In a sun-baked parking lot, a long line of sales reps and contractors snaked from a deep burgundy and black food truck decorated with raised fists holding burgers and spatulas, in the style of revolutionary iconography. Owners of Burger Revolution, Jeff and Rayling Camacho were slinging burgers at a local trade show.
While my partner and I waited to speak with them, Jeff and Rayling graciously invited us inside their truck and served us lunch: perfectly grilled burgers (all-dressed, of course) on pretzel buns with home-cut fries! It was easy to see why Burger
Revolution is consistently named as one of Ontario’s best burgers.
As the last satisfied customer made their way back to the show, I got the chance to speak with Jeff and had to know: why hamburgers? According to Jeff, burgers were always something he had a passion for. Even more so, they’re a food that connects people: “The perfect food that everyone can eat.”
Indeed, when I visited their brick and mortar restaurant later in the day, there were families, young and old, construction workers, and all other walks of life enjoying Burger Revolution’s extensive burger and secret menus.
“Without the community, [Burger Revolution] wouldn’t be what it is today,” Jeff proudly remarked.
This connection to community also inspires Jeff and Rayling’s use of locally-grown products and their partnerships with area farmers and artisans. The beef is from Tweed, the cheese is from Campbellford and the potatoes are from Frankford. Burger Revolution even partners with County Bounty Soda, who makes two exclusive drinks for the restaurant: Chai Honey Soda and Pineapple Vanilla Soda.
“It’s all here [in the Bay of Quinte],” exclaimed Jeff. “All our food comes from right in our backyard.”
When Jeff and Rayling opened Burger Revolution seven years ago, they were busy from day one. “Our opening day was insane,” Jeff notes. “We sold out at seven o’clock … We were trying to play catch-up for a good three months.” With the help of family, friends and the community, Jeff and Rayling made it through those exciting but trying first few months.
Today, they have built a loyal staff who help them share Burger Revolution’s flavour manifesto. So great, in fact, that Jeff and Rayling finally get some time off to spend with their young family. When they can, the family enjoys swimming and cooking together. And in the future, Jeff hopes to also experience the Bay of Quinte’s incredible fishing hotspots with his children.
So, what does the future hold for Jeff, Rayling and Burger Revolution? Excitingly, this coming winter a second location in Quinte West will open. And perhaps in time, more Ontario locations. For now, however, Jeff and Rayling are grateful – for their family, friends, employees, and community.
“We’re super happy with living and working in the Bay of Quinte. This area is amazing.”
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