The Coon Bowl III, a diner and bowling alley in Coon Rapids, took home this year’s title of Iowa’s Best Burger, which is awarded by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.

 Three generations of noted cooking skills have influenced the burgers, as has the ground beef that comes from the nearby Arcadia Locker. “One of the judges noted the juiciness of the burgers,” said Michelle Baumhover, the coordinator of the contest. “She said she was very appreciative of having the napkin holder right in front of her!”

 There are two co-managers of the Coon Bowl, Cindy Heydon and Dan George. George handles much of the grilling at the diner. He comes from a line of good family cooks. “My Grandma (Viva Johnston) was known for the 10-course meals she would serve threshing crews on the family farm,” he said. Her daughter (and Dan’s mother) ran Arlene’s, a Coon Rapids’ restaurant, for 11 years. When she closed the restaurant, Dan headed to the Coon Bowl, and has been flipping burgers and preparing lots of other diner fare for the past 16 years.