(Clive, Iowa) – The Iowa Pork Producers Association has announced the five finalists for Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin. The announcement serves as the organization’s kick-off of October, “ National Pork Month.” The finalists are:

Massena — Main Street Bar & Grill
Corydon — Ludlow’s Steakhouse
Olaf — St. Olaf Tavern
Van Meter — 5th Quarter Bar & Grill
Waukon — Lid’s Bar & Grill

(Click on the image to enlarge the map)

Qualifying pork tenderloins must be hand-breaded or battered. In addition, the Iowa restaurant serving them needs to be open year-round and offer the sandwich as a regular menu item. Food trucks, concession stands, seasonal eateries, and catering businesses are not eligible. IPPA will announce the first- and second-place winners later this month, dubbed #Porktober22 on social media channels as part of the month-long celebration of pig farmers and the great product they produce. The annual quest to find the state’s juiciest, most flavorful tenderloin sandwich starts with public input. Each spring, tenderloin fans have about two months to nominate their favorites. This year IPPA received 4,812 votes for 449 establishments.

Judging of the top 40 took place this summer. That list included the five restaurants with the most nominations in each of IPPA’s eight districts, which “helps ensure statewide representation,” according to Kelsey Sutter, IPPA’s marketing and programs director. IPPA members and industry affiliates anonymously visited those locations and scored the tenderloins based on pork taste and quality; physical characteristics; and presentation. From there, IPPA’s restaurant and foodservice committee reviewed those 40 evaluations and selected the five contenders to advance to the next round. That same committee appointed a panel of three judges to travel to each of the finalists to determine the first- and second-place winners.

The winning restaurant will receive $500, a plaque, a banner to display, and statewide publicity that will drive new business. The runner-up is awarded $250 and a plaque from IPPA.