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LIST: Finalists announced for 2026 Iowa's Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin contest
KCCI • • business
Key Points:
- The Iowa Pork Producers Association has announced five finalists for its annual Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest, including Friends Hide-A-Way, Landmark Grill & Grind, Sasquatch Jacks Hideaway Barroom & Grill, Tin Roost, and Wasted Grain.
- Judges evaluate entries based on tenderness, flavor, and complementary breading, emphasizing quality over size, according to retired pork producer Greg Carlson.
- Last year's winner, Hometown Heroes in Grinnell, is known for its thick, lightly breaded tenderloin served on a brioche bun, which has attracted increased customer interest following the award.
- A panel of three judges will visit each finalist to select the winner, who will be announced in mid-October and receive $500, a plaque, statewide publicity, and other prizes; runners-up will also receive awards.
- The contest has a long history of winners across Iowa, with some past winning restaurants now permanently closed, reflecting the evolving local dining scene.
