The Big Tex® Choice Awards judges named four winners for the 22nd annual Fair food competition this week. The winners of the State Fair of Texas concessionaire competition are “Best Taste – Savory”- Burger Chop Tater Tacos by Tom Grace; “Best Taste – Sweet” – Fletcher’s Chocolate Corny Dog by Beck Fletcher; “Best Taste –Sipper” -Tropical Coco Fresca by Fruteria Cano; and Berry Me in Matcha by Stephen El Gidi named “Most Creative.”
Best Taste–Savory: Burger Chop Tater Tacos by Tom Grace. A fresh burger patty is seared to perfection, chopped, and combined with sautéed onions and jalapeños. Topped with mozzarella and American cheese, the mixture is placed atop a bed of cheddar cheese tater tots formed into a taco shell and finished with buffalo buttermilk ranch coleslaw, garlic parmesan buffalo sauce, and more tots, making for the ultimate Burger Chop Tater Tacos.
Best Taste – Sweet: Fletcher’s Chocolate Corny Dog, Beck Fletcher. The Fletcher’s Chocolate Corny Dog consists of smooth milk chocolate fudge hand dipped in Fletcher’s famous Original Corny Dog batter and deep fried until golden perfection. Topped with a drizzle of yellow vanilla icing and served with raspberry compote for a sweet twist on the iconic Corny Dog. One bite and you’ll taste why this sweet treat is top dog.
Best Taste: Sipper-Tropical Coco Fresca, Fruteria Cano
The Tropical Coco Fresca is a layered pineapple-watermelon agua fresca with chamoy lava Tajin® rim, paired with a scoop of icy coconut snow that melts into a creamy tropical explosion of flavors, sure to keep you cool in the Texas heat.
Most Creative: Berry Me in Matcha, Stephen El Gidi. Introducing Berry Me in Matcha — a luxurious flavor experience that fuses creamy cheesecake indulgence with bold Japanese-inspired flair. This rich New York-style cheesecake is hand-dipped in silky Belgian white chocolate, rolled in crushed matcha cookies for a delicate earthy crunch, then drizzled with luscious white chocolate and sweet strawberry jam. Finished with a fresh strawberry slice on top, every bite delivers the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, fruity, and sweet matcha bliss.
Big Tex Choice Awards Judges
Every year, the judges of the Big Tex Choice Awards face the tough yet tasty task of selecting the winning Fair foods. This year’s task was not easy; the field was especially competitive. Despite not taking home one of the titles today, the other delicious 2026 finalists include: Dickel’s Texas Two Step Tacos by Dickel’s Smokehouse, Flamin’ Crunch Pizza by Tom Grace, Golden Crunch Melt by Tony & Terry Bednar; Nacho Wings by Cody & Lauren Hays; Fernie’s Frozen Espresso-tini Bar by Christi Erpillo & Johnna McKee; Holy Flan! Buñueloco by The Garza Family; Texas Pecan Praline Cheesecake Cone by Brad Weiss; Corn Flake Shappé by Milton & Gracie Whitley; Nevins Soft Serve Peach Bellini Float by Tami & Josey Nevins Mayes; Rousso’s Bacon Jam Caramel Apple Hard Cider by Rousso’s Concessions; and Sunset Soft Serve Rita by Dwania Morris.
While I sometimes agree with the judges’ choices (like the Fletcher’s Chocolate Corny Dog, although expect even longer lines at the Fair’s most popular vendor’s booths this year). My favorite in the Sipper category was Nevins scrumptious Soft Serve Peach Bellini Float by Tami and Josey Nevins Mayes. And the Golden Crunch Melt by Tony and Terry Bednar won my vote for Best Taste: Savory. These are items I’ll use my Fair coupons on this year. I’ll also splurge for Fernie’s Frozen Espresso-tini Bar by Christi Erpillo and Johnna McKee. This frozen concoction raises ice cream bars to another dimension.
Since its inception in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. The State Fair of Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with proceeds helping to preserve and improve our home, Fair Park; underwrite museums, community initiatives, and scholarship programs to support students throughout the Lone Star State pursuing higher education; and help improve State Fair operations. The 2026 exposition runs September 25 through October 18 in Fair Park. Visit BigTex.com for more information.
