DUNLAP, Iowa — A Dunlap restaurant claimed the title of Iowa's Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin once again, nearly 20 years after first winning the award.
Dairy Sweet, owned by Lori and Greg Thomsen, won the title back in 2005 under the ownership of Lori's parents. Lori and Greg purchased the restaurant in 2013, and have been working to uphold the family legacy ever since.
“Hard work does pay off. My parents have both passed on, so this is such a cool way to honor and remember them. It makes me very proud,” Lori told the Iowa Pork Producers Association, which organizes the contest.
The Thomsens have refined their tenderloin recipe over the years. The restaurant uses center-cut boneless pork loin that is cut and tenderized in-house each week.
Their commitment to quality has paid off: The Thomsens estimate they sell approximately 40,000 tenderloins each year.
“When we walked into the restaurant, and saw that most of the customers were eating a breaded pork tenderloin… That’s how you know you’re in the right spot," said Phil Carey, one of the contest's judges. "Then tasting it the sandwich had great flavor, was very tender, and the light breading worked very well with the pork.”
It's no surprise Dairy Sweet has become a local staple. The restaurant is open seven days a week and closes only a few days each year as part of the Thomsens' commitment to its customers.
“It is a privilege for us to win, not only for ourselves but for our employees who take pride in their work and making our community happy,” Lori said.
As the winner of the 2024 Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest, Dairy Sweet will receive a $500 cash prize, a plaque and a banner celebrating the achievement.
Dairy Sweet was one of five finalists in this year's Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest. Ruby's Bar & Grill in Stuart was the runer-up and will receive a $250 prize and a plaque of their own.
The three other finalists, Bronson Bar (Bronson), Blind Pig (Monticello) and The Market at the Tap (Monticello), will also receive top five plaques.
Last year, Cliff's Bar and Grill in Manning took home the title. Click here for a full list of past winners.
