FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5/28/2025
Contact: Ayden Massey, 501-813-6012
[email protected]
MELBOURNE, AR — The Arkansas Beef Council today announced that the winner of the 2nd Annual Arkansas’s Best Burger Contest is the Big Daddy Burger from Johnson’s Country Cookin’ in Melbourne. This statewide competition celebrates Arkansas restaurants and their commitment to using 100% beef in crafting their burgers.
The Big Daddy Burger features three half-pound beef patties stacked with triple bacon, triple cheese, and a choice of toppings, all served on a toasted brioche bun.
The contest drew more than 2,100 nominations from across the state during the nomination period from April 1 to 30. Among the five regional finalists, the Big Daddy Burger earned the most nominations overall.
“We are excited to recognize this year’s Best Burger in conjunction with Governor Sanders proclaiming May as Arkansas Beef Month,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “We encourage everyone to head to Johnson’s Country Cookin’ to try the Big Daddy Burger or your local restaurant to continue supporting Arkansas cattle producers.”
“Every great burger starts with great beef, and Arkansas cattle producers know how to deliver it,” said Beef Council Chairman Caleb Plyler. “We’re proud to recognize the hard work of our ranchers, the creativity of local restaurants, and the passion that goes into every bite.”
The Arkansas’s Best Burger Contest debuted in 2024, with the Caveman Burger from Bailey’s Family Restaurant in Cave City taking the inaugural title. Now in its second year, the contest continues to shine a spotlight on local restaurants and beef production throughout the state.
The mission of the Arkansas Beef Council is to coordinate and implement a program of promotion, research, and market development to enhance the image of beef and improve the potential of Arkansas’s cattle industry.
For more information, visit arkansasbeef.org/.
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The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture, forestry, and natural resources conservation to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while sustaining natural resources and ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, visit agriculture.arkansas.gov/.
