Daily Journal staff reports
A well-known downtown Franklin restaurant has been named one of the best in Indiana due to its pork tenderloin sandwich.
The Willard’s famous tenderloin sandwich was named third best in the state in Visit Indiana’s “Best of Indiana” contest. Thousands of people voted for the best tenderloins, fall festivals and historic designations in a contest this fall.
The restaurant at 99 N. Main St. was nominated for the award by the Johnson County convention, tourism and destination marketing organization, which has branded itself Festival Country Indiana. Thirty-two restaurants were up for the honor.
If you are wondering what tenderloins took the first and second place awards, check out Nick’s Kitchen in Huntington and Dooley O’Toole’s in Hamilton County.
“One of our roles at Festival Country Indiana is to spread the word about all the great things there are to do, and eat, in Johnson County,” said Kenneth Kosky, director of tourism for the county. “Our communities draw people from all around for our festivals, apple orchards, craft brew and wine and more. I hope we’ll become a destination for tenderloins as well.”
During the summer, The Willard’s tenderloin got two first-place awards at a Tenderloin Throwdown competition in Greensburg. The restaurant prepares a tenderloin from pork raised in Frankfort and battered with buttermilk, flour and spices before being grilled.
