Search begins for Iowa’s Best Burger

The Best Burger Contest is not only a great way to celebrate Iowa’s 25,000 beef farmers, it’s also a great way to increase business for participating restaurants and draw visitors to Iowa communities.

“Winning the 2019 Iowa’s Best Burger Contest put our restaurant on the map and garnered new customers from all over the state. We went from serving 200 burgers a week to 200 burgers a night,” Oskaloosa’s Wood Iron Grille said. “Our burgers have always been our best-selling menu item, but after winning the contest nearly every guest that dined at our restaurant ordered a burger.”

The contest is sponsored by the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) and occurs in two phases. In the first phase, Iowans are encouraged to nominate their favorite burger, whether it’s gourmet or down-home style. Nominations will be accepted between February 10 and March 10, 2020.

“Burgers are such a classic American favorite and a great source of high-quality protein that is authentic, real and raised responsibly. Beef supplies 10 essential nutrients without a long list of ingredients or added sodium. It’s hard to beat the taste, satisfaction and nutrition you get from a serving of real beef and this contest showcases just that,” Janine Moore, IBIC’s Chairman said.

This is the 11th year of the contest, which unites beef lovers and beef farmers across the state. After the nomination period, 10 restaurants will be chosen as finalists and visited by a secret panel of judges, who will determine the ultimate winner. The 2020 Best Burger in Iowa will be announced May 1 with the kick-off of May Beef Month in Iowa.

Details about the contest, rules and the voting form are available on the Iowa Beef Industry Council's website iabeef.org. Burger lovers can also find a link to the online nomination form at the Iowa Beef Council Facebook page; or by texting BEEF to 313131.

The nomination period will close at 5 p.m. March 10.