(Clive, Iowa) The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) has opened nominations for the 2026 Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest. Nominations run from April 15 through June 1, giving both customers and restaurants a chance to participate in the annual tradition celebrating one of the state’s most iconic sandwiches.
Iowans are encouraged to nominate their favorite restaurant, while businesses serving standout tenderloins are urged to rally support from customers. Restaurants that make the top five, announced in October, often see a significant boost in business.
Kalyn Durr, co-owner of Hometown Heroes in Grinnell and the 2025 contest winner, said engaging customers played a key role in their success. She noted that after winning, their pork tenderloin sales increased dramatically, growing by 20 times.
Each person may submit one nomination, and participants whose selections advance will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win $100.
Denise Wiley, chair of the Restaurant & Foodservice Committee at Iowa Pork, said restaurants that actively promote their participation can see noticeable increases in customer traffic and sales, calling the contest a strong opportunity to highlight what makes each establishment unique.
To qualify, restaurants must serve hand-breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches as a regular menu item and be open to the public year-round. After nominations close, IPPA will select the top 40 restaurants statewide, including the top five from each of eight districts. Judges will then visit each location anonymously, evaluating entries based on pork quality, flavor, appearance, and overall experience.
The top five finalists will be announced in October during National Pork Month. The winning restaurant will receive $500, a plaque, and statewide recognition, while the runner-up will earn $250 and a plaque.
Beyond the competition, the contest highlights local businesses and celebrates a sandwich deeply rooted in Iowa’s culture. Each year, thousands of nominations are submitted, helping drive attention and customers to participating restaurants.
Recent winners include:
- 2025 — Hometown Heroes, Grinnell
- 2024 — Dairy Sweet, Dunlap
- 2023 — Cliff’s Place, Manning
- 2022 — Lid’s Bar & Grill, Waukon
- 2021 — Victoria Station, Harlan
For more information or to nominate a restaurant, visit IowaPork.org.
