Oskaloosa Ready To Pick Newest Restaurant
Iowa’s Best Bite
$153,000 Challenge Enters Last Stages
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: BRYAN SCHULTZ AT BRYAN@OPPTHUMBS.COM OR 641-840-2622
On Thursday, May 16, somebody is going to win a restaurant startup package worth $153,000 to open their own eatery in Oskaloosa, but they’ll have to pass through plenty of challenges to get there.
Iowa’s Best Bite Restaurant Challenge is a national talent competition that seeks to place restaurants in rural communities, and this year’s competition in Oskaloosa has narrowed down the contestants to three semifinalists who submitted detailed plans for their vision of the city’s newest restaurant.
This diverse group will face a panel of industry leaders who will critique and question their business acumen on May 15. Included in the judging group is eastern Iowa restaurateur Jim Mondonaro, who operates Iowa City restaurants Givanni’s Mondonaros, Joseph’s, Mondo’s and Saloon. Frank Hansen of MCG, Blair Van Zetten of Oskaloosa Foods and local food celebrity Ruthi Rogers round out the judging panel. The two who satisfy the judges will face yet another challenge the next day, as they cook for a panel of community tasters and present their vision of Oskaloosa’s newest restaurant.
“This is a tough test, but it’s supposed to be difficult,” said contest organizer Bryan Schultz. “Oskaloosa is a great town that deserves a great restaurant – and this contest is helping make that happen.”
According to Schultz, the competition is meant to help showcase the town’s quality of life and economic opportunities to a broad audience.
“Sometimes it’s hard for smaller cities to attract the attention they deserve. Some of our contestants had never heard of Oskaloosa before the contest.” Schultz said. “But the Oskaloosa area is home to some of Iowa’s largest exporters and the economy is strong – perfect for a restaurant, or nearly any other business.”
The semifinalists include former Oskaloosa resident Marty McPherrin-Raptis, who is bringing her homestyle concept “Grasshoppers” to the table; Niagara Falls, New York couple Christopher and Karen Ward, whose “Rainmaker” concept will feature chef Karen’s slow cooking methods; and “Eat on the Green,” a collaborative New American cuisine effort between two of last year’s contest finalists, Chef Pam Oldes and Shayna Bruce combined with Ames couple Zane and Suzanne Muntz.
“These are all three very different, yet very intriguing ideas,” Schultz said. “They are all great in their own way, but the judges will need to decide who will be MOST successful.”
According to Schultz, narrowing down the competition from around 20 interested restaurateurs to the three semifinalists was accomplished by holding each candidate to high standards in creating a business plan, financial projections and menu development.
“Last year, the competition was open to anybody, but this year we purposely made it much tougher to qualify,” Schultz said. “We asked for business expertise, financial expertise and a detailed plan…even before we consider food. It takes a special person or team to have all of that expertise.”
The winner will earn a prize package that includes cash, inventory, free rent and a great deal of publicity.
“The winner will have an incredible head start on a successful business,” Schultz said. “And the town gets a restaurant chosen for the people, by the people – everyone wins.”
