Z-Burger hosted its seventh annual Independence Burger Eating Championship on Friday in Tenleytown where more than a dozen local and national competitive eaters participated.
Defending her title, Molly Schuyler, 36, scarfed down 28 burgers in 12 minutes, averaging one burger every 26 seconds. She was awarded with an oversized check for $1,500, and a trophy to by displayed at the front of Z-Burger.
The competition attracts professional eaters as well as local contestants to chomp quarter-pound patties and buns. Peter Tabibian, the found of Z-Burger, said there are usually seven or eight professional eaters that come from across the country, and around six locals.
Along with the contestants, crowds gathered in front of the sidewalk where the eaters competed, watching intensely as they soaked their burgers with water to soften the bun to make it easier to consume. Simultaneously, television reporters from local channels, as well as international stations, covered the event.
Ranked as the top “Food Warrior” by All Pro Eating, Schuyler, of Sacramento, has been eating professionally for three years. She explained her career snowballed from a challenge that she couldn’t eat a sandwich in a certain amount of time. After having seen her ability to do so, she quit her job at Applebee’s, and has since been traveling as a competitive eater.
During her professional season from late Spring through the Fall, Schuyler typically eats competitively once a week. While on her off-season, only once a month. She stands 5’7″ and weights 120 pounds. She credits her fitness to looking after her four kids.
She was asked what her biggest challenge is when eating and explained the daunting danger of choking while eating at such a fast rate.
“Probably not to choke- though you can control your body more than amateur eaters can,” Schuyler said.
According to Tabibian, the company took preventative measures to ensure the safety of all the eaters participating. Along with signing a waiver that Z-Burger is not liable for injuries, Tabibian said the company provides medical assistance in case it is needed.
“A lot of gross stuff happens out there, my biggest fear is someone choking, but we have EMS here,” Tabibian said.
Tabibian, originally from Iran, began his career working for Burger King. Though after accumulating enough experience, he felt confident with beginning his own burger joint. After opening his first front in 2000, he spread his chain to three restaurants throughout D.C.
He began the competition in 2009, and said that although the event is not particularly “appetizing to watch”, it is good for his brand name. Reflecting on his accomplishments of expanding the company that began small, he’s ambitious on his vision for Z-Burger’s success.
“I want to grow this company and make it a big chain someday,” Tabibian said. “But you have to go slow because I want to satisfy everyone that walks through our doors.”
Kenny Fried, 57, works with Z-Burger’s Public Relations and has known Tabibian for most of his career at Z-Burger. The large man in his bright yellow Z-Burger t-shirt, didn’t stop smiling once while he explained his enjoyment of the event.
“I love talking to people who come from all over the country, they’re all so nice. Gentleman Joe is the nicest guy in the world,” Fried said about one contestant who comes every year as a professional eater.