The winner of the 2018 Iowa’s Best Burger contest brought Iowa-raised Certified Angus Beef and an international flair to the competition and walked away with the gold cup.

Cafe Beaudelaire in Ames claimed top honors in this year’s competition sponsored by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association in celebration of May Beef Month.

Tom Otting, kitchen manager at Cafe Beaudelaire, says folks at the restaurant and the Ames community are thrilled with the award.

“We’ve been pretty excited here,” says Otting. “Regular customers have been coming in, as well as former staff, to congratulate us.”

Other businesses in the neighborhood have made a point to offer praise and applause, as well as those wanting a taste of the now famous fare. Otting says dining traffic has increased three- to four-fold since the May 1 announcement, aided by...