Iowa's Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest

The 2026 Contest

Nominations will open on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, and close at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026.

Restaurant Resources & Tips:

Utilize promotional displays in your restaurant that include a QR code to take customers directly to the nomination form and share contest details on your social media pages.

• 8.5x11 Poster
• Instagram Ad
• Facebook Ad
• Printable Table Tent

 

Who's eligible?

Nominated tenderloins must be from a restaurant that is typically open year-round with regular hours. Food trucks, concession stands, seasonal establishments, and catering businesses are not eligible. No email or social media nominations are counted. See official rules.

 

The 2025 champion was Hometown Heroes in Grinnell!

Read more about the winner

The top five restaurants for 2025, listed alphabetically, were:

• Hometown Heroes, Grinnell -1st Place
• The 1854, Gilbertville - 2nd Place
• Dexfield Diner & Pub - Redfield
• Sugar’s Lounge & Diner – Council Bluffs
• Walker’s – Salix 

 

Check out past winners!

The Iowa Pork Producers Association has held a best tenderloin contest each year since 2003. Check out this complete list of restaurants that have won or have placed in the annual contest.