Bracket-style contest lets pork fans choose Iowa’s best pulled pork sandwich

Pulled Pork Madness is back for a third year, with Iowa restaurants going head-to-head for the best pulled pork sandwich.

The monthlong contest sponsored by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) mimics the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament and follows the same bracket-style narrowing process to get restaurants to the “Sweet 16,” “Elite 8,” “Final Four” and championship round.

However, in this case, it will be fans who determine the winner as they vote on the restaurant in the competition that they think serves the best pulled pork sandwich. The playoffs will be fast and furious, with voting deadlines of March 13, March 20, March 25, March 30 and April 2. The winner will be announced April 3.

Nominations can be submitted at https://www.iowapork.org/ starting at 5 a.m. Friday. For every round after that, votes can be cast via IPPA’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/IowaPork/. Also, keep up with the contest on social media using the #PulledPorkMadness hashtag.

The “Sweet 16” bracket is planned to offer the top two picks in each of IPPA’s eight districts.

“Pulled Pork Madness is simply a fun way to celebrate Iowa’s pork while uncovering some amazing pulled pork sandwiches around the state,” said Kelsey Sutter, marketing and programs director at IPPA. “Who doesn’t love a good bracket competition?”

Along with bragging rights, the winning restaurant will receive $250 and a “Pulled Pork Madness” plaque.

Past winners of Pulled Pork Madness include Warehouse Barbecue Co. in Ottumwa (2019) and Moo’s BBQ in Newton (2018). In 2019, IPPA received nominations for 80 restaurants from nearly 1,150 respondents.