(Clive, IA) -- The annual search for the state's best-breaded tenderloin is underway. The Iowa Pork Producers Association is accepting nominations until June 5th. The winning restaurants will be announced in October.
“There’s always so much excitement around this contest,” said Kelsey Sutter, IPPA’s marketing and programs director. “Restaurants that earn this badge of honor will forever sell more tenderloins, as customers pour in from across the Midwest, and even other countries!”
To qualify for the contest, hand-breaded tenderloins must be on the daily menu at an Iowa establishment with year-round, consistent hours. Food trucks, concession stands, seasonal eateries, and catering businesses are ineligible.
This first round lets the public weigh in with their No. 1 choices, and nominations are limited to one per person. Those who nominate the winning restaurant will be entered to win a $100 prize.
IPPA’s Restaurant & Foodservice Committee will review 40 restaurants, which include the five restaurants with the most nominations from each of IPPA’s eight districts. Tenderloins will be ranked based on pork quality, taste, physical characteristics, and eating experience.
The winning restaurant gets $500, a plaque to display in their business, and statewide publicity. The runner-up is awarded $250 and a plaque from IPPA.
Winners from the past five years:
- 2022 — Lid’s Bar & Grill, Waukon
- 2021 — Victoria Station, Harlan
- 2020 — PrairieMoon On Main, Prairieburg
- 2019 — The Pub at the Pinicon, New Hampton
Nominations in 2022: IPPA received 4,812 nominations for 449 different establishments.