December 2, 2025
In Cabarrus County, our chefs love taking local ingredients and dreaming up new ways to whet the appetite. Every March, they show off their skills during Cabarrus Burger Madness, our annual county-wide bragging-rights competition that showcases burger inventions from local restaurants. Diners get to join in the fun using the free Cabarrus Burger Madness mobile pass at participating locations and vote for their favorites!
Sometimes, a chef’s Burger Madness creation proves so popular that it stays on the menu after the monthlong competition is over. And that’s good news for everyone: You don’t have to wait for March to enjoy the Madness!
Here are some of the past Burger Madness entries and winners that you can find around town all year long. Try one, or sample them all — and then be sure to head back to take part in the fun in March!
The Beer and Bourbon Burger at Lee’s Sandwich Shop
If you’re craving a burger with crunch, spice and sweet, head to Lee’s Sandwich Shop in Kannapolis, where owner Chic Suggs kept the Beer and Bourbon Burger on the menu after it won the 2025 Burger Madness crown. This concoction is seasoned with a brown sugar and bourbon mixture, then topped with made-from-scratch beer cheese and piled high with crispy onion petals, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise and fresh-cut jalapeno bacon on a delicious pretzel bun.
The Concord Cuban at Grounds & Vine
In 2024, Chef Rich Gherman at Grounds & Vine came up with the Concord Cuban for his restaurant’s Burger Madness entry. This fun twist on a “ham”burger doesn’t use beef; instead, it starts with ham on toasted ciabatta roll. From there, they layer on shredded smoked pork, swiss cheese and sweet and spicy pickles.
The Vibez Burger at Vibez Bar & Grill
The Kannapolis sports bar Vibez Bar & Grill opted to remix some tasty local flavors for its 2024 Burger Madness entry. When you order the Vibez Burger, you’re in for a treat: hardwood smoked bacon, shaved ribeye, jalapeno pimento cheese, cajun pork rinds, lettuce and tomato, served with fries on the side will leave you feeling the good vibes.
The Life’s Gouda with Bacon Burger at Southern Strain Brewing Company
The 2024 Cabarrus Burger Madness winner at local Concord brewery Southern Strain gets back to burger basics, but with some mouthwatering gourmet twists. The burger starts with double smash patties with house made bacon jam, bacon slices and melted smoked gouda cheese. Then they add fresh red onion slices and pickles, which add brightness and bite to the flavors. The burger is served on toasted brioche with a little bit of roasted garlic aioli. You can watch them make the burger on Instagram. Don’t forget to order one of Southern Strain’s signature house brews along with it!
The Candied G.O.A.T. Burger at Johnny Roger’s BBQ & Burgers
When Cabarrus Burger Madness kicked off in 2021, the winner was so good that they kept it around. Head over to Johnny Rogers BBQ & Burgers in Concord or their second location in Gibson Mill Market for the Candied G.O.A.T. Burger, which pairs goat cheese and candied bacon with smokehouse aioli and onion frizzles.
Have a Feast in Cabarrus
There’s so much good food to sample throughout Cabarrus County. For more toothsome options, check out our guide to food in Cabarrus.
