Kolache Factory has announced the winners of its seventh annual Create a Kolache Contest, an event that continues to draw thousands of inventive entries from across the country. This year’s top honor went to the Birria Kolache, created by Erin Hargett of Easley, South Carolina. Her winning entry combines slow-braised birria beef with onions, cilantro, lime, and rich consomé, delivering a bold and flavorful take on the classic pastry.
As part of her prize, Hargett will enjoy free kolaches for a year, and her recipe will be featured nationally as the Kolache of the Month. The contest has become a signature tradition for the brand, with customers eagerly participating each summer to see their creations come to life on the menu.
Second place was awarded to Mahmood Akhtar of Texas, who impressed voters with his Texas Chicken Tikka Masala Kolache. The entry incorporated chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, simmered in a sauce of ginger, garlic, onions, and tomatoes, topped with fresh cilantro. Third place went to Hannah Wells of Frisco, Texas, who brought a sweet twist to the competition with her Biscoff Cheesecake Kolache, pairing cream cheese filling with buttery cookie crumbles.
Hermann Gruebler, Master Baker and Director of Operations at Kolache Factory, praised the creativity on display. “This contest is one of our favorite traditions because it taps into the passion and imagination of our customers. Each year, we are amazed by the bold new flavors they dream up, and it’s a great way to strengthen the bond between our stores and the communities we serve.”
The contest unfolded in stages, beginning with submissions in July and culminating with national voting in August. Winners were announced in early September, allowing the brand to capture both summer excitement and back-to-school momentum. The format not only keeps customers engaged but also generates strong social media buzz that benefits franchisees.
With more than 60 locations nationwide, Kolache Factory continues to position itself as a brand that values both tradition and innovation. The Create a Kolache Contest has become more than just a marketing event; it is a demonstration of how franchise concepts can use customer creativity to fuel brand growth and build lasting loyalty.
