Smitty's Tenderloin Shop Earned National Recognition
USA TODAY named the Des Moines institution's breaded pork tenderloin among the best in the country.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in American Cuisine
Live Poll
Do you prefer supporting long-standing local diners over modern chain restaurants in your area?
Smitty's Tenderloin Shop, a long-standing Des Moines establishment on Army Post Road, has been recognized by USA TODAY as serving one of the best breaded pork tenderloins in the nation. The shop has operated for 60 years and remains a local staple for its signature sandwich preparation.
Why it matters
The national recognition highlights the enduring popularity of this Iowa staple, which balances traditional hospitality with a specific, time-tested preparation method for its breaded pork tenderloin.
Smitty's maintains a weekly sales volume of 1,500 to 2,000 tenderloins. Menu items include the $9 King Tenderloin, the $6 Queen Tenderloin, and $3.50 homemade onion rings.
The players
Ben Smith
He is the third-generation owner of the shop who has operated the business with Crystal Smith since 2019.
Crystal Smith
She co-owns and operates the historic Des Moines shop alongside her husband Ben.
Smitty's Tenderloin Shop
This Des Moines restaurant located on Army Post Road has served breaded pork tenderloins for six decades.
The details
To achieve its signature flavor, the shop runs raw, cold pork loins through a commercial roller until the meat reaches a quarter-inch thickness. The meat is twice-breaded to ensure the coating seals the loin during the frying process.
Timeline
Smitty's Tenderloin Shop was founded in 1966.
The shop gained significant media attention during the 2016 Iowa caucuses.
Ben and Crystal Smith took over ownership of the shop in 2019.
USA TODAY named the breaded pork tenderloin one of the best on Sept. 25, 2026.
Culture Shift
The recognition of Smitty's reflects the rise of regional food tourism as highlighted by national travel publications, which prioritizes hyper-local culinary institutions over global chains. This shift emphasizes the cultural value of nostalgia and long-standing local traditions in an increasingly homogenized dining landscape.
Residents and visitors should expect potentially longer wait times and higher demand for tenderloins following the national feature. Customers can plan their visits to the Army Post Road location knowing the shop remains open for its regular service schedule.
The takeaway
The success of Smitty's demonstrates how a commitment to a singular, quality-focused food product can sustain a business for generations. Maintaining consistent preparation methods while embracing local nostalgia continues to draw both long-time regulars and new customers.
Further reading
Learn more about local culinary traditions at American Cuisine.
More information
Visit the Smitty's Tenderloin Shop website to view the full menu and current hours.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Des Moines Register.
Live Poll
Do you prefer supporting long-standing local diners over modern chain restaurants in your area?
