Nominations open for 2026 Pork Tenderloin Draft

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The search is on for Illinois’ best breaded pork tenderloin sandwich and pork lovers across the state are invited to help crown the champion.

The Illinois Pork Producers Association is accepting nominations for the 2026 Illinois Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Draft — an annual competition celebrating the restaurants that have perfected one of the Midwest’s most beloved sandwiches.

From neighborhood diners and taverns to family-owned restaurants, Illinois is home to countless breaded pork tenderloin favorites.

Now, consumers have the chance to recognize the restaurants they believe deserve statewide bragging rights.

“We know everyone has a favorite pork tenderloin,” said Mikayla Schaefer, director of marketing with the IPPA. “Whether it’s your hometown café or a hidden gem you’ve discovered on a road trip, we want to hear which restaurant you think serves Illinois’ best.”

Consumers may nominate up to five Illinois restaurants at: tinyurl.com/2026-Pork-Tenderloin-Draft.

To qualify, restaurants must serve a hand-breaded pork tenderloin sandwich as a regular menu item and maintain year-round business hours.

Nominations will be accepted through Sept. 30. Every person who nominates the eventual winning restaurant will be entered into a drawing to win $100.

After nominations close, the restaurants receiving the most support will advance through a multi-round judging process.

The top 20 restaurants will be evaluated before being narrowed to the top 5 finalists, with an independent judging panel selecting the first- and second-place winners.

The winning restaurant will receive a commemorative plaque, an outdoor banner recognizing the achievement and a $500 prize from the IPPA.

The runner-up will receive a plaque and $250, while the remaining top 5 restaurants will also be recognized for their outstanding sandwiches.

Last year’s competition showcased the incredible quality of pork tenderloin sandwiches served across Illinois. Buford’s Pub in Sadorus earned the title of Illinois’ Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin, while River’s Edge Inn in Dixon was named the runner-up.

Under contest rules, the defending champion is ineligible to compete again for five years, creating an opportunity for a new restaurant to earn the state’s top honor.

The competition celebrates not only outstanding local restaurants, but also the Illinois pig farmers who provide the high-quality pork that makes these signature sandwiches possible.