CAVE CITY, Ark. — The Arkansas Beef Council has named the state's best burger, according to a release from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture (ADA).
The Caveman Burger from Bailey's Family Restaurant in Cave City won the coveted title in Arkansas' inaugural Best Burger Contest.
The winning burger boasts a two-pound, single-ground beef patty on a nine-inch bun, with the option to add cheese, bacon, or even another patty.
The council said that it received a robust response to the contest, garnering over 2,400 nominations for 410 different burgers.
“The overwhelming response in the first year of Arkansas’s Best Burger Contest demonstrates that Arkansans deeply value both the quality of beef and the dedication of our locally owned restaurants to create the perfect burger,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward said.
Of the hundreds of featured burgers only 10 were selected as finalists. The Caveman Burger took the top spot after receiving the highest score among the finalists after an evaluation from an anonymous judging panel.
The thorough evaluation included the taste of the patty, the appearance and presentation of the burger, proper cooking, and overall impression, the ADA said.
The council said the contest "highlights the use of 100% beef prepared by Arkansas restaurants."
"Arkansas beef producers are proud to produce the beef served on family dinner tables and in Arkansas’s favorite local burger spots. Congratulations to the top 10 finalists and the Arkansas’s Best Burger Contest winner,” Arkansas Beef Council Chairman Caleb Plyler said.
Bailey's Family Restaurant is described as a true local favorite, a family run operation spanning three generations: Scott, his wife Shelly, their daughters Andi and McKee, and their granddaughter.
"Bailey’s serves fresh, local produce like squash, tomatoes, and watermelon when in season. But more than just great food, Bailey’s is about community, with traditions like a free veterans' dinner and festive holiday events that make everyone feel welcome and at home," the ADA release said.
The mission of the Arkansas Beef Council is to coordinate and implement a program of promotion, research, and market development to enhance the image of beef and improve the potential of Arkansas's cattle industry.
Bailey's posted the following statement to Facebook following the announcement:
What an absolute honor, thank you to Arkansas Beef Council, our amazing employees, our family, friends, wonderful customers & most of all the Lord. None of this would be possible without y’all’s love & support.
We were so shocked to learn we were in the top ten but to find out we won best burger in Arkansas.
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