From biofuels to burgers: What drives POET’s Downtown Burger Battle sponsorship

Feb. 10, 2026

This piece is sponsored by POET.

January in Sioux Falls means one thing: burgers — lots and lots of burgers.

The Downtown Burger Battle has become a sizzling tradition, challenging local chefs to dream up their most creative and mouthwatering burger creations for a monthlong competition organized by Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. And for the second year, POET stepped up as the primary sponsor to make the 13th annual Burger Battle bigger, beefier and better than ever.

At the center of all that excitement is this year’s champion. Swamp Daddy’s Cajun Kitchen claimed the 2026 Burger Battle with its standout creation, the Bayou Stack Burger, a burger that captured the hearts and appetites of voters across the city.

“The Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle has grown into an incredible tradition, proving that January doesn’t have to be a slow month for the restaurant industry,” said Brandon Hanson, CEO of DTSF Inc.

“For many, January is now their strongest month of the year, fostering not just financial success but also a sense of community pride. This event brings people together, one bite at a time, and strengthens the bonds between residents, restaurateurs and visitors.”

With 50 restaurants vying for burger glory, this year’s battle promised to be a feast for foodies and an economic boon for the city. During this year’s battle, more than 95,750 burgers were sold, raking in an impressive $1.75 million in burger sales and contributing an estimated economic impact of almost $3.7 million to Sioux Falls.

“The Burger Battle showcases the incredible creativity of our local chefs and the vibrant spirit of our community,” Hanson said. “This event brings people together to celebrate the unique dining experiences that make downtown the best place to live, work and play. With the generous support of POET, the Burger Battle not only highlights the culinary talent of our restaurants but also reinforces the strong connections that define our downtown culture.”

The Downtown Burger Battle isn’t just about bragging rights — it’s about community. From families piling into booths to try the latest creations to local chefs pushing their culinary boundaries, the event has become a way to bring Sioux Falls together during the chilliest month of the year. And with record-breaking burger sales this year, the competition was hotter than ever.

“POET was very excited to sponsor the 13th annual Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle,” said Erin Branick, POET media manager.

“While many know us as a global leader in biofuels, we also produce 14 billion pounds of animal feed ingredients each year, making this event a natural fit for POET. We’re proud to supply livestock farmers in South Dakota — and all over the world — with high-quality, homegrown protein to produce the beef that ends up on our tables.”

While the Burger Battle is a tasty treat for the community, it also underscores the essential role agriculture plays in our daily lives, she added.

The beef on those burgers didn’t just appear out of nowhere — it’s the result of hard work by livestock farmers, many of whom benefit from POET’s animal feed ingredients.

With POET as a proud sponsor, the Downtown Burger Battle is more than just a competition — it’s a celebration of food, community and the agricultural roots that bring it all together.

“At POET, we’re proud to call Sioux Falls home, and our involvement in events like the Burger Battle allows us to invest in our community, support local businesses and be a part of a growing tradition that brings family, friends and neighbors together over great food,” Branick said.

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