07/06/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Don't Be Crusty... Innovation Deserves a Place at the Tart Table
CHATHAM, ON – Sometimes the sweetest stories come with a little extra filling.
Following another tremendously successful Tart & Soul Butter Tart Festival, one award has generated more conversation than anyone expected. While passionate opinions are part of any food competition, festival organizers are encouraging butter tart lovers to focus on what truly matters—great baking, creativity, and celebrating one another.
This year's Best Specialty / Unique Butter Tart was awarded to ZuleEats of Windsor for an imaginative Butter Tart Hand Pie—a creation that impressed judges during a completely blind tasting competition.
The result has sparked spirited discussion, but festival founder Doug Robbins says that's exactly what the Specialty / Unique category was designed to do.
"The Specialty / Unique category exists to celebrate imagination. A butter tart doesn't stop being a butter tart because someone discovers a fresh way to enjoy it. Wrapping that buttery goodness inside a flaky hand pie extends the portability and enjoyment while staying true to everything we love about Canada's favourite dessert."
Unlike the traditional butter tart category, the Specialty / Unique division encourages bakers to think outside the tart tin while remaining true to the spirit of the butter tart. Throughout Ontario, competitions regularly showcase creative interpretations featuring unique flavours, ingredients and presentations, all while celebrating this iconic Canadian treat.
At Tart & Soul, every judged entry is evaluated through a completely blind tasting. Judges receive only numbered samples and score each entry using established criteria, including flavour, pastry, texture, originality, presentation, and overall enjoyment.
"I oversee the process to ensure it's fair, but I never influence the judges," Robbins said. "These volunteers donate their time because they care about great food. They take their responsibility seriously, and I stand behind every one of them. Whether a tart wins by one point or ten, their decisions are final and deserve to be respected."
Robbins acknowledged that emotions naturally run high when talented bakers compete.
"Everyone enters hoping to hear their name called. That's understandable. But the true spirit of Tart & Soul is celebrating one another, supporting fellow bakers, and inspiring creativity. Good competition should leave us hungry to bake even better next time—not hungry for conflict."
For Robbins, the conversation has also become an opportunity to shine a spotlight on an exceptional local business.
ZuleEats has become a respected part of Windsor's culinary community by sharing authentic Ghanaian cuisine alongside handcrafted pastries, savoury pies, and butter tarts. The family-owned business has built its reputation on quality, creativity, and introducing customers to new flavours while honouring tradition.
Now Robbins has a challenge for butter tart lovers.
"If you're anywhere near Windsor, I encourage you to visit ZuleEats and try the award-winning Butter Tart Hand Pie for yourself. Don't let social media decide your opinion—let your taste buds be the judge. Windsor is fortunate to have such a talented and innovative baker representing its food community."
The 2026 Tart & Soul Butter Tart Festival welcomed thousands of guests, featured 15 outstanding Tartisans from across Ontario, and celebrated Canada's most iconic dessert with music, community, and plenty of buttery goodness.
As planning begins for future festivals, Robbins hopes one thing rises above the debate.
"Butter tarts have always sparked friendly conversations—raisins or no raisins, pecans or plain. That's part of their charm. Let's keep those conversations sweet, celebrate the incredible talent across Ontario, and remember that there's plenty of room at the table for both tradition and innovation."
After all, the only thing that should be flaky is the pastry—not our sportsmanship.
Media Contact
Doug Robbins�Founder & Organizer�Tart & Soul Butter Tart Festival�519-355-6386�[email protected]
