---
title: "Kolache Factory Announces Top Five Finalists in Annual “Create a Kolache Contest”"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/e825c342-4662-4b0e-9ec1-f17c5557b3fc
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20260814_kolache_factory_announces_top_five_finalists_in_annual_create_a_kolache_con.html
category: "Restaurants"
industry: "Restaurants"
published: 2026-08-14T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T22:32:23.465Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1561758033-d89a9ad46330?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Kolache Factory Announces Top Five Finalists in Annual “Create a Kolache Contest”

**TL;DR:** Kolache Factory has announced the top five finalists in its annual Create a Kolache Contest, and the public can vote for their favorite until August 24. The winning recipe will be considered as a future Flavor of the Month and the creator will receive a free kolache and drink for a year.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2026-08-14. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20260814_kolache_factory_announces_top_five_finalists_in_annual_create_a_kolache_con.html).*

## Story

KATY, Texas – The finalists are in! After reviewing hundreds of creative submissions from kolache lovers across the country, Kolache Factory, a bakery-café, has narrowed its annual Create a Kolache Contest to the finalists in the ranking. Now, the public is invited to help choose the winner.

Through August 24 fans can cast their vote for their favorite original kolache creation.

The winning recipe will be evaluated for consideration as a future Flavor of the Month; the creator will receive a free kolache and drink for a year.

Prizes include:

- **Top prize** – Free kolache + drink for a year + flavor featured on menu

- **Runner-up prize** – Free kolache + drink every day for 6 months

- **Additional prize** – Free kolache + drink every day for 3 months

"Every year we're amazed by the creativity and passion our customers bring to this contest," said Hermann Gruebler, Master Baker at Kolache Factory. "The submissions continue to push the boundaries of flavor, from comforting classics to bold culinary mashups. Choosing just five finalists is never easy, and we're excited to let our guests decide which creation will become our next featured kolache."

**The finalists in the ranking are:**

Hot Honey Chicken Finalist: Deedra Scherm – Richardson, Texas Ingredients: Chicken, hot honey and pepper jack cheese

Peach Cobbler Cream Cheese Finalist: Alia Mitzer – Houston, Texas Ingredients: Fresh peach filling, cinnamon, brown sugar crumble, cream cheese and vanilla glaze

Mexican Street Corn Finalist: Judith Cleaver- Virginia Beach, Virginia Ingredients: Roasted corn, cotija cheese, Mexican crema, lime, mayonnaise, red bell pepper

Chicken Bacon Ranch Finalist: Kelley Doll – League City, Texas Ingredients: Ranch-seasoned chicken breast, bacon and cheddar cheese

Key Lime Pie Finalist: James Stockberger – Brentwood, Missouri Ingredients: Key lime custard, graham cracker crumble, whipped cream

The winning recipe will be determined by public vote and announced on August 27, 2026.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- QSR (sector)
- menu innovation (topic)
- customer engagement (topic)
- The Kolache Factory (company)
- contest (topic)
- flavor of the month (topic)
- Hermann Gruebler (person)
- Deedra Scherm (person)
- Alia Mitzer (person)
- Judith Cleaver (person)
- Kelley Doll (person)

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Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20260814_kolache_factory_announces_top_five_finalists_in_annual_create_a_kolache_con.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/e825c342-4662-4b0e-9ec1-f17c5557b3fc).