Arlington’s Sloppy Mama’s BBQ has been announced as the winner of the $100K Pork Chop Challenge at the RAMMYS. The challenge celebrates the finest pork chop dishes in the Capital Beltway area, chosen by the people. This exciting event culminates in awarding a $100,000 prize to the winning restaurant and donating $100,000 worth of pork products to the Capital Area Food Bank.

Roy Lee Lindsey, executive director of the Virginia Pork Council, took the stage at the RAMMYS to announce the highly anticipated results of the challenge.

“This event is proudly hosted by the Virginia Pork Council, with generous support from the Iowa Pork Producers Association, North Carolina Pork Council, and National Restaurant Association. We are especially grateful for our partnership with the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington and the RAMMYS committee for inviting us here tonight,” said Lindsey.

Lindsey emphasized the commitment of pork producers to the well-being of their pigs and producing nutritious, affordable products. “As pork producers, we take immense pride in ensuring the well-being of our pigs and producing the most nutritious products possible while keeping them affordable for everyone. This competition reinforces our commitment to fighting hunger, supporting those in need, and uplifting the local restaurant community in the Capital Beltway. We hope you share in this pride.”

This year, 28 restaurants competed, and thousands of people from the region voted, narrowing down the competition to five finalists:

The three judges, Jason Smith, chef and proprietor of 18 Restaurant Group (North Carolina), Steve Sadowski, associate dean at the Culinary Institute of Virginia, and Trish Cook, past president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, had the delightful yet challenging task of selecting a winner. Each restaurant showcased its unique take on pork chops, but ultimately, Sloppy Mama’s BBQ emerged as the victor.