(Storm Lake) — May is Beef month, and we begin thinking about firing up the grill to make juicy mouth-watering hamburgers. But who in the state has the best burger? According to the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen
Association, the best burger can be found at a restaurant in Storm Lake. The Smokin’ Hereford BBQ was recently named as having “The Best Burger in Iowa.” Restaurant owner Jennifer Husted says they opened the restaurant in October of 2015. She says the secret to having the best burger is using locally raised corn-fed beef. Husted says it was their partners that suggested they try for the “Best Burger” contest.
Husted talks about how the owners formed a partnership with the Sac County cattle producer to deliver local beef.
Front end Manager Natalie Schumann and Owner Jennifer Husted hold “Iowa’s Best Burger.”
When so many other restaurants feature certified Angus beef, why did they choose Hereford beef? Husted says they wanted to try something a little different.
She says their customers believe the Hereford beef is juicy and full of flavor.
Husted explains the judging procedure for the state’s “Best Burger.”
Husted says since the restaurant has been honored for serving “Iowa’s Best Burger” they have seen a significant increase in customers, all wanting to try the award-winning hamburger.
Husted describes the Smokin’ Hereford BBQ as a rustic-looking restaurant.
There are peanut shells on the wooden floor, and the decor features an old barn door with several old signs associated with farming.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey (center) recently visited the “Smokin’ Hereford BBQ restaurant and poses with the staff.
Husted says she, her husband, and the other owners, Nate and Nancy Jensen, were always proud of their hamburgers, but never dreamed that they would ever be awarded the title of “Best Burger.” She says it is nice to see customers now agree with them.
If you want to try “Iowa’s Best Burger”, the Smokin’ Hereford BBQ is located on Highway 7 on the west side of town of Storm Lake or 1605 West Milwaukee Avenue.
