Wilson Barbecue appears to have broken a world record by selling 6,336 burgers in one day at its Johnsonville restaurant on the final day of Wellington on a Plate.
The Wilson BBQ team sold (and made) an average of seven burgers per minute over the course of 15 hours, beating the previous record for most burgers sold in a single day, set by American YouTuber MrBeast in 2022.
The event supported Porirua charity WELLfed, with 10 per cent of sales donated to their adult education programs teaching kai, cooking and life skills.
The total amount donated to WELLfed was $10,946.31, which includes 10 percent of sales and an additional donation from Wilson Barbecue’s supplier, who donated the ingredients. This money will feed 4,360 people.
“WELLfed is incredibly grateful to everyone involved in achieving this world record, and the funds raised will be used by WELLfed to support and equip local people with the knowledge they need to learn how to cook and grow affordable, nutritious kai for their families.”
“This generous support will greatly aid our mission of nourishing our community through food and connection. This unexpected funding comes at a time of increased need,” Kim said.
Wilson Barbecue co-owner Blair Wilson said the support from the Wellington community was a highlight. “People really came together to get behind the world record attempt.”
Pay It Forward Burger
People can buy a $10 cheeseburger for themselves or buy a Pay It Forward burger to give to someone else.
“Setting a world record is pretty amazing, but working with our team, the WELLfed team and the Wellington community to raise such an incredible amount of money was even more amazing. Seeing the Pay It Forward burgers arrive one by one kept us going all day and even had a few people in tears of gratitude,” said Casey, co-owner of Wilson BBQ.
Visa Wellington on a Plate manager Beth Brush said World Records had really added to the Wellington on a Plate festival.
“We were so touched by the enthusiasm and hard work from Casey, Blair and the whole team at Wilson BBQ. It was incredible to see so many people come out to support us, despite the worst weather we’ve had so far this winter – it just goes to show how much Wellingtonians love a good burger!”
“We are thrilled that the incredible team at WELLfed will also be a beneficiary, and the impact of this donation will benefit our community for years to come,” says Beth.
