March 21, 2023. Louisville, KY. – Burger fans have spoken! More than 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 with Official Seasoning: Dan-O’s Seasoning. This year’s top burger chefs include: Brian Capps of Louisville with The G.O.A.T.; Daniel Dunn of Union, KY with the Bourbon Bacon Jam Burger w/ Spicy Sauce; Ira Mowman of Louisville with the 80/20 Gourmet Lavender Burger; and Melissa Thompson of Brandenburg, KY with Maw’s Chili Slaw Burger.

Dozens of original recipes were submitted for the competition featuring a variety of burgers with unique ingredients, including lavender oil, bourbon, fig spread, brown sugar, maple syrup and more.

The final cook-off is set for Tuesday, March 28 at the Kroger in Middletown (12501 Shelbyville Road), where the 2023 Derby Burger Champion will be named. All burgers are 100 percent beef and the burger recipes are judged 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 receives a 2023 Official Derby Festival Poster, 2 VIP tickets to Thunder Over Louisville and 2 VIP tickets to Republic Bank BourbonVille, as well as a $100 gift certificate to Kroger, a grilling prize package from Kentucky Beef Council and a year’s supply of Dan-O’s Seasoning.