WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (November 20, 2025) — On Monday, the Iowa Restaurant Association, in collaboration with the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Choose Iowa, and Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce, concluded its statewide culinary competition at the Iowa Hospitality Showcase, held at the Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines.
The two-part competition challenged top chefs from across the state to create an entrée featuring a Beef Tri-Tip Roast — contributed by B&R Quality Meats through Martin Bros. Distributing Co — incorporating locally sourced Choose Iowa member ingredients and a bold boost of flavor from select Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce products.
“This competition showcases Iowa at its finest — exceptional culinary talent, Iowa-grown ingredients, and Iowa-made products,” said Jessica Dunker, President and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association.
“These twelve chefs created beautiful dishes that truly capture the flavor and spirit of our state.”
2025 Culinary Competition Winners
· Winner: Chef Tessa Cardoza, Maxwell’s on the River, Muscatine
· Runner-Up: Chef James Vido, The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, Cedar Rapids
· People’s Choice: Chef Anthony Nace, Park Street Kitchen, Hilton Des Moines Downtown
· Choose Iowa Award: Chef Andrea Love, Dinner Delights, Des Moines
· Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce Award: Chef Anthony Nace, Park Street Kitchen, Hilton Des Moines Downtown
Competing Chefs
Andrea Love (Dinner Delights, Des Moines); Anthony Nace (Park Street Kitchen + Bar, Des Moines); Arturo Mora (Roots 95, Johnston); Arletta McCoy (Lady Jerk Soul Food and Catering, Des Moines); Dale Rinderman (Big Grove Brewery, Des Moines); James Vido (The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, Cedar Rapids); Luis Carrion (Tullpa Restaurant, Des Moines); Patrick Zachar (Aunt Maude’s, Ames); Tessa Cardoza (Maxwell’s on the River, Muscatine); Trevor Schueneman (Mac and Rita’s, Carroll), Wesley Zeitz (Z’s Eatery and Draught Haus, Indianola); Zach Boyke (Aura Restaurant and Lounge, Clive).
About the Iowa Restaurant Association
The Iowa Restaurant Association is an advocacy organization supporting Iowa’s industry with educational and promotional programs across the state. www.restaurantiowa.com.
About the Iowa Beef Industry Council: The Iowa Beef Industry Council is funded by the $1-per-head National Beef Checkoff Program and the $0.50-per-head Iowa State Beef Checkoff. Checkoff dollars are invested in beef promotion, consumer information, research, industry information and foreign market development, all with the purpose of strengthening beef demand. For more information, visit www.iabeef.org.
About Choose Iowa
Choose Iowa is the state’s signature branding and marketing program promoting Iowa grown, Iowa made and Iowa raised food, beverages and ag products. The Choose Iowa program was initiated by Secretary Naig and is administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. chooseiowa.com.
About Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce
Lola’s flagship hot sauce comes from a family recipe that combines unique ingredients — like chili peppers, garlic, and citrus — to create bold flavors. The result is a sauce that makes the meal. . . Not burn it down. Lola’s has taken this inspiration to develop other products including salsas, honey, seasonings, and drink mixes. Consumers can find the Lola’s products at lolasfinehotsauce.com and in over 10,000 retailers and restaurants nationwide. Lola’s is the warmer side of hot sauce. www.lolasfinehotsauce.com.
