March 8, 2024. Louisville, KY. – Burger fans have spoken! Nearly 20,000 beef lovers voted online to help pick the top 4 finalists for this year’s Derby Burger Challenge sponsored by the Kentucky Beef Council along with Official Seasoning, Dan-O’s Seasoning, and Kroger. This year’s top burger chefs include: Returning champ Brian Capps of Louisville with the Pesto Provolone Burger; Stacy Hoehle of LaGrange, Ky., with the Derby P.L.T. Burger; Ira Mowman of Louisville with the Jamaican Jerk Burger; and Grant Ruble of Louisville with the Candy Dan.

Dozens of original recipes were submitted for the competition featuring a variety of burgers with unique ingredients, including fried green tomatoes, Malibu Rum, pesto, pimento cheese, guacamole and more.

The final cook-off is set for Tuesday, March 12 at the Kroger in Middletown (12501 Shelbyville Road), where the 2024 Derby Burger Champion will be named. All burgers must be 100 percent Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef and include Dan-O’s Seasoning in the recipe. Burger recipes are judged based on Taste, Appearance, Creativity and Ease of Preparation. Official rules of the competition can be found online at www.kdf.org/beef.

The winning burger will be featured at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront during Derby Festival, as well as inside Kroger stores. The winning chef also receives a 2024 Official Derby Festival Poster, two VIP tickets to the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Thunder VIP Rooftop Party, two VIP tickets to Republic Bank BourbonVille, a $100 gift certificate to Kroger, a grilling prize package courtesy of the Kentucky Beef Council, and a year’s supply of Dan-O’s Seasoning.