<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1WcsTA_17obUFX800" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1WcsTA_17obUFX800" width="1680" height="1120" ></figure>As the 13th Annual Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle gets underway, it’s important to lay down a few ground rules for enjoying the Burger Battle in a way that benefits everyone. Please note: these are not official rules—just friendly suggestions to make the experience better for you, the restaurants, and the community as a whole.1. Splitting BurgersMany of the burgers are big. Splitting them makes sense. Last year at Minerva’s, with their outstanding “An Evening with Alan Watts” burger ($55), our server recommended the two of us split it, especially with drinks and an appetizer.But if you’re going with a group to try several burgers, keep this in mind: a restaurant loses money when four people order one burger, four waters, and occupy a table for an hour. Don’t be those people.Does this happen? Yes.Last year, my bride and I visited a local establishment on a busy Friday night. We arrived early—about 5:30—and were seated at a two-top. The server let us know the kitchen was already backed up and the burger would take a bit longer. No problem. We ordered cocktails, an appetizer, and a burger to share.Shortly after, a table of four women was seated at the last available table (it’s a small place—capacity of 50 or less). They were also warned about the wait. They ordered one burger. And four glasses of water. And three extra plates.When we left, they were still there—carefully splitting, dissecting, and analyzing their culinary treasure—while several groups waited. The restaurant made less than $20 on that table. Our table of two spent more than $75.Here in South Dakota, we are a frugal lot. But there’s a fine line between frugality and cheap. Don’t be cheap.2. Order Drinks, Order Apps, and Tip Well. The Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle began as a way to bring much-needed business to restaurants during a slow time of year. The goal is to help businesses.The profit usually isn’t in the burger—it’s in the drinks, appetizers, and add-ons. More traffic only helps if it also means more sales.3. Be a Good HumanI worked my way through college as a bartender, server, and short-order cook. Every summer, the small town where I went to school hosted a massive week-long event that strained hotels, bars, and restaurants.I’ve lived the long days and longer nights. I can tell you, it takes a lot of happy, courteous customers to make up for one angry, loud, self-important lout. Don’t be that person.4. Leave a Generous TipYes, I’m repeating this because it matters.Servers, bartenders, and kitchen staff will be working their butts off. Whether you loved the burger or not, treat them well. The restaurant’s reward is increased sales. The staff’s reward is increased tips.5: Do Not Ask to Split the Check If You Split the Burger! You’re grownups, you can work it out. Everyone has a calculator in their pocket, figure it out and Venmo your friend your portion.There are those who say “the burger battle is just a marketing ploy!” You are correct. It’s cold in January out here on the prairie, and we’ve all blown our budget on Christmas, so, restaurants are naturally slow.But here’s the thing about marketing: It works.The Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle sold more than 85,000 burgers last year. Monk’s Ale House alone sold 6,200 of their outstanding Deviled Egg Burgers!According to Brandon Hanson, CEO of DTSF, last year’s Battle generated more than $3.27 million in economic impact; directly benefiting local restaurants, small businesses, and the broader local economy.My Final Rule: ENJOYYes, this event will spur sales. Yes, it drives foot-traffic. But, most importantly, it gets out of the house during a cold, miserable January, and it gives us something fun to do.Have fun, eat and drink responsibly, and remember to leave a tip.When he’s not eating downtown, Jim Mathis runs ADwërks, an advertising and marketing agency in Sioux Falls, writes the monthly Man in the Kitchen column for Etc for her Magazine, and is the author of Love and Death and Pizza, available locally at Alcove, Full Circle Book Co-op, Rose and Eugene Present, and Zandbroz. Burger Battle Menu 010426 by Patrick Lalley <figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1W5Dsp_17obUFX800" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1W5Dsp_17obUFX800" width="1680" height="1122" ></figure></div></body>

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As the 13th Annual Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle gets underway, it’s important to lay down a few ground rules for enjoying the Burger Battle in a way that benefits everyone. Please note: these are not official rules—just friendly suggestions to make the experience better for you, the restaurants, and the community as a whole.

Mathis: A guide to Burger Battle etiquette

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As the 13th Annual Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle gets underway, it’s important to lay down a few ground rules for enjoying the Burger Battle in a way 

Mathis: A guide to Burger Battle etiquette

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