Iowa's Search for Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Kicks Off

Annual contest celebrates iconic Hawkeye State sandwich, boosts business for finalists

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:45pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated image of a breaded pork tenderloin sandwich against a vibrant neon background, conceptually representing the festive spirit and community pride surrounding this beloved Iowan dish.A vibrant celebration of Iowa's iconic breaded pork tenderloin sandwich, a culinary tradition that brings communities together and supports local restaurants.Harlan Today

The Iowa Pork Producers Association has launched its annual search for the state's best breaded pork tenderloin sandwich, with nominations open from April 15 to June 1. Restaurants across Iowa are encouraged to enter, as the top five finalists typically see a major boost in customer traffic and tenderloin sales. Past winners have reported up to 20x increases in pork tenderloin orders after winning the prestigious award.

Why it matters

This contest celebrates a quintessential Iowa dish and supports local restaurants, many of which have made the breaded pork tenderloin a signature menu item. With Iowa leading the nation in pork production, the competition highlights the state's culinary heritage and the creativity of its restaurateurs in putting a unique spin on this classic sandwich.

The details

To qualify, restaurants must serve hand-breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches as a regular menu item and be open to the public year-round. After the nomination period closes, the Iowa Pork Producers Association will select the top 40 restaurants across the state's eight districts, and undercover judges will visit each location to evaluate the entries based on pork quality, flavor, appearance, and overall experience. The top five finalists will be announced in October during National Pork Month, with the winner receiving $500, a plaque, and statewide recognition.

  • Nominations are open from April 15 to June 1, 2026.
  • The top 40 restaurants will be selected after the nomination period closes.
  • Undercover judging will take place over the summer.
  • The top five finalists will be announced in October 2026 during National Pork Month.
  • The winner will be awarded $500 and a plaque.

The players

Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA)

The organization that oversees the annual Iowa's Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest and promotes the pork industry in the state.

Kalyn Durr

The co-owner of Hometown Heroes in Grinnell, the winner of the 2025 Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest.

Denise Wiley

The chair of the Restaurant & Foodservice Committee at Iowa Pork.

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What they’re saying

“We encouraged all our social media followers to vote for us. That alone created a lot of engagement and excitement with our customers. Once we made the judging, we did what we do best – we tried to put out a consistently great tenderloin sandwich for each and every order. The results were incredible – after we won our pork tenderloin sales increased by 20x!”

— Kalyn Durr, Co-owner, Hometown Heroes

“Restaurants that embrace this contest and encourage their customers to nominate them can see a real impact. We've had past finalists report major increases in traffic and tenderloin sales. This is a great opportunity to showcase what makes your place special.”

— Denise Wiley, Chair, Restaurant & Foodservice Committee, Iowa Pork

What’s next

Restaurants have until June 1, 2026, to submit their nominations for the 2026 Iowa's Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest. The top 40 finalists will be announced in the summer, and the top five will be revealed in October during National Pork Month, when the winner will be awarded $500 and a plaque.

The takeaway

The Iowa's Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest is more than just a celebration of a beloved local dish – it's a way for restaurants to showcase their culinary creativity, connect with their communities, and potentially see a significant boost in business. By embracing the contest, restaurants can not only earn statewide recognition but also drive increased traffic and sales for their signature pork tenderloin sandwiches.