Ames, Iowa – The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) say they are excited to announce the commencement of the 15th annual Iowa’s Best Burger contest. The highly anticipated event has become a hallmark of culinary excellence, showcasing the diverse and delicious burgers crafted by Iowa’s talented chefs and restaurateurs.

This contest is not just a competition; it’s a celebration that showcases the valued partnership between Iowa’s cattlemen and food service providers through memorable and delicious beef experiences. Past winners of the Best Burger contest have seen a significant increase in foot traffic, attracting new patrons eager to savor the award-winning burger.

To qualify for the title of Iowa’s Best Burger, the burger must be a 100% real beef patty and served on a bun or bread product. Nominations will be accepted online through March 12^th. Voting will close at 5 p.m. on March 12^th. The Top Ten list will be announced March 18^th. The 2024 Best Burger in Iowa will be announced on May 1^st with the kick-off of May Beef Month in Iowa.

Key Highlights from the 2023 Iowa’s Best Burger Contest:

Since being named the home of Iowa’s Best Burger for 2023, Flight Bar + Grille in Huxley has been serving a record-setting number of burgers. “Overall, our restaurant sales have doubled since winning this highly-coveted award,” said Matt Pacha, who owns the restaurant with his wife Marianne. “In May, after the announcement, we sold 5,000 Foundation burgers. Before receiving the honor, the most Foundation burgers we sold in a month was 859.”

The Foundation burger at the Flight Bar & Grill, in Huxley.

In addition to crushing the previous sales records, winning the annual Best Burger contest resulted in across-the board increases for many food items during May:

• Foundation burgers sold: 5,000 (last year, the average monthly sales were 250)
• Pounds of beef turned into burgers: 4,600 (compared to 1,200 pounds in May 2022)
• Pounds of French fries sold: 4,500
• Pounds of white onions used: 1,300

“Through initiatives like Iowa’s Best Burger contest, we aim to highlight the quality and flavor of beef while fostering a sense of community and culinary pride,” said Kylie Peterson, Director of Marketing and Communications for IBIC. “As we commemorate the 15th anniversary of this contest, we extend an invitation to all Iowa restaurants to participate.”

CLICK HERE FOR CONTEST DETAILS.