The Iowa Pork Producers Association named five finalists for its 2026 Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin contest, with winners set to be announced in mid-October. The finalists include Friends Hide-A-Way, Landmark Grill & Grind, Sasquatch Jacks, Tin Roost, and Wasted Grain.
The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) has unveiled five finalists for its 2026 Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin contest, with the winner and runner-up to be revealed in mid-October during National Pork Month. The contenders—Friends Hide-A-Way in Underwood, Landmark Grill & Grind in Williamsburg, Sasquatch Jacks Hideaway Barroom & Grill in Waverly, Tin Roost in North Liberty, and Wasted Grain in Carroll—were selected from 40 semifinalists after public nominations and judge evaluations.
Judges Prioritize Quality Over Size
Greg Carlson, a contest judge and retired pork producer, emphasized that the evaluation process focuses on pork that’s tender and flavorful, with breading that complements it.
Past winners, such as Hometown Heroes in Grinnell (2025) and Dairy Sweet in Dunlap (2024), have seen surges in sales and visibility after winning.
The contest’s criteria include taste, presentation, and consistency, with a panel of judges visiting each finalist to determine the winner. The winner will receive $500, a plaque, and an outdoor banner, while the runner-up gets $250 and a plaque.
The contest has become a cultural touchstone, with past winners often experiencing increased traffic and media attention. The 2026 results will be announced in mid-October, with the winner joining an elite list of past champions, including Cliff’s Place in Manning (2023) and Victoria Station in Harlan (2021). The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) has been hosting the contest since 2003, with winners such as Dairy Sweet in Dunlap (2005) and Hometown Heroes in Grinnell (2025) gaining statewide recognition.
Finalists Reflect Iowa’s Culinary Diversity
The finalists span small-town staples and regional favorites, showcasing Iowa’s culinary landscape. Friends Hide-A-Way, a long-time Underwood fixture, and Wasted Grain in Carroll join established names like Tin Roost in North Liberty. Sasquatch Jacks, a Waverly barroom grill, and Landmark Grill & Grind in Williamsburg round out the list, each bringing unique takes on the state’s iconic sandwich.
The contest’s selection process begins with public nominations in the spring, followed by a review of 40 semifinalists across eight districts. Judges then evaluate the finalists, with the final panel choosing the winner and runner-up. Restaurants must maintain year-round operations, excluding food trucks and seasonal establishments. The 2026 finalists were announced on October 2, 2026, as part of National Pork Month celebrations.
What’s at Stake?
For the finalists, the recognition offers more than prestige. Past winners report substantial increases in customers and pork tenderloin sales,
according to The Des Moines Register. The contest also highlights Iowa’s agricultural heritage, with judges like Carlson, a former pork producer, underscoring the importance of quality and tradition. As the winner is determined, the state’s food scene awaits the next chapter in this beloved tradition.
The 2026 contest follows a pattern of past winners, including Dairy Sweet in Dunlap (2024), which became the first restaurant to win twice. Other past champions include Cliff’s Place in Manning (2023), Lid’s Bar & Grill in Waukon (2022), and PrairieMoon on Main in Prairieburg (2020). The contest’s emphasis on hand-battered or hand-breaded tenderloins ensures consistency, with judges prioritizing flavor and texture over size. For example, Hometown Heroes in Grinnell, the 2025 winner, serves a sandwich described as as big as your hand,
according to executive chef Paul Durr.
The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) encourages Iowans to visit the finalists and experience the sandwiches firsthand. The organization’s mission includes promoting a sustainable, socially responsible, and globally competitive pork industry, as noted in its official materials. The contest also serves as a platform for restaurants to gain exposure, with past finalists reporting heightened interest from both locals and out-of-state visitors. The 2026 results will be announced in mid-October, marking the culmination of a process that began in the spring with public nominations.
Additional details about the contest’s history include a list of past winners dating back to 2003, such as Darrell’s Place in Hamlin (2003) and Larsen’s Pub in Elk Horn (2007). Some winners, like Suburban Restaurant in Ames (2004), have since closed, while others, like Dairy Sweet in Dunlap (2005), remain active. The 2026 finalists join a legacy of establishments that have contributed to Iowa’s reputation for exceptional breaded pork tenderloins. The contest’s annual announcement reinforces its role as a key event in the state’s culinary calendar.