When Arnie "Chowhound" Chapman saw a news story on ABC-TV about Clinton Station Diner's 7-pound Zeus burger, he sprang into action. As chairman of the Association of Independent Competitive Eaters, Chapman smelled opportunity.

"He called to say that he wanted to try the (3-pound) Atlas burger and drove down from Long Island the same day. He finished it in under an hour and a half," said an incredulous Michael Zambas, owner of the Union Township restaurant. Wiping his mouth with a napkin, Chapman, who is the world chili-eating record holder, proceeded to speak with Zambas about hosting a competition here. "He says, 'I have this idea about a Zeus-eating competition'" Zambas recalled.

Before long the gauntlet was thrown down. On Monday, May 9, at 2 p.m., Clinton Station Diner will host what's billed as America's Biggest Burger-Eating Competition.

Proceeds from the contest will benefit Operation Shoebox, which was created to supply personal items to soldiers stationed in Iraq.

Each team of three eaters will devour a single Zeus (which, when the bun and toppings are added actually weighs in at 12.5 pounds). The first team to finish the sandwich wins. "I see it happening in under 40 minutes," predicted Chapman.

And the association is bringing in some big guns. Already registered is the Tri-State Titans team, which includes Chapman; Gentleman Joe Menchetti, New England's top-ranked competitive eater; and Dominick "The Doginator" Cardo of Pennsylvania, the world beef-tongue eating champ.

The AICE is also forming other teams among its 40 members. "I think I'll get two more teams," said Chapman. And local talent is welcome, too. "If anyone wants to put together a team, just let us know here at the diner," said Zambas. "Or, if you want to compete but don't have a team, we'll help you put one together." Each competitor will pay $20 to enter the contest.

Chapman said that appetite and capacity could take a back seat to tactics. "Each three-man team will have to come up with a strategy," he said. "Should we eat in thirds? Assign one eater to beef, one to toppings and the other to the bread? This is part of the creative thinking that goes into these things." The public is invited to come watch the competition.