Martin's Famous Potato Rolls swept the top awards at the 2026 Blue Moon Burger Bash, as both the People's Choice and Judges' Choice winning burgers were built on Martin's Famous Potato Rolls — marking the family-owned bakery's 14th consecutive year as a sponsor of the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival (NYCWFF).
The October 15 event at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York's Seaport district drew the country's top chefs and burger talent, with Rachael Ray and Bert Kreischer co-hosting and a celebrity judging panel that included Anthony Anderson, Sophie Flay, Ana Navarro, Andrew Rea, Cedric the Entertainer, and Jet Tila. The bash was presented by Pat LaFrieda Meats.
The Winning Builds
Nowon took the People's Choice title with its Legendary Cheeseburger — a double-smashed patty with kimchi special sauce, American cheese, pickles, and onions, served on Martin's Big Marty's Roll. The Judges' Choice went to Gotham Burger Social Club for its Gotham Smash: a nostalgic double-smash topped with grilled onions, American cheese, house-made pickles, jalapeños, club sauce, ketchup, and mustard on a Martin's Sandwich Potato Roll. That both award-winning builds independently chose Martin's rolls is a signal worth noting for operators sourcing premium buns for burger programs — the product's soft texture and slight sweetness have become a benchmark for smash-burger applications nationwide.
"Fourteen years of partnering with the Burger Bash is something truly special to our family," said Julie Martin, the company's social media manager and granddaughter of founders Lloyd and Lois Martin. "Year after year, we watch the nation's best chefs choose Martin's rolls as the foundation for their award-winning burgers, and it never gets old."
Broader Festival Presence
Martin's sponsorship extended across the full 18th annual NYCWFF, which ran October 15–17. The Chambersburg, Pa.-based bakery also backed several marquee events on the festival campus, including Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Trade Day at Grand Tasting, Best of the Best presented by Resorts World New York City, and New York After Dark presented by Airbnb. That broad footprint positions the brand not just as a retail staple but as an active player in premium foodservice and hospitality events, where chef endorsement carries direct influence over operator purchasing decisions.
Proceeds from the 2026 festival benefited the Event Zero Foundation, focused on sustainable event practices, and the James Beard Foundation, which supports equity and excellence across the independent restaurant industry. For operators tracking ingredient brands that align with sustainability and culinary values, Martin's festival participation ties the brand to both pillars.
This feature is produced in partnership with Food & Beverage Magazine, covering the latest in food and beverage industry trends.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine's "Top 40 Under 40" for founding American Wholesale Floral, Politz is also the Co-founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which burgers won at the 2026 Blue Moon Burger Bash, and what rolls did they use?
Nowon's Legendary Cheeseburger took People's Choice on Martin's Big Marty's Roll, while Gotham Burger Social Club's Gotham Smash won Judges' Choice on Martin's Sandwich Potato Roll. Both winners independently selected Martin's rolls, signaling to operators that these buns are the benchmark for smash-burger programs.
How long has Martin's Famous Potato Rolls sponsored the NYCWFF Burger Bash?
Martin's has been a Burger Bash sponsor for 14 consecutive years, making this one of the longest-standing partnerships at the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival. The family-owned bakery's consistent presence underscores its position as a category leader in premium burger buns.
Who judged the Burger Bash and where was it held?
The October 15 event took place at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York's Seaport district, with celebrity judges including Anthony Anderson, Sophie Flay, Jet Tila, and Cedric the Entertainer. Rachael Ray and Bert Kreischer co-hosted, and Pat LaFrieda Meats presented the competition.
What makes Martin's Potato Rolls stand out for burger applications?
The rolls deliver a soft texture and slight sweetness that have become the industry standard for smash-burger builds. Both award-winning burgers at this year's bash independently chose Martin's over competing products, validating the product's performance with top-tier chef talent.
Who is running Martin's Famous Potato Rolls now?
Julie Martin, granddaughter of founders Lloyd and Lois Martin, serves as the company's social media manager and represents the family operation. The bakery remains family-owned and continues to expand its presence in high-profile foodservice applications nationwide.
