Popular Gastro-pub Challenges the Columbus Community to Create the Ultimate Burger
It’s no secret; the gastro-pub is one of the fastest and most popular trends to hit the restaurant industry in quite some time. This venue combines imaginative, upscale cooking techniques with a casual and carefree dining experience. Beginning this week, Bar 145, the popular gastro-pub and live music venue located at 955 W. Fifth Ave. specializing in “Burgers, Bands, and Bourbon,” along with Gandhi from WNCI’s The Morning Zoo, are challenging their devoted fans to create the burger of their dreams in the Best Burger in Columbus Competition.
With 5 different types of locally baked buns, over 30 fresh and local toppings, 10 artisan cheeses, and over 20 house-made sauces, there are over 300,000 different burger combinations for hungry fans and competitors to create. All you need to do is visit Bar 145 and create your ultimate burger, take a picture of it, and send it to @bar145columbus on Twitter, or Instagram using the hash tag #bar145columbus.
Bar 145 will select a winning burger each week, which will advance to their final competition. The final round, which will be held during the last week in October, will pit each of the previous week’s winning burgers against each other. The winner receives a FREE burger each week for the rest of 2014 and will also see their burger on Bar 145’s new fall menu.
Bar 145 owner-operator Jeremy Fitzgerald sees the competition as a fun and exciting way to give back to the Columbus community. “Since day one, Columbus has welcomed and embraced us as one of their own,” says Fitzgerald. “This is our way of returning the favor with a fun and interactive competition that everyone can enjoy.”
Bar 145 utilizes local farmers and purchases fresh products daily for their extensive menu of gourmet burgers and other food that elevates their menu from simple pub fare, to must-have gourmet entrees and small plates. Their menu is held under the watchful eye of executive chef Robby Lucas, who has experience working at some of the nation’s finest restaurants. He continues to oversee Bar 145’s menu at each of its new locations. Along with their extensive list of craft beers, Bar 145 specializes in bourbon and bourbon-based cocktails.
“We are all excited to get the competition underway,” says Chef Lucas, “it’s time to see what Columbus is made of.” For more information, visit wnci.com and search Bar 145.
Bar 145 first opened in Toledo, Ohio in May 2011as a result of the inspiration of 30-year-old Jeremy Fitzgerald, whose family has a successful history in the hospitality industry. Specializing in “Burgers, Bands, and Bourbon,” Bar 145 is a one-stop destination for great food, creative cocktails and live entertainment. With an emphasis on fresh and local ingredients, Bar 145 specializes in gourmet burgers and small plates. A selection of over 45 premium bourbons and inventive bourbon cocktails serve as the perfect pairing to their award-winning menu. In addition, Bar 145 offers an extensive draft and craft beer selection that features locally-brewed beer.
Bar 145 launched a franchise program in July 2012. Since that period locations have opened in Kent, Ohio, Columbus, Ohio and Norwalk, Ohio. Future signed deals are in play for Avon, Ohio and Ft. Wayne, Indiana and locations for those have been chosen.
