Chefs Compete In Red Robin Smiling Burger Competition

COLUMBIA, Md.  (WJZ)—Anyone can make a hamburger, but can you make it smile?

Monique Griego was there as chefs from Red Robin restaurants across the East Coast competed to make the best smiling burger.

These burgers may look good, but are they smiling?

"It actually is pretty hard," said Ashley Bergmann, Red Robin. "They work hard every day to make this perfect smiling burger. So, today is their day to shine and to show everyone how great these burgers really look."

Wednesday, 13 chefs from Red Robin restaurants across the East Coast gathered at the Red Robin in Columbia to find out who makes the best smiling burger.

So exactly how do you get a burger to grin? Chef Desiree Selvoski says it's really about the reaction. 

"We want the guest to just say 'wow' when they see that burger, when they see everything on it. It's a beautiful picture when you see it," Selvoski said.

While anyone can make a hamburger, the chefs say making a smiling burger takes a lot of skill.

Every chef received a medal, but only one would take the top spot then after a few tense moments.

Izzy Reyes officially won for turning a regular old patty into the picture of perfection.

"I'm happy right now," Reyes said.

That's where the sombreros come in. Reyes now gets to go to Mexico to compete in the finals. That's news that made him smile. 

The smiling burger finals will be held in Riviera, Mexico. That winner takes home a cash prize.