Onion Chip Dip Burger
- Johnny Roger’s BBQ & Burgers: The Peachy Pepper Jack Burger
- Lee’s Sandwich Shop: Lee’s Burgerizza Mama Mia!
- Mt. Pleasant Smokehouse: “Pepsi” Sauce Brisket Burger
- Pump Social: Duck Fat Burger
- The Eatery at Southern Strain Brewing Company: Ham Jam
- The Smoke Pit: Maple Bourbon Bacon Onion Jam Burger
- The Speedway Club: Carolina Burnout Burger
- Towel City Tavern: Everyone’s Favorite Mac Bowl Burger
- Union Street Cafe: The Goated Lamb Burger
- Vibez Bar & Grill: Vibez Spicy Curd Stackburger
- Village Corner Comfort Kitchen & Bar: Bacon Chip & Dip Burger
- WAB#13: The Buffalo Stampede
- Wake Up & Eat: Maple Bourbon Burger
Cabarrus Burger Madness began in 2021 as an effort to support local restaurants enduring impacts of the pandemic. Last year, the 20 participating restaurants sold more than 5,000 burgers, and the program saw passholders from seven different states with two diners checking in at every location!
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.
Photos of each burger are available HERE.
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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
