The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) and the Iowa Cattlemen's Association (ICA) are excited to announce the launch of the 16th annual Iowa's Best Burger contest. This much-anticipated event celebrates the culinary creativity of Iowa's talented chefs and restaurateurs, bringing together communities to honor the unbeatable flavor of beef.

Iowa's Best Burger Contest is more than just a competition - it's a statewide celebration showcasing the strong partnership between Iowa's cattlemen and food service providers. Previous winners have experienced remarkable transformations, gaining new customers eager to try their award-winning burgers.

JJ’s Tavern + Grill: A 2024 Success Story

For JJ’s Tavern + Grill in Ankeny, earning the title of Iowa’s Best Burger in 2024 was a game-changer. Before making the Top 10, JJ’s sold an average of 42 burgers per day. After winning the title in May, burger sales skyrocketed to 250 per day, marking an astonishing 495% increase. May 2024 became the restaurants best sales month on record, with 7,746 burgers sold—a staggering 1,565% increase in burger sales.

The impact didn’t stop there. JJ’s saw significant growth across their entire menu:

* French fries: 4,200 pounds consumed

* Ranch dressing used: 57 gallons used

* Buns: 301 cases ordered

* Biggest sales day: May 3, with $10,668.52 in revenue

* Overall sales in May: Averaged a 134% increase over previous records

“Through initiatives like Iowa’s Best Burger contest, we aim to highlight the quality and flavor of beef while fostering a sense of community and culinary pride,” said Kylie Peterson, Director of Marketing and Communications for IBIC.

How to Participate and Vote

Whether you’re a restaurant owner ready to showcase your burger masterpiece or a consumer eager to cast your vote, here’s how to join the fun:

1. Menu Requirements: To qualify for the title of Iowa’s Best Burger, the burger must feature a 100% real beef patty served on a bun or bread product.

2. Restaurant Promotion: Call IBIC at 515-296-2305 to ensure your restaurant is included on the voting list. Download promotional materials at www.iabeef.org to advertise the contest in your restaurant, online, or on social media. Encourage patrons to share photos of their favorite burgers using #IABestBurger and tagging @iowabeefcouncil.

3. Voting Timeline: Nominations open on Feb. 10, 2025, and close at 5 p.m. on March 10, 2025. Visit www.iabeef.org to submit your nomination. Restaurants with the most nominations have the best chance of making the “Top Ten” list, announced on March 17, 2025, during WHO Radio’s “The Big Show.”

4. Judging and Winner Announcement: Finalists will receive a certificate and undergo a secret taste test by contest judges. The 2025 Best Burger in Iowa will be revealed on May 1, 2025, to kick off May Beef Month in Iowa.

Join the Celebration

Don’t miss this chance to be a part of Iowa’s tastiest tradition. Celebrate local flavors, support your favorite restaurants, and help crown Iowa’s 2025 Best Burger winner!