By Amanda Eike, Storm Lake
Thay are the only finalist from western Iowa
“That’s the reason we’re in the Top Ten, because of the support from the community.”
Laura Borjas
Scooters on Main in Alta is a Top Ten finalist in the 17th annual Iowa’s Best Burger Contest, organized by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattleman’s Association.
Owners Laura and Jonathan Borjas opened the restaurant six months ago and quickly gained a notable customer base. “That’s the reason we’re in the Top Ten,” Laura told the Times Pilot. “because of the support from the community.”
More than 350 restaurants were nominated this year for the contest, and 5,400 burger lovers cast their votes to determine the finalist. To qualify, the burger needed to be 100% real beef served on a bun or bread product. Toppings, condiments, sauces, and cheese were left to the creativity of the restaurant.
Head cook Ileck Thammathai designs the weekly specials and helped craft their signature burgers, along with owner Jonathan who attended culinary school. “It’s always been a dream I’ve had,” said Jonathan about opening a restaurant.
Laura and Jonathan knew most of their staff long before their opening, which speaks to the sense of family and strong teamwork that makes Scooters on Main’s food and service stand out.
The Borjas’s hope to win the overall Iowa’s Best Burger. The restaurants will now be judged by secret judges and the winner announced May 1 to kick off Beef Month in Iowa.
“We’re striving for excellence and will keep doing the best we can,” said Laura. “This wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community, our family and our amazing staff.”
The other finalists:
- Arcadia of Polk City
- B52 Bar & Grill of Bennett
- Dixie’s Biergarten of Decorah
- Northside Diner of Washington
- Prairie Canary of Grinnell
- TCI Bar & Grill of Polk City
- Salsa Guy Cafe of Cedar Rapids (2 locations)
- Smash & Grab Burger Co. of Knoxville
- The Landmark Bistro of Grundy Center
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