Faces Behind the Plate, Hoosier Tenderloins in Hamilton County
Article written by Kate Burkhardt, Hamilton County Tourism
Regional foods—the dishes best served in a certain city, state or region—is all the rage right now. Here in Indiana, the breaded pork tenderloin sandwich consistently claims the top spot on the list of “historically Hoosier” foods.
Behind the rise of “place-based” cuisines are the restaurant owners and chefs who have spent their careers perfecting the dishes that keep locals craving and out-of-towners curious. These are faces that rarely make it into “top 10,” “must try” and “best of lists,” even though they are the reason for the plates that do.
Doug Kemp, owner of Dooley O’Toole’s in Carmel, is one such face.
Dooley O’Toole’s is one of the oldest restaurants in Carmel and has been serving tenderloin sandwiches for 31 years, making the establishment a historic local favorite. Kemp has owned “Dooley’s” for 26 of those years.
“Our tenderloins are special because we pound out, hand-bread and fry them to order for every order,” says Kemp. “Joe’s Butcher Shop delivers tenderloins for us every single day, so you know you’re getting the freshest meat with the freshest preparation.”
Back in 2010, officials at Hamilton County Tourism devised a plan to offer support to local restaurant owners like Kemp, and simultaneously celebrate Indiana’s signature sandwich. At the time, Tuesdays in July were historically slow, so the restaurants agreed to offer special deals on tenderloin sandwiches on, what is now referred to as, “Tenderloin Tuesdays.”
Tenderloin Tuesdays will begin again June 28 at 20 participating restaurants along Hamilton County’s Tenderloin Trail. Each restaurant will offer special deals and discounts on tenderloin sandwiches in many shapes, sizes and styles that reflect the work of owners and chefs behind the scenes in pursuit of the perfect pork tenderloin.
So after you take that first bite of a hot, fried-to-perfection pork tenderloin sandwich this July, take a moment to thank the face behind the plate.
Participating Restaurants
Atlanta
Combine Café at Reynolds Farm Equipment
1451 E. 276th St.
317.758.4116
Free soft drink with Tenderloin meal.
Carmel
Brunchies
13732 N Meridian St.
317.833.5457
Breaded or grilled tenderloin sandwich served with chips, coleslaw and drink for $7.95
divvy
71 W. City Center Dr.
317.706.0000
Hoosier Minis – $9.95 panko crusted tenderloin mini sandwiches, roasted tomato aioli and leaf lettuce served with homemade divvy picks and potato chips.
Dooley O’Tooles
160 E. Carmel Dr.
317.946.9173
Full size tenderloin Combo with soup or side and potato chips for $8.95.
Grille 39
Renaissance Hotel
11925 N. Meridian St.
317.814.2527
$3 off any Pork Tenderloin sandwich.
Muldoon’s
111 W. Main St., Ste. 100
317.431.1605
$1 off full size breaded tenderloin sandwiches.
Stacked Pickle
12545 Old Meridian St.
317.844.4448
Buy one grilled or friend tenderloin, get a second 50 percent off.
Woodys Library Restaurant
40 E. Main St.
317.573.4444
$8.95 Pork Tenderloin sandwich – kettle chip crusted, blackened or grilled with choice of garden on Parker House bun served with kettle chips.
Cicero
Alexander’s on the Water
369 W. Jackson St.
317.984.8173
Two Tenderloin sandwiches for $6.50.
Erika’s Place
40 W. Jackson St.
317.984.9303
Mention Hamilton County Tourism and receive a free side dish with purchase of our fresh cut hand-breaded tenderloin.
Fishers
Alley’s Alehouse / Pinheads
13825 Britton Park Rd.
317.773.9988
Hoosier Pork Tenderloin Special: Tenderloin, fries and fountain drink for $11. Hand-breaded pork loin fried golden brown and served on a brioche bun with lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion, pickles and Dijonnaise.
Nickel Plate Bar & Grill
8654 E. 116th St.
317.841.2888
$1 off tenderloins (breaded, grilled or Cajun style)
Sahm’s Restaurant & Flying Horse Pub
11505 Allisonville Rd.
317.842.1577
Purchase a tenderloin meal (breaded or grilled) and get a second tenderloin meal for half off!
Noblesville
Alexander’s on the Square
864 Logan St.
317.773.9177
Tenderloin basket (sandwich and fries) for $6.95. Drink not included.
Barley Island Brewing Company
639 Conner St.
317.363.8336
$7.50 for our house favorite beer-battered pork tenderloin served on a bun with potato chips.
Courtney’s Kitchen
654 Logan St.
317.773.2234
$2 off Cass’s hand-pounded, hand-breaded tenderloin. Then get a free sugar cream pie bite or a free bite-sized dessert.
Ginger’s Café
1804 E. Conner St.
317.773.0303
Purchase a hand-breaded tenderloin sandwich for $9.95. Add a piece of pie for $1 more.
The Hamilton
933 Conner St.
317.770.4545
Free drink (non-alcoholic) with purchase of pork loin sandwich.
Westfield
Erika’s Place
102 S. Union St.
317.804.7001
Mention Hamilton County Tourism and receive a free side dish with purchase of our fresh cut hand-breaded tenderloin.
Grand Junction Brewing Company*
110 S. Union St.
317.674.5731
Purchase a hand-pounded tenderloin as big as your head, accompanied by your choice of a half pound of either beer battered pub fries, sweet potato fries or a side salad for a special price of $7.95.
*Due to operation hours, this deal will be valid on Wednesdays only.
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