SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2024 · 11 AM – 4 PM
Oaks Area at Riverside Park · VERO BEACH, FL

Burgers and Brews presented by NAPA/Cole Auto Supply.

Start celebrating Independence Day week with a bang featuring two of America’s favorite things, Burgers & Brews! Live performances will entertain the crowd all day along with vendors, a kids zone, breweries, car show, food trucks and delicious burgers.

One of the highlights at Burgers & Brews is the “Best Burger in Indian River County Competition”. Purchase your tickets now to have a chance in voting for your favorite burger!

Don’t forget to purchase your VIP tickets to enjoy the reserved seating in the air-conditioned VIP Lounge near the stage, a cocktail bar, and air conditioned restrooms. VIP tickets also include a punch card to the burger competition and brewery area.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact Allison Zukowski at 772-770-0740 ext. 204

Purchase Tickets

2024 BURGER COMPETITION WINNERS

2024 Judge's Choice Award

1st Place - Wilke's 14 Bones BBQ

2nd Place - Sandwich Shack

3rd Place - Marsh Bistro

2024 Peoples Choice Award

1st Place - Heaton's Vero Beach

2nd Place - Wilke's 14 Bones BBQ

3rd Place - Marsh Bistro

2024 BREWERY PARTICIPANTS

2024 BURGER COMPETITION JUDGES

Kenny Holmes

Kenny Holmes is a former defensive end in the NFL and is a native to Indian River County. After graduating from Vero Beach High School, Kenny was awarded an athletic scholarship by the University of Miami where he served two consecutive terms as the captain for the football program. Kenny was a first-round draft in the 1997 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Oilers where he helped lead the Titans to the Super Bowl XXXIV. In 2001, Kenny signed as a free agent with the New York Giants before retiring in 2003. These days Kenny enjoys spending time with family, friends, and being involved in the community.

Carl Berry

Carl Berry is a Florida native - born in Belle Glade and raised in Indiantown. He has held almost every job in the hospitality industry, working his way up from his first job mopping floors at the age of 14, to line cook, Executive Chef, and General Manager. In 2019, Berry left his position as Training Director of Duffy’s Sports Grill to join forces with Jason Emmett to acquire American Icon Brewery. As the co-owner of the brewery, he runs the day-to-day operations and has expanded beer distribution to all parts of South Florida and the Treasure Coast. He says his formula for operating an exceptional craft beer brand and restaurant is simple, “Believe in your people, deliver great beer and great food, and have fun doing it.”

Chef Lou Kolbauer

Lou Kolbauer is a self-taught chef and the entrepreneurial spirit behind some of Vero Beach's most beloved dining spots. As the owner and chef of Green Marlin, Chive, and Rosie Malloy's Pub, Lou has brought a unique blend of flavors and experiences to the local food and bar scene. His journey began with Chive, offering quick, creative cuisine in an open-kitchen setting, allowing diners to witness the magic of cooking firsthand. Following its success, Lou opened the Green Marlin, combining his Irish heritage's warm hospitality with his Floridian passion for fresh seafood. The restaurant quickly became a favorite for its relaxed atmosphere and commitment to daily fresh catches. Not one to rest on his laurels, Lou expanded his empire with Rosie Malloy's Pub, where patrons can enjoy the conviviality of an Irish pub right in the downtown area. Lou's dedication to fresh ingredients, innovative recipes, and creating welcoming spaces for the community has made his establishments a staple in Vero Beach's dining culture. His hands-on approach and willingness to involve his staff in the creative process have not only enriched the menu offerings but have also fostered a collaborative and supportive work environment. Lou's story is one of passion, innovation, and community, making him a celebrated figure in Vero Beach.

How fast can you eat an apple pie?!

Be sure to be at the stage by 2:30 to take part in our apple pie eating competition for your chance to win a prize!

Apple Pie Eating Contest Participants

100% of the money raised at Burgers & Brews 2024 & all beverage proceeds go to support the programs at United Against Poverty.

United Against Poverty provides- A Grocery Program, Job Training, Education, and Crisis Stabilization to those in need in our community. Thank you for Partying with a Purpose today!

Did you know United Against Poverty serves 750 people a day in Indian River County with a purpose to inspire and empower individuals to lift themselves and their families to economic self-sufficiency!

In 2023 the Success Training Employment Program had a record year, with the most graduates,86 adults employed; the most in program history, andover $2.1 million in earned income that was put right back into our local community.

Make sure to visit the United Against Poverty information tent located across from the ticket sales at the main entrance for more information!

Remember, this event isn't just about delicious burgers and ice-cold brews. When you pull up to an intersection and see someone in need, is your instinct telling you that giving a handout may not be the best way to help? This is your chance to join United Against Poverty in leading sustainable change in this community by offering a hand UP, not a handout to our neighbors who are struggling. Please take a few minutes and stop by the United Against Poverty info tent across from ticket sales at the main entrance and find out how you can help lift lives UP in Indian River County.

2023 ALICE Report from United Way: 6,890 households in Indian River County are in poverty, while another 24,331– are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). The ALICE working households earn above the Federal Poverty Level but less than what’s needed to survive in the modern economy. ALICE families have been overlooked and undercounted by traditional poverty measures. ALICE is the nation’s childcare workers, home health aides and cashiers heralded during the pandemic – those working low-wage jobs, with little or no savings and one emergency from poverty. They are hardworking people one paycheck away from financial ruin. Even using the most conservative cost scenarios for a family’s monthly expenses these ALICE families live on the brink of financial disaster every day — at risk of falling over the precipice when an emergency comes their way. The ranks of Indian River County households unable to afford the basics grew by 11% during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a total of 31,221 households or 45% struggling to afford the basics.

Our Success Training Employment Program (STEP) provides participants with training in emotional intelligence, resume building, interview practice, and helps match them with a career that pays a livable wage.

Our Member Share Grocery Program (MSGP) is a dignified food and household assistance program. Our Program Members contribute a nominal handling fee per item, to cover costs of picking up donations.

Our Crisis Stabilization Program provides support for those facing instability. Our caring staff can provide access to community-based resources and emergency support,then assist them in creating a long-term plan to prevent facing similar problems in the future.

The Build UP program is a 3-phase program providing hands-on training and skills to secure in-demand, high paying employment in the growing trades, construction and manufacturing fields.