The Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen's Association have decided to postpone the hunt for Iowa's Best Burger until further notice. The health, safety and well-being of our judges, staff,and participating restaurant staff have been at the forefront of our decision-making process. We will continue to monitor the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation and will work with restaurants to reschedule relaunch for a later date. Until then, we encourage those who are able to find a way to help support your local restaurants through carry-out, curbside pick-up, or delivery. If you have any questions please call 515-296-2305 and we can't wait to getting back together with everyone to celebrate the best burgers in the state.
The good news, is the Sweet 16 matchups have been announced in the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) Pulled Pork Madness as it is continuing. Has the NCAA's cancellation of March Madness given you the blues? Get in on some bracket action with a competition that pits Iowa restaurants against each other for the best pulled pork sandwich. The "Sweet 16" matchups have no been announced:
Members of the public have until noon Friday, March 20 to vote for their favorites and help determine which advance to the next round. Past winners-Warehouse Barbecue Co. + Brewhouse in Ottumwa (2019) and Moo's BBQ in Newton (2018)-are going head to head in District 7.The month long contest, which mimics the college basketball tournament, follows a similar narrowing process that gets restaurants to the "Elite 8" and "Final Four."Here are the brackets:
Restaurant
Town
1
Galva
1
Sibley
2
Rockwell City
2
Double M Catering & Sandwich Shop
Emmetsburg
3
Cedar Falls
3
Cedar Falls
4
McGregor
4
Westgate
5
The Twisted Tail Steakhouse & Saloon
Logan
5
Smokin with E's Bbq (Cafe Sign)
Lenox
6
Luther
6
Johnston
7
Warehouse Barbecue Co. + Brewhouse
Ottumwa
7
Newton
8
Iowa City
8
Walker
Earlier this month, nearly 1,700 pork fans nominated Iowa restaurants they felt have the best pulled pork sandwiches. Of the 125 restaurants nominated, the two with the most votes in each of IPPA's eight districts make up the "Sweet 16" bracket.
Playoffs will be fast and furious. Other voting deadlines are March 25 (Elite 8), March 30 (Final Four) and April 2 (championship round). The winner will be announced April 3.
Cast votes and see the results from each round at IPPA's website by clicking here, and by following the organization's Facebook page. Also, keep up with the contest on social media using the #PulledPorkMadness hashtag.
"This campaign is a fun way to promote businesses around the state, including restaurants, bars and food trucks who serve up delicious pulled pork sandwiches," said Kelsey Sutter, IPPA's marketing and programs director. "We love the interaction and excitement for pork that comes with this bracket-style competition!"
Along with bragging rights, the winning restaurant will receive $250 and a "Pulled Pork Madness" plaque.