CLIVE — Got a go-to spot for a can’t-miss breaded pork tenderloin? Or better yet, does your restaurant serve one worth bragging about? Either way, it’s time to step up.
The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is kicking off the 2026 Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest, and nominations are officially open April 15 through June 1.
This annual tradition shines a spotlight on the restaurants serving up one of Iowa’s most iconic sandwiches, and we’re calling on both tenderloin fans and restaurants to get in the game.
Do you know a place that does it right? Nominate them.
Serve a standout tenderloin? Rally your customers and make sure your name is in the mix. The top five finalists for the award, announced in October, usually see a substantial uptick in business.
“We encouraged all our social media followers to vote for us. That alone created a lot of engagement and excitement with our customers,” said Kalyn Durr, co-owner of Hometown Heroes in Grinnell, the winner of the 2025 Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest. “Once we made the judging, we did what we do best – we tried to put out a consistently great tenderloin sandwich for each and every order. The results were incredible – after we won our pork tenderloin sales increased by 20x!”
Each person can submit one nomination, and if your pick rises to the top, you’ll be entered for a chance to win $100.
“Restaurants that embrace this contest and encourage their customers to nominate them can see a real impact,” said Denise Wiley, chair of the Restaurant & Foodservice Committee at Iowa Pork. “We’ve had past finalists report major increases in traffic and tenderloin sales. This is a great opportunity to showcase what makes your place special.”
From crispy, hand-breaded classics to creative takes on the sandwich, Iowa restaurants continue to raise the bar every year. And with Iowa leading the nation in pork production, there’s no better place to celebrate this hometown favorite.
How it works:
Restaurants must serve hand-breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches as a regular menu item and be open to the public year-round to qualify.
After nominations close, IPPA will select the top 40 restaurants across Iowa, including the top five from each of its eight districts. From there, undercover judges will visit each location and evaluate entries based on pork quality, flavor, appearance, and overall experience.
The Top 5 will be unveiled in October during National Pork Month, with the winner earning $500, a plaque, and statewide recognition. The runner-up will receive $250 and a plaque.
Why it matters:
This contest isn’t just about great food. It’s about supporting local businesses and celebrating a sandwich that has become part of Iowa’s identity.
And the impact is real. Each year, thousands of nominations pour in from across the state, driving attention, and customers, to the restaurants that make the cut.
Recent Winners:
- 2025 — Hometown Heroes, Grinnell
- 2024 — Dairy Sweet, Dunlap
- 2023 — Cliff’s Place, Manning
- 2022 — Lid’s Bar & Grill, Waukon
- 2021 — Victoria Station, Harlan
