2026 Build a Better Burger Judges
What a year 2026 has been! It’s hard to believe that we are winding down another year of our Sutter Home Build a Better Burger® Recipe Contest. It’s such a privilege to be surrounded by an incredible panel of judges representing the culinary, wine, and media worlds.
This year’s judges really have their work cut out for them! Let’s meet the people who will help pick our 2026 Build a Better Burger ® winner!
First up, we have Katie Hamilton Shaffer!
Katie Hamilton Shaffer
Katie Hamilton Shaffer moved to Napa Valley to pursue a career in hospitality after hanging up her cleats from a soccer career. In 2011, she launched Feast it Forward, a media and experiential platform connecting audiences with acclaimed chefs, tastemakers, musicians, and athletes. After producing original content nationwide through Feast Network, Katie opened The Studio by Feast it Forward in downtown Napa in 2018 — a dynamic film studio and experiential event space.
In 2026, Katie launched Rotation by Feast it Forward at Oxbow Public Market, a full-service restaurant and Napa Valley’s first Global Chef Residency, featuring acclaimed chefs from around the world in month-long residencies.
This fall, Katie will launch a new experiential event and ticketing platform connecting consumers with restaurants, events, entertainment, and destination experiences. Her work continues to sit at the intersection of food, wine, hospitality, entertainment, and technology.
Next, we have Chef Hubert Keller
Hubert Keller
Renowned for his unmistakable talent and creativity, Chef Hubert Keller is among the most celebrated and influential chefs in America today. Trained under the tutelage of legendary French masters such as Paul Haeberlin, Gaston Lenôtre, Paul Bocuse, Jacques Maximin, and Roger Vergé, Keller combines classical technique with inspired innovation.
He made his mark in the world of gastronomy with the acclaimed Fleur de Lys in San Francisco, expanded his culinary empire with Fleur by Hubert Keller, and delighted food lovers with the ever-popular Burger Bar in Las Vegas. Chef Keller’s exceptional skills have earned him many prestigious accolades, including the James Beard Foundation’s “Best Chef: California” award, a place in the Who’s Who in Food and Beverage, and recognition as one of America’s Ten Best Chefs by Food & Wine Magazine. He is also a recipient of the esteemed Ivy Award from Restaurant & Institutions.
A trusted chef to several United States Presidents, Keller was notably the first guest chef invited to cook at the White House by President Bill Clinton. His charismatic presence has graced television screens on programs like Top Chef, Top Chef Masters, Top Chef Just Desserts, The Chew, Regis & Kelly, Rachael Ray, The Travel Channel, Food Network, The Real Housewives of Orange County, Good Morning America, Hell’s Kitchen with Gordon Ramsay, and Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern.
In addition to his many guest appearances, Chef Keller hosts his own PBS cooking series, Secrets of a Chef, which has run for six successful seasons and featured culinary adventures in cities across the globe, including Rio de Janeiro, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and his native France.
A passionate advocate for sharing his love of food, Chef Keller is the author of three cookbooks: The Cuisine of Hubert Keller, Burger Bar: Build Your Own Burgers, and his most recent, Hubert Keller’s Souvenirs. Beyond the kitchen, he is widely admired for his generosity and his steadfast support of educational, philanthropic, and community initiatives nationwide.
Questions for Hubert Keller
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What “WOW” factor do you look for when determining which recipe should win the grand prize in the Sutter Home Build a Better Burger Recipe Contest?
For me, the WOW factor starts with creativity: the choice of protein, originality of execution, quality of each ingredient, and how the flavors develop when combined. The bread and seasonings also play an important role.
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Are you the type of burger-loving judge who believes burgers should only be made with 100% meat?
Not at all. Beef is my first choice, but the creative possibilities are endless, and the results can be very satisfying.
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Can you remember where you had the best burger ever? If so, do these recipes beat that memory?
Honestly, my best burger was at the original Burger Bar in Las Vegas: Hubert Keller’s signature burger, featuring a buffalo patty, caramelized onions, wilted baby spinach, blue cheese, a toasted ciabatta bun, and an intense red wine–shallot sauce.
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Is a bigger burger a better burger? Does size matter?
Personally, I think a bigger burger can be better. It tends to be juicier and develops better caramelization and more flavor—especially if you let it rest before eating, just like a nice ribeye.
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What in your life experience has best prepared you for becoming a Build a Better Burger judge?
I spent nearly two decades in the gourmet burger business and am also known for the famous FleurBurger 5000.
Meet “Sam Your No Snob Somm™”
Samantha Capaldi
Samantha Capaldi is a certified sommelier, wine educator, and entrepreneur on a mission to make wine more approachable, inclusive, and fun. As the founder of Samantha Sommelier and the Sam Somm Wine Club, she has built a loyal following through engaging, no-intimidation wine education. She holds a Level 2 certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers and trained at the International Culinary Center of California. Her work spans private tastings, brand partnerships, and digital content that highlights boutique producers and modern wine culture. Known for her “no snob” philosophy, Samantha brings an energetic, relatable voice to wine—helping a new generation of drinkers explore and enjoy wine with confidence.
Samantha’s voice and expertise have been featured across major platforms, including Forbes, Good Morning America, E! News, and O, The Oprah Magazine.
Questions for Samantha Capaldi
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What “WOW” factor do you look for when determining which recipe should be the grand prize winner of the Sutter Home Build a Better Burger Recipe Contest?
Obviously, overall taste/texture, and if there is a unique addition to the burger that I have never seen or had before!
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Are you the type of burger-loving judge who believes burgers should only be made with 100% meat?
Absolutely not! I think if you can make a delicious burger without meat, then why not?!? It makes it more inclusive for non-meat eaters, too!!
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Can you remember where you had the best burger ever? If so, do these recipes beat that memory?
The best burger I’ve ever had was at Red Headed Stranger in Nashville. I am SO excited to see how these recipes at BBB compare to that delicious burger.
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Is a bigger burger a better burger? Does size matter?
Nope, not to me!
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What in your life experience has best prepared you for this moment of becoming a Build a Better Burger Judge?
Ten-plus years of experience in the food and beverage industry being a Certified Sommelier, plus all my travels and creating over 500 of my own successful wine and snack pairings my community has enjoyed across the globe. I have eaten a lot of burgers and paired a LOT of wines!
Next, we have Chef Jennifer Maune.
Jennifer Maune
Jennifer Maune is a chef, lifestyle entrepreneur, and nationally recognized finalist on Season 13 of MasterChef. Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, she is known for blending refined culinary technique with approachable, family-centered entertaining and home design. Jennifer holds formal training in both Culinary Arts and Pastry Arts and has completed advanced culinary studies in Paris, bringing a classical foundation to her modern, Southern-inspired style. Following her rise to national prominence on MasterChef, Jennifer has expanded her platform into a multifaceted lifestyle brand spanning recipe development, entertaining, home design, and product innovation, including her Heritage Seasonings. This fall, she will debut her flagship French-American restaurant, Restaurant Fleur, further establishing her as an emerging force in the culinary and hospitality space. A mother of six, Jennifer’s work is rooted in the belief that beautiful food and thoughtful design elevate everyday moments and bring people together in meaningful ways.
Questions for the Jennifer Maune
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What “WOW” factor do you look for when determining which recipe should be the grand prize winner of the Sutter Home Build a Better Burger Recipe Contest?
For me, the “WOW” factor is when a burger surprises you in the best possible way. I’m looking for creativity, but creativity that still makes sense to create a balanced bite. The flavors should work together, the textures should have contrast, and every component should have a purpose. I want that first bite to make me stop and think, “Wow, I love the combination of flavors and textures together.” Ultimately, the winning burger needs to be delicious, memorable, and something I would genuinely want to eat again.
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Are you the type of burger loving judge who believes burgers should only be made with 100% meat?
Not at all! I love a classic burger, but one of the things that makes a burger contest so much fun is seeing how creative people can be with the concept. A great burger is about much more than the protein. The bun, sauces, cheeses, vegetables, seasonings, toppings, and even unexpected ingredients can completely transform the experience. I’m always open to a creative interpretation, as long as the burger still feels cohesive and, most importantly, tastes delicious.
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Can you remember where you had the best burger ever? If so, do these recipes beat that memory?
I’ve had so many memorable burgers that it’s difficult to name just one! Some of the best burgers are tied to a place, a person, or a particular moment, and those memories are part of what makes food so special. What excites me about judging this competition is that these recipes have the opportunity to create that same kind of memory.
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Is a bigger burger a better burger? Does size matter?
I’m a chef, so I feel balance matters more than size. A giant burger can certainly be impressive, and can also lend to juicier end product, but bigger doesn’t automatically mean better. I want to be able to get a good bite that includes the right balance of protein, bun, toppings, sauce, and texture. Sometimes the most memorable burger is the one that’s thoughtfully composed rather than the one that’s simply the biggest. For me, it’s all about proportion and flavor.
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What in your life experience has best prepared you for this moment of becoming a Build a Better Burger Judge?
I am both a certified Pastry Chef and Culinary Chef, so I have appreciation for technique and flavor combinations for the protein, sauces, toppings and for the bun. I’ve had the opportunity to train in some incredible kitchens, including Le Cordon Bleu Paris and École Ducasse, and to learn from chefs and culinary teams who taught me to pay attention to every detail, from technique and flavor to texture and presentation. I’ve also cooked competitively, including competing on MasterChef, where I learned how important it is to trust your instincts and perform under pressure. At the end of the day, food is about bringing people together. And I can’t think of a more fun food to celebrate than a great burger.
Welcoming back Stephen Lukasik, the 2025 Build a Better Burger winner!
Stephen Lukasik
Stephen Lukasik is a Detroit-area Financial Analyst, devoted husband and father, and self-proclaimed foodie who believes great food is all about bold flavors, creativity, and bringing people together. As the 2025 Grand Prize Winner of Sutter Home’s Build a Better Burger® Contest, Stephen impressed judges with his Motor City Maple Bacon Crunch Burger, a recipe inspired by Detroit’s rich food culture and his love for putting inventive twists on classic comfort foods.
When he’s not crunching numbers by day, Stephen can be found exploring local restaurants, testing new recipes in the kitchen, and discovering food and wine pairings that elevate the everyday meal. A proud dad to two young daughters, he’s already introducing them to the world of burgers and backyard cookouts, with ketchup smiles always encouraged. On weekends, you’ll find him cheering on Detroit’s sports teams, tackling projects around his family’s new home, or singing Disney favorites with his girls.
Now returning to Build a Better Burger as a judge, Stephen brings a unique perspective as someone who has experienced the competition firsthand. With an adventurous palate, a passion for innovation, and an appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every great recipe, he’s excited to help discover the next burger that captures both creativity and crowd-pleasing flavor.
Finally, meet Liam Mayclem!
Liam Mayclem
Liam Mayclem is one of California’s most sought-after auctioneers and MC’s, steering the fundraising for some 50 plus nonprofits at home in the Bay Area & beyond.
With charm and wit Liam hosts the following annual events;
– BottleRock Napa Culinary stage
– Napa Truffle Festival
– S.F. Chefs
– Stern Grove Music Festival
– And Sutter Home Build A Better Burger 🍔 Contest
The Irish-Brit is also an Emmy Award winning radio & TV personality best known as the host of “Secret Trips” on Travel Channel, Eye on the Bay on CBS – Bay Area (2005 – 2016) and “Foodie Chap” on KCBS Radio since 2012 – present.
Liam’s top priority is fundraising and helping nonprofits exceed their fundraising goals and inspiring people to GIVE with JOY!
