As March Madness tips off, so are two statewide Pulled Pork Madness competitions in Iowa and Illinois. If the competition is anything like the Illinois vs. Iowa men’s basketball game on March 13, one can expect a lot of excitement this month! The bracket-style social media contests pit restaurants against each other in an effort to find the best pulled pork sandwich.
Iowa ‘Sweet 16' Matchups
This year’s “Sweet 16” matchups were announced on March 15 by the Iowa Pork Producers Association and includes several past contenders. Pork fans have until 10 a.m. Friday, March 19, to vote and help determine which advance to the next round, the association said in a release.
Restaurants that made it into the “Sweet 16” are:
• District 1: The Roadhouse, Orange City, vs. The Lunchbox, Spencer
• District 2: Double M Catering & Sandwich Shop, Emmetsburg, vs. Smokin’ Grumps Barbecue, Rockwell City
• District 3: Whiskey Road Tavern & Grill vs. Starbeck’s Smokehouse, both in Cedar Falls
• District 4: Backwoods Bar and Grill, McGregor, vs. 1st & Main, Dubuque
• District 5: Junction Cafe, Bedford, vs. Bordenaro’s Meat Market, Carroll
• District 6: Timber Ridge Country Market & Cattle Company, Osceola, vs. UNRVLD Barbecue Bar, West Des Moines
• District 7: Smokin’ J’s Barbecue, Lynnville, vs. Legends American Grill, Marshalltown
• District 8: Smilee’s Ice Cream & More, De Witt, vs. Smokin’ Butt Barbecue, Davenport
Other voting deadlines are March 24 to determine the “Final Four” and March 29 to choose the final two. The championship round ends April 1, with the winner announced April 2.
Cast votes and see the results from each round at IPPA’s website, https://www.iowapork.org, and by following the organization’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/IowaPork/. Also, keep up with the contest on social media using the #PulledPorkMadness hashtag.
Along with bragging rights, the top vote-getter will receive $250 and a “Pulled Pork Madness” plaque. Previous winners include Whatcha Smokin? BBQ + Brew in Luther (2020); Warehouse Barbecue Co. + Brewhouse in Ottumwa (2019); and Moo’s BBQ in Newton (2018).
Illinois Pulled Pork Madness Tournament Begins
The Illinois Pork Producers Association has launched their annual contest to spread awareness of the best pulled pork dishes in the state. Much like the NCAA March Madness system, IPPA created a “Pulled Pork Madness” tournament in 2019, comprised of voting from social media participants.
Each week leading up to April 12, votes will be taken to advance the favorites into the Elite 8, Final 4, and then the Championship Round. You can participate by finding the voting link on IPPA social media channels or ilpork.com. Voting of the Sweet 16 ends March 21 at midnight.
The bracket consists of the following businesses:
• 3 Headed Monster BBQ – Shannon
• Annie’s Eats – Bloomington
• Big Catz BBQ – Knoxville
• Deep South BBQ – McLeansboro
• JV’s – Waterloo
• Li’l Willy’s BBQ – Springfield
• Lil Smoked – Dixon
• My Buddy’s – Jacksonville
• Notorious P.I.G – Decatur
• Pauly’s BBQ – Arthur
• Richard’s Farm Restaurant – Casey
• Rooster’s Market – Marshall
• Smoked on 3rd – Sterling
• Smokin Pig BBQ – Olney
• The Hangout Bar & Grill – Jacksonville
• Triple P BBQ – Rock Falls
The champion of “Pulled Pork Madness” will be awarded a custom trophy from Curtin’s Creations and a $250 check. Winner will be announced on April 12. The Illinois Pork Producers Association plans to continue the bracket challenge annually, highlighting a different pork product each year.
More from Farm Journal’s PORK:
Warehouse Barbecue Co. Wins Iowa Pulled Pork Madness Contest
Iowa Restaurant Voted ‘Pulled Pork Madness Champion’
