Patriot Burger Throwdown

Get crazy.  Go wild.  The University Dining Services offers students an opportunity to create the first 'Patriot Burger' through an online survey and start a tradition for the renovated University Center.

The 'Patriot Burger Throwdown' an online through Surveymonkey is being put on by Dining Services Director Shannon P. Mariani and marketing intern Meredith Jones.

"We are always looking to increase student involvement around campus," Mariani said.   "So instead of our staff creating the Patriot Burger, we would like a student to create a burger that the student population would like to see on the menu everyday."

The online survey allows students to create a hamburger from five types of bread, choices range from a standard white bun to a jalapeno Kaiser roll, six different types of cheese such as pepperjack or swiss, 10 different toppings like lettuce, tomato, and sauted pineapple and seven types of spreads.

Mariani said students would not be limited to those choices.

"Every category online has an 'other' option to choose from to allow students the opportunity to type in a more creative ingredient," he said.

Junior criminal justice major Michael Neal refuses to tell exactly what is on his version of the 'Patriot Burger,' but did say that his burger features spicy guacamole.

"The spicy guacamole adds a cool and creamy, yet spicy layer that offsets the steaming burger patty quite nicely," he said.

Neal adds chipotle "may or may not" be included on his burger.

The winner of the competition, judged by students and administration alike during lunch next week wins $100 dining dollars, money that can be used at any on campus eatery, and two free burgers per week until the end of the semester.  Second place will win $50 and one free burger until the end of the semester.  Third place will only receive one burger per week.

"Our intention is to do this the first week of every semester," Mariani said.  "This is our first year back in the University Center, but we would like to feature a different burger every semester as long as we are here."

For more information contact Shannon P. Mariani at 903.566.7074.

The Patriot Burger Throwdown submission form can be found by going to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BJB7P7L