Why are we the Cheeseburger Capital of Texas?
Friona is centrally located in the middle of beef, wheat and dairy country. Cheeseburgers showcase all three of these industries. In 2006, the first Cheeseburger Festival and Cookoff was held, with Texas State Representative Warren Chisum in attendance. Chisum encouraged the attendees to write letters asking the state to designate Friona as the Cheeseburger Capital of Texas. More than 300 letters were written, and in June 2007, Governor Rick Perry made it official. The festival is held the third Saturday in July in the Friona City Park.
cattle and Dairy industries
Friona is located in Parmer County, in the panhandle of Texas, with more than 40 cattle feeding operations within a 50 mile radius. We rank first in the state for milk production, with 16 dairies in our immediate area. We have two cheese plants within 100 miles. Both facilities have a combined production of approximate one million pounds of cheese daily.
The competition is open to local and visiting cheeseburger enthusiasts. Both professional and amateur chefs are welcome! All contestants complete a short course in food safety the morning of the contest. Each team is responsible for preparing 200 1/3 pound burgers. Proceeds benefit local organizations. Cash prizes are awarded to first and second place cheeseburger and people's choice.
Farming is a cornerstone of the local economy. There are 3 grain elevators and one cotton gin in close proximity. Major products grown include wheat, grain sorghum, corn and cotton.