Molly Schuyler devoured 26 burgers on her way to capturing the sixth annual Independence Burger Eating Championship at the TenleyTown
Z-Burger flagship location yesterday. Schuyler, the #1 ranked female competitive eater in the US (and mother of four) edged out defending champ
Patrick "Deep-Dish" Bertoletti (25 burgers) for top honors and the first place prize of $1,500.
Schuyler was the lone female contestant (out of 16) and had no trouble scarfing down 26 1/4 lb. hamburgers in only 10 minutes. That's no easy task under
ideal circumstances; but when you consider how
hot it was outside (90*+) it's downright impressive. Bertoletti, who held an early lead over Schuyler, took home $850 for finishing in second place... part of $3,750 in total prizes. Former pro boxer
David Brunelli (20 burgers) finished third, and won $500.
Once again, Z-Burger's eating contest attracted a huge media turnout... the kind you'd expect to see for a Hollywood premiere or major celebrity book signing. Members of the press (and everyone else in attendance) were treated to free hamburgers until 3:30 PM, yet another in a long line of effective promotions by owner Peter Tabibian, who clearly missed his calling as a boxing promoter (a la Don King.) Considering how delicious his burgers are, I'm glad he stuck with burgers instead.
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| Defending champ "Deep-Dish" finishes a close second |
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| Last minute preparations |
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| Behind the scenes before the contest |
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| Not everyone was busy stuffing their face |
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| Contestant Stephen Alexander |
