Smokin’ Hereford BBQ in Storm Lake wins best burger title

Via Radio Iowa

A relatively new restaurant in northwest Iowa has won the title of the state’s “Best Burger” for 2017.

The annual contest is run by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. Smokin’ Hereford BBQ in Storm Lake was announced as this year’s winner today.

Natalie Schumann is the front-of-house manager for the restaurant, which opened in October 2015.

“We were very excited for this. This is such a great opportunity for us. I mean…we just wanted to cry with joy,” Schumann said.

Public voting for “Iowa’s Best Burger” began in February and more than 9,200 nominations were submitted. Judges visited the 10 burger joints that made the contest’s final round.

Smokin’ Hereford BBQ came out on top, as the judges noted the unique flavor of their burger made from Iowa beef.

“That comes from Coon River Farms in Nemaha, Iowa. We have a partnership with them,” Schumann said. “So, it’s basically straight from the farm to our table.” The patties include steak – adding to the flavor.  “It’s like a ground chuck. It has the sirloin mixed-in with the ground beef, which gives it a great flavor,” Schumann said.

Smokin’ Hereford BBQ is located in an old train depot. In addition to the food, the restaurant serves up a unique atmosphere.  “Our floor comes from an old (high school) gym floor in Fonda, Iowa and we have different tin and barn wood from local family barns,” Schumann said. This marks the eighth year for the “Best Burger” contest.

Other restaurants that made the Top Ten in addition to the Smokin’ Hereford are (alphabetically): Ankeny Diner, Ankeny; BeerBurger, North Liberty; BW’s Burgers, West Des Moines; Doc’s Stadium and Grill, Jefferson; Down Right Delicious, Clarinda; Elm’s Club, Creston; The Irish Shanti, Elgin; Saucy Focaccia, Cedar Rapids; and Vaughn’s Café & Bakery, Clarinda.

see previous winner below photos (click on photo to enlarge)

Jonathan Borjas, manager, Ileck Thammathai, kitchen supervisor, Natalie Schumann, front-of-house manager.

The Hereford Burger — an 8 ounce beef burger served on a toasted bun with cheese.

Previous winners in the contest are: 2016 – The Chuckwagon Restaurant, Adair; 2015 – The Cider House, Fairfield; 2014 – Brick City Grill, Ames; 2013 – 61 Chop House Grille, Mediapolis; 2012 – Coon Bowl III, Coon Rapids; 2011 – Rusty Duck, Dexter; and 2010 – Sac County Cattle Company, Sac City.

About Dave Vickers

Dave has been News Director since 1983 and has been Station General Manager since 1999. Dave has also served on the Board of Directors of the Iowa Broadcast News Association and the Iowa Broadcast Association and has served on the Iowa Freedom of Information Council.
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