Grinnell’s Hometown Heroes has best pork tenderloin in the state

GRINNELL — Grinnell’s Hometown Heroes sports-grill-style restaurant has been busier than normal since the announcement last week that the eatery was named the winner of the 2025 Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest.

Representatives with the Iowa Pork Producers Association were at the restaurant on Oct. 17 to enjoy homemade pork tenderloins and present the top award to business partners Paul and Kayln Durr along with Shannon and Todd Reding.

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Hometown Heroes is located at 908 Main St., Grinnell.

Kelsey Sutter, marketing program director of the annual Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest, made the announcement before a packed crowd at the eatery.

“Our contest starts in the spring with public nominations,” noted Sutter. “There were more than 400 restaurants nominated this year.”

“We are just thrilled,” said Kayln of the popular tenderloin referred to as “The Blindside.” “This is the first time we were nominated, and we won it.”

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Phil Carey, retired chef and culinary instructor and one of the judges in the 2025 contest, praised the winning tenderloin in strong terms: “Hometown Heroes was one of the first ones that we judged, and as we (the judging panel) left, we agree that this one would be hard to beat. 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!”

Opened in 2019, Hometown Heroes blends comfort food with hometown spirit. Paul serves as executive chef and director of operations, with Kalyn overseeing marketing.

Alex Phillips is the general manager handling day-to-day operations. The restaurant is part of the Prairie Hospitality Group, which also owns Prairie Canary, a farm-to-table establishment in Grinnell, and the Periodic Table located in Hotel Grinnell.

"The Blindside [tenderloin] has been a favorite of mine since Hometown Heroes first opened their doors," noted Rachael Kinnick, president and chief executive officer of the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce.

"It's wonderful to see the restaurant recognized by the Iowa Pork Producers as having the 2025 Iowa's Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin, and we are excited to help welcome visitors from all across the state of Iowa as they give it a try!"

More than just a place to eat, Hometown Heroes is designed with the local community in mind. Inside, one wall is dedicated to athletes from nearby high schools and colleges who now represent the region on bigger stages.

Other walls pay tribute to first responders, military service members and those who have served the community in various “hero” roles. The restaurant is casual and energetic with a menu that leans toward bar/family comfort food: wings, burgers, sandwiches, and of course, the now celebrated pork tenderloin.

Hometown Heroes received a $500 cash prize, a plaque and a banner to showcase their achievement.

The 2025 runner-up is The 1854 in Gilbertville, which will receive a $250 prize along with a plaque from the IPPA.

Other outstanding finalists being recognized, and receiving top-five plaques were Dexfield Diner & Pub, Redfield; Sugar’s Lounge & Diner, Council Bluffs; and Walker’s, Salix. The Dairy Sweet in Dunlap was the 2024 winner, making it the first restaurant to win the title twice.

This tenderloin contest celebrates Iowa restaurants that feature hand-breaded or battered pork tenderloin as a staple on their menu. To qualify, establishments must be open year-round.

Winners are unveiled every October in honor of National Pork Month, which pays tribute to the hard work and dedication of America’s pork producers.

“We are excited for everyone who hasn’t tasted our tenderloin to try it because they are going to love it,” said Kayln.