According to Iowa cattleman Scott McGregor, chairman of the Joint Foodservice Committee, “The annual Foodservice Beef Backer Awards are a chance to give recognition to hard-working Americans behind the restaurants with the best beef programs in the nation. Every year, we are in awe of the devotion restaurants have to their local cattle industry and their understanding of the versatility and value of beef on their menus. And this year was no exception.”

The 2011 award-winning foodservice beef programs are:

Independent Operator
Little Apple Brewing Company, a family owned steak house in Manhattan, Kan. A staple in the community, Little Apple Brewing Company offers a delicious variety of steaks, burgers, salads and soups featuring new and traditional cuts of beef.

Boasting an eclectic crowd from students and professors at Kansas State University to military personnel from Fort Riley, Little Apple Brewing Company has something for everyone.

Kelly and Russ Loub and Lori Fink, co-owners of Little Apple Brewing Company, consider themselves partners and friends with the local cattle business and leverage their partnerships with the Kansas Beef Council and Certified Angus Beef LLC for promotional support and staff training.

Chain Operator
Zippy's has drawn everyone from President Obama to most residents of Hawaii for a "Zippy's Experience." For 45 years, Zippy's has proudly supported its island community and, most notably, the cattle industry of Hawaii.

With 25 locations across the island state, Zippy's is a community-oriented establishment committed to protecting the sustainability of Hawaii's beef industry by purchasing enough beef volume to keep the industry viable.

Through intelligent use of beef and products, Chef Wayne Komamura developed a recipe that utilizes grassfed beef to replicate an old-fashioned style homemade hamburger patty. This classic hamburger steak is one of their top 10 popular plates.

Their acclaimed beef chili is most popular and is the best seller; in fact, over 200,000 pounds of Zippy's famous Chili is consumed every month - that's a lot of beef!  Other island favorites containing beef that caters to the palate of Hawaii residents are the Zippy's famous Oxtail Soup, Beef Stew and Teriyaki Beef.

Innovator of the Year
Home to eight distinct original restaurants and lounges, Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort is an epic destination in Idaho. By custom building a dry aging room at the resort and opting to fabricate its own steaks and grinds on-site, Coeur d’Alene offers an extremely high value to its customers matched with reasonable prices.

Chef Adam Hegsted’s philosophy of innovation through simplicity results in mouthwatering beef menu options at all price tiers – from the steakhouse to the café and buffets. Signature items such as the Wagyu Burger with braised oxtail marmalade, a Charcuterie Platter with cured beef tongue and the Cedar Plank Porterhouse that is flamed and carved at the table - embody the ultimate dining experience that only beef can deliver.

All winners were awarded a trophy and will be given unique marketing access to promote their restaurants as nationally acclaimed beef backers throughout 2012. 

For more information about your beef checkoff investment, visit MyBeefCheckoff.com. 

—Beef Checkoff News