COLUMBUS, OHIO — Family owned and operated White Castle has announced Sonoma, Calif.-based Chef Yoshiharu Sogi as the winner of its “2023 Slider Showdown” recipe contest. His winning creation, the French Sliders Brunch, impressed the judges with its array of flavors, presentation and unassuming ingredient list. As the winner, Yoshiharu will receive free White Castle Sliders for a year, White Castle swag and a trip to Columbus, Ohio, to visit White Castle’s home office and test kitchen.

“We are so excited to introduce Yoshiharu’s winning recipe and share it with our fans nationwide,” said Lynn Blashford, chief marketing officer at White Castle. “His creation is a true testament to the culinary creativity and passion that exists among our loyal customers.”

Yoshiharu and his wife, who encouraged him to enter the contest, own a catering business and regularly take store-bought White Castle sliders to potlucks, adding his own personal touch to any dish he creates. As a certified wine specialist, Yoshiharu recommends a sparkling, extra dry wine or a sparkling wine cocktail like a mimosa to accompany the dish.

“The basic structure of White Castle sliders is simple, so there is a lot of room to add your own creations,” Yoshiharu said. “Slider buns have great flavor and texture. They are soft and light with a buttery note, which is delicious. The grilled onions on the meat also make a great accent.”

White Castle launched the Slider Showdown in July, and participants had to create a recipe using at least six White Castle beef Sliders — purchased from a restaurant or a retail grocery, club or convenience store. The contestants then had to post a video and/or photo of the recipe on Instagram or TikTok. The panel of judges included White Castle chief executive officer and fourth-generation family leader Lisa Ingram, members of White Castle’s leadership team, and TV personality Adam Richman, who is also a member of the White Castle Cravers Hall of Fame. Criteria for judging consisted of taste, presentation, appeal, originality and video quality.

“Yoshiharu’s triumph is a testament to his culinary prowess and his ability to see beyond the ordinary,” Blashford said. “He has transformed our iconic slider into a dish that is both familiar and refreshingly innovative and proven that even the smallest of burgers can hold the key to culinary greatness.”