An Ankeny establishment is the winner of this year’s “Best Burger contest. J. J.’s Bar and Grill co-owner Mike Roberts says he changed the name and added burgers to the menu when he took over in 2023.
The Best Burger contest was created by the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and the Iowa Beef Industry Council to bring attention to May, which they dubbed Beef Month. Roberts, who is also the general manager, says they noticed the impact as soon as they were selected as a finalist.
Roberts owns the eatery along with Rick and Lilia Romero and Liberty Van Genderen. The menu currently features eight smash burgers, including the J.J.’s Smash Burger, the Brock Curdy Burger, and the Jalapeno Cheddar.
