Burgerpalooza

On Thursday, September 26th

Join us for the legendary revival of Burgerpalooza, formerly brought to you by Phil’s Grill, presently brought to you by Running for Dreams. After 8 years, we’re bringing it back. Featuring celebrity-made burgers, live music, and a taste of the old Phil’s Grill, you’re not gonna want to miss this! Come out on September 26th and help support a great cause. See ya tomorrow, folks!

The Story

Burgerpalooza started out back in Phil’s restaurant days, when he was flipping burgers instead of running marathons! When Phil discovered that May was national burger month, Burgerpalooza was born, and the rest was history.

“When I was building the best burger experience, I knew that Phil-anthropy had to be a main ingredient.”

-Phil de Gruy

You can take the man away from the burger, but you can’t take the burger away from the man…or however that saying goes! Now, with Running for Dreams, we want to pay tribute to the roots of our charitable giving. Burgerpalooza felt like the perfect way to marry the old and the new for a lasting impact.

The Lineup

What made Burgerpalooza so special back in the old days were the local celebrities who joined the cause each year. Fortunately, many of these celebs have returned to the fold this year to help us make a difference. Meet this year’s celebrities and check out their creations:

Lauren Haydel
Fleurty Girl

“I have known Phil since being a customer of Phil’s Grill and then working with him on Burgerpalooza. He’s always a bright light and full of energy and someone I enjoy being around.” Lauren created Fleurty Girl around the same time Phil’s Grill came into the picture, and her brand quickly became one of the most beloved brands in New Orleans.

Like Phil, Lauren is big on philanthropy. She has chosen Bridge House + Grace House as Fleurty Girl’s cause to support, because she wants to do everything she can to support those in recovery.

The Fleurty Leaf Burger

• Angus Burger
• Iceberg Lettuce Bun
• Horseradish Honey Mustard
• Pickles
• Tomato

Bruce Katz
WVUE Fox 8

No evacuation necessary – this is one storm you’re gonna want to chase! Bruce Katz of FOX 8 returns with his legendary KATZ-egory 5 burger on September 26th. Visit our website now to get your tickets!

The Katz-egory 5 Burger

• Turkey Burger
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Cheddar Cheese
• Onion Bun

Kat Vance
iHeart Media

You may remember Kat from being the rock queen of New Orleans on your radio! Recently retired from the airwaves after 23 years on air in the Big Easy, she’s honored to be a part of the re-imagined Burgerpalooza ’24!

She marketed and promoted the very first one. And has been supportive of them ever since. After going to Phils’ Grill in Metairie many years ago and ordering TWO cheeseburgers for just herself, and she ate both of them too, she and Phil have been friends ever since. Phil has always been supportive of Kat and everything she’s done. And vice-versa!
“Phils support to myself and all he’s done for cancer patients, survivors and their families is so special and appreciated! He is by far an angel on earth! Let’s make Burgerpalooza huuuuuge this year!! I’m beyond honored to participate again. My burger may not be pretty but it’s got culture, it’s yummy and it’s full of chutzpah! Eat up y’all! For a great cause!”

The Greek Goddess Burger

• Lamb Burger
• Tzatziki Sauce
• Spinach
• Feta & Goat Cheese Blend
• Onion Bun

Stephen Occhipinti
Phil’s Grill #1 Fan

“Picture it. Metairie. 2007. A young man walks the streets seeking a friendly face and a tasty meal. Finally, he happens into Phil’s Grill where he finds both.  

The young man is satisfied by all the choices and finds inspiration in building his own burger. For 10 glorious years, friends were made and burgers were built. That young man was me and that friendly face was Phil DeGruy.

I have been a burger fiend all my life and Phil was there to support my hunger week in and week out. Building relationships with the staff created a PHamily atmosphere that I’ll never soon forget. It’s time to return the support to Phil in all of his charitable endeavors with Running For Dreams.  

The Donut Tempt Me Burger

• Angus Burger
• Sweet Chili Glaze
• Bacon
• Cheddar
• Baker’s Dozen Glaze Donut Bun

Molly Kimball
Eat Fit NOLA

Molly is a registered dietitian with a passion to make it easy for people to live their strongest,
healthiest lives. Board Certified as a Specialist in Sports Dietetics by the Academy of Nutrition
and Dietetics, she is the Director of Nutrition at Ochsner Fitness Center. Molly is also the founder of Eat Fit, a nonprofit initiative of Ochsner Health. Molly and her team of dietitians work with restaurants, markets, schools and 

corner stores to develop & identify nutritious items on the menu. The Eat Fit team of dietitians works with nearly 600 restaurant partners in six regions across Louisiana with the mission of providing easy-to-access real-world education, inspiration and resources on wellness and nutrition.
“Phil’s Grill was one of our first Eat Fit partners, and certainly our first burger bar. But that’s not the reason I love Phil. His humor, also his kindness and generosity to anyone lucky enough to be in his sphere, are really what strikes me most.”

The Guilt-Free Graze

• Bison Burger
• A-1 Sauce
• Pesto Sauce
• Spinach
• Whole Wheat Bun