The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) annual Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin competition has returned.

The IPPA says that there were 532 restaurants nominated this year for the competition, and five have been chosen, with two in northwestern Iowa, two in northeastern Iowa, and one in central Iowa. Stuart residents will be happy to hear that Ruby’s Pub and Grill is in the running for the best breaded pork tenderloin in the state, making it the fourth establishment in Guthrie County to be nominated for the award.

To win the title, a restaurant must offer the sandwich on their menu year round, and while the style of tenderloin can vary, it has to be breaded. The winning restaurant and runner-up will be announced later this month, as the IPPA celebrates “Porktober” with October being national pork month. The runner-up will receive $250 and a plaque, while the winner will receive $500, a plaque, a banner and statewide publicity. A list of the other nominees for this year, as well as past nominees from Guthrie County can be found in this story online at raccoonvalleyradio.com.

2024 Top Five Finalists
Bronson Bar, Bronson
Dairy Sweet, Dunlap
Ruby’s Pub and Grill, Stuart
The Blind Pig, Monticello
The Market at the Tap, Monticello

Top Five Finalists from Guthrie County
2023: Tojo’s Bar and Grill, Jamaica
2014: Menlo Cafe, Menlo (Closed)
2009: Tojo’s Bar and Grill, Jamaica
2006: The Links Restaurant and Lounge, Panora