2024 Iowa’s Best Burger Winner is Suddenly Closing

Just last May, JJ's Tavern and Grill in Ankeny was basking in the glow of being awarded the top prize in the 2024 'Iowa's Best Burger' competition.

Their Smash Burger (with tavern sauce, gooey American cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickle) was selected by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and Iowa Cattlemen's Association as the favorite of the Hawkeye State.

Triple the Burgers

As you can imagine, the honor was good for business. In the immediate aftermath of the big win, JJ's went from selling 13 burgers a day to over 36 burgers a day.

Things appeared to be so good that the restaurant added an outdoor patio and additional indoor seating. In a follow-up interview with the competition's sponsors, JJ's owners even hinted at the prospect of adding a second location.

Customers Blindisded

All of which made this week's Facebook announcement particularly shocking.

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'After much thought and heartfelt reflection, we’ve made the difficult decision to close the doors of JJ’s Tavern + Grill. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who’s walked through our doors and supported us. To our incredible staff—thank you for your dedication and for helping make JJ’s what it was. This isn’t goodbye to the connections we’ve made, just the close of a chapter.'

JJ’s opened in late November 2023.