Owensboro Burger Week Excitement Builds With Kim’s Diner’s Heartfelt New Creation

The next Owensboro Burger Week doesn't get underway until March of next year, but one local restaurant is already previewing their 2026 creation. Two-time defending People's Choice Champion- Kim's Diner- invited local food critics and Owensboro Burger Week fans to the restaurant this evening for the big reveal.

Kim Roberson, who owns and operates Kim's Diner, didn't have to look far for the inspiration for her 2026 Owensboro Burger Week family. She simply looked to family. She says, "My father's favorite food was Mexican and he loved trying all different types of the Spanish culture dishes." That certainly served as the initial inspiration for her brand new burger. Kim says, "You know I'm inspired in my life because of my father that passed away."

The second inspiration came from her niece, Layla. Layla was a dishwasher at Kim's Diner until she passed away on March 20th, 2024. Layla was featured in that now legendary security camera video that captured the moment Kim learned that she had won the 2024 Owensboro Burger Week German American Bank People's Choice Award.

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Kim says, "I remember watching over the security clip that afternoon and (seeing) the excitement she had for us when we won."  According to Kim, "Layla was a music girl and loved TikTok. Her voice carried throughout the whole diner singing."

Kim recalls one day in particular, when Layla was listening to "Despacito."

Reportedly, Layla was washing dishes and shaking her hips while she sang.  When Kim noticed, she yelled out, "Okay, Mamacitaaaaaa!!"

The Spanish word 'Mamacita' means "little mother." Kim says that describes Layla perfectly. She loved kids and earned the nickname "Ladybug." To pay tribute to her, Kim's Diner's 2026 Owensboro Burger Week burger will be called "The Mamacita" and will be served with a ladybug toothpick.

As for The Mamacita, check this out!

It's a fresh, hand-patted and seasoned ground beef patty. It's topped with Pepper Jack Cheese and slow-cooked Birria meat from Jordy's Mexican Restaurant (also in Owensboro).

It will also be topped with a Barria shell, seasoned green peppers and onions, and queso cheese dip. The Mamacita will be served on a Brioche bun.

Kim invited some of Owensboro's biggest Burger Week fans to a special sneak preview this afternoon. Among those taste-testing the new creation were Owensboro Foodies, Matt Brown (who, for my money, is the city's premiere Owensboro Burger Week critic), Joel Blankendall (with CRS), Burger Week stans Jason Bellamy and Landon Barrowclough, and more.  The early reviews are in. The Mamacita is a big, meaty and juicy hit.

I sat down with Hanna Bailey, from Doozie Doez Bakery here in town. While I whimped out and used a fork and knife, Hanna decided to eat her Mamacita the traditional way- by picking it up!

She said, "Oh my gosh. It's as big as my face!" Hanna tried really hard to finish the burger, but had to leave about three bites because it was so filling. I loved it too. And my favorite part ot it? THIS!

The Mamacita is served with a side of Barria sauce, which is my single favorite part of the burger. I could drink that stuff!

To stay up-to-date with Owensboro Burger Week, you can visit the event's official website.