Wimpie's Country Restaurant — Review by Randy Santel
Soddy-Daisy, United States
Randy Santel and his friend Radim completed Wimpie's Country Restaurant's Double Beast Challenge in under 30 minutes, with Radim finishing in 23 minutes 12 seconds and Randy in 27 minutes 32 seconds, becoming the second and third people to conquer it. Both competitors praised the fresh beef patties, homemade chili, and overall food quality, though Randy noted the hot dog buns could be thicker. Radim won a $300 cash jackpot prize for beating the previous record.
What was great: The beef patties were delicious and medium rare, the homemade chili was excellent with meat and beans, the burgers were phenomenal and well-sauced, the homemade peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream was really good, and the overall food quality was outstanding.
What could improve: The hot dog buns were not thick enough and fell apart under the weight of the chili - Randy suggested they need stronger buns to make the challenge harder.
The Dishes
The Double Beast Challenge at Wimpie's is an impressive feat of competitive eating featuring two Beast Burgers and two Wimpie Dogs, alongside substantial sides. The first burger was the Wimpie Burger, loaded with fresh, never-frozen beef patties (two 6 oz each), vegetables, sauce, and cheese. The second was the Lyndee Burger, styled similarly to a Big Mac but without pickles, also generously sauced. Both competitors found the beef to be the standout element, cooked to medium-rare perfection by owner Pam. The Wimpie Dogs were each made with 8 oz hot dogs covered in two to three ladles of homemade chili, shredded cheese, onions, and mustard. Randy noted the chili was substantial and flavorful, with real meat and beans, though the buns struggled to hold up under the weight. The challenge also included two bowls of coleslaw and 2.5 pounds of fries per competitor. For dessert, they sampled the homemade peach cobbler served warm with vanilla ice cream, which both reviewers loved.
The Experience
The atmosphere was electric, with between 200 and 400 spectators cheering on the competitors. The family-owned restaurant, run by owners David and Pam with family members assisting, created an enthusiastic and supportive environment. The challenge had a 30-minute time limit, and only one previous person, Eli Lessig, had successfully completed it in 27 minutes 57 seconds. The crowd's energy kept both competitors motivated, and the restaurant staff was accommodating and friendly throughout the experience.
Value and Pricing
The challenge cost $50 per person if failed, or free meals plus commemorative t-shirts if completed successfully. The winner of the fastest time received a cash jackpot prize, which turned out to be $300 for Radim. Given the massive quantity of food provided, the value proposition is excellent, making it one of the better competitive eating deals available.
Notable Moments
I wish I had more time to enjoy those burgers. Those were phenomenal, but we just hit 7 and 1/2 minutes in.
Oh yeah, make this harder after we're finished! I don't need thicker buns.
Apparently, this Peach Cobbler is homemade! Let's go ahead and dig in and try a bite, along with the vanilla ice cream.
The Verdict
Wimpie's Country Restaurant delivers an exceptional competitive eating experience with legitimately delicious food. After 45 years in business, they have perfected their recipes, from the fresh, high-quality beef to the flavorful homemade chili and sides. This restaurant is perfect for competitive eaters seeking a challenging experience, food enthusiasts wanting to try quality comfort food in a festive atmosphere, and anyone in the Chattanooga and Soddy-Daisy area looking for an authentic country restaurant experience. The only minor critique is the hot dog bun thickness, which Randy suggested could be improved for future challenges. Overall, both competitors spoke highly of every element of the meal and the restaurant's hospitality.