The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) has officially crowned Hometown Heroes of Grinnell as the winner of the 2025 Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest — a title that celebrates not just great food, but Iowa’s deep connection to pork and the people who produce it.
Located at 908 Main Street in downtown Grinnell, Hometown Heroes is a sports-grill-style restaurant built around community, comfort, and hometown pride. The win marks a major milestone for the restaurant and its team.
Owner and Executive Chef Paul Durr says the recognition is both humbling and energizing:
“We’ve sold so many tenderloins since the contest started, it’s been incredible,” Durr said. “Our staff has worked so hard, and the community support has just blown us away. We’re so proud to win this award.”
A Sandwich Worthy of the Title
Judges were quick to praise Hometown Heroes’ standout tenderloin.
Phil Carey, retired chef and culinary instructor, said:
“The pork was tender and juicy; it was evenly pounded and well-seasoned — the pork was the star of the show! Served hot on a toasted bun, it was a great sandwich.”
Hometown Heroes opened in 2019 and is owned by Paul and Kalyn Durr along with Shannon and Todd Reding under the Prairie Hospitality Group, which also owns the farm-to-table restaurant Prairie Canary in Grinnell. The menu leans into bar-and-family comfort classics — wings, burgers, sandwiches — and now, Iowa’s top pork tenderloin.
Inside, the restaurant pays homage to local “heroes” — from athletes and first responders to military service members — reflecting its commitment to community roots and local pride.
Celebrating Iowa’s Pork Tradition
The IPPA presented the award at Hometown Heroes this afternoon, complete with a $500 cash prize, plaque, and banner for the restaurant.
The 1854 in Gilbertville earned runner-up honors and a $250 prize, while other top-five finalists recognized this year include:
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Dexfield Diner & Pub – Redfield
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Sugar’s Lounge & Diner – Council Bluffs
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Walker’s – Salix
The annual contest honors Iowa restaurants that proudly serve hand-breaded or battered pork tenderloins — a staple of the state’s food culture and a tribute to the hard-working pork producers who make it possible.
Last year’s winner, Dairy Sweet in Dunlap, made history as the first restaurant to win the title twice.
As part of National Pork Month, this annual event continues to spotlight Iowa’s dedication to quality, community, and the enduring love of pork.
