Congrats to the Sutter Home Build a Better Burger Grand Prize Winner!

Meet Stephen Lukasik from Livonia Michigan, the 2025 Grand Prize Winner of Sutter Home’s 35th anniversary Build a Better Burger contest. By day, Stephen spends his days crunching numbers, and his nights perfecting the ultimate burger. A proud dad to 2 daughters of 2 years and 2 months, respectively, and he’s already schooling them in the art of patty perfection—ketchup smiles mandatory! On weekends, you’ll catch him channeling Motor City spirit cheering for Detroit’s sports teams, hammering away at projects in his family’s new home, or serenading his girls with Disney tunes between diaper changes. A self-proclaimed foodie with a knack for bold flavors, Stephen was fired up to bring his culinary creativity to Sutter Home’s Build a Better Burger competition, and it worked! We asked him about his inspiration for the burger and the wine pairing; plus the best burger he’s ever had! Look below to see what he had to say!

Recipe Link: The Motor City Maple Bacon Crunch Burger

Pairs With: White Zinfandel

1. What inspired your homemade burger recipe? 

My Motor City Maple Bacon Crunch Burger was inspired by Detroit – where I live – a hardworking town known for its hearty comfort foods like deep dish Detroit-style pizza, big coney dogs, and deli sandwiches piled high with meats and cheeses. I wanted my burger to channel those same qualities, so I loaded it up with maple-glazed bacon, sharp cheddar, and plenty of crunch from pickles and crispy fried onions. 

2. What inspired your homemade burger recipe and wine pairing?

I was inspired to create a burger that matches both the comfort and creativity of Detroit’s food scene while also highlighting the refreshing qualities of Sutter Home’s White Zinfandel. The burger’s maple glazed bacon, melted cheddar and bread and butter pickles bring sweet and creamy elements which complement White Zinfandel’s light, fruity notes with a hint of sweetness. The wine’s crisp, clean finish also helps balance the richness of the burger.

3. If you had to choose one or two KEY ingredients that sets your recipe apart from the Build a Better Burger contestants, what would they be?

The two key ingredients that set my burger apart are the maple-glazed applewood smoked bacon and the maple Dijon mayo. These ingredients bring a sweet-savory depth and a unique creamy zing that elevate the traditional burger experience, making it distinctly memorable and perfectly suited for wine pairing.

4. Did you first pair your burger recipe to wine, or the wine to your burger recipe?

 I first developed the burger recipe with the flavors I love, especially the maple-glazed bacon, sharp cheddar and crunchy onions. After finalizing the burger, I searched for a wine to complement those flavors. That’s why I chose Sutter Home White Zinfandel. The wine’s fruitiness and crisp finish enhance the burgers sweet, smoky and tangy notes making each bite and sip perfectly balanced.

5. Can you remember where you had the best burger ever?  If so, does your recipe now beat that memory?

My favorite burgers are from a local spot, Taystee’s Burgers, known for their creative combinations. While their burgers hold a special place in my heart, my recipe takes that nostalgic local feeling and elevates it with more creative layers of flavor – like maple-glazed bacon and maple Dijon mayo – and a thoughtful wine pairing. I believe the Motor City Maple Bacon Crunch Burger, with its added depth of flavors might just be my new all-time favorite.