Hometown Heroes in Grinnell has been named the winner of the 2025 Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest by the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
The downtown Grinnell restaurant at 908 Main St. will receive a $500 cash prize, a plaque and a banner. The award was presented Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Hometown Heroes.
“We’ve sold so many tenderloins since the contest started, it’s been incredible,” said Paul Durr, owner and executive chef. “Our staff has worked so hard, and the community support has just blown us away. We’re so proud to win this award.”
Phil Carey, a retired chef and culinary instructor who served as a judge, said the winning tenderloin stood out early in the judging process.
“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,” Mr. Carey said. “The pork was tender and juicy; it was evenly pounded and well-seasoned … the pork was the star of the show! It was made complete by being served hot on a toasted bun. It’s a great sandwich!”
Paul and Kalyn Durr opened Hometown Heroes in 2019 with partners Shannon and Todd Reding. Mr. Durr serves as executive chef and director of operations, while Ms. Durr oversees marketing. Alex Phillips is general manager. The restaurant is part of Prairie Hospitality Group, which also owns Prairie Canary in Grinnell.
The restaurant features walls dedicated to local athletes, first responders, military service members and community members.
The 1854 in Gilbertville finished as runner-up and will receive $250 and a plaque. Three other finalists — Dexfield Diner & Pub in Redfield, Sugar’s Lounge & Diner in Council Bluffs and Walker’s in Salix — will receive top-five plaques.
The annual contest recognizes Iowa restaurants that serve hand-breaded or battered pork tenderloin year-round. Winners are announced each October during National Pork Month.
Dairy Sweet in Dunlap won the 2024 contest, becoming the first restaurant to win the title twice. The contest began in 2003. Click here to see a full list of winners by year.
