GRINNELL, Iowa -- A Grinnell restaurant has earned a coveted accolade for one of its most popular menu items.

The Iowa Pork Producers Association on Friday announced Hometown Heroes as the winner of its 2025 Iowa's Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest. In addition to having the state's tastiest tenderloin, the organization said the sports grill honors its community by showcasing local athletes and other community members in "hero" roles.

One of the judges in the contest, retired chef and culinary instructor Phil Carey, had strong words of praise for the winning sandwich. "Hometown Heroes was one of the first ones that we judged, and as we (the judging panel) left, we agreed that this one would be hard to beat. The pork was tender and juicy; it was evenly pounded and well-seasoned… the po

See Full Page