Swamp John’s vies for Best Catfish Restaurant
After a statewide search, the Bama’s Best Catfish Restaurant Challenge, sponsored by Alabama Catfish Producers, has reeled in four customer-nominated finalists serving up U.S. farm-raised catfish – including one in Franklin County.
Finalists are Swamp John’s in Red Bay, Orrville Farmer’s Market in Orrville, Catfish N Que in Cullman and David’s Catfish House in Atmore.
“It’s quite an honor to be nominated. That means a lot to us,” said Swamp John’s owner John Shewbart. “We try to use quality fish, and we try to take pride in what we do and make sure it is as good as it can be.”
Shewbart said it’s the family secret recipe that makes his catfish a contender for top in the state.
More than 250 nominations were received. A panel of three judges will visit finalist restaurants this week to sample their best dish and present a plaque. The statewide champion will be named next week, leading up to National Catfish Month in August.
One finalist will be named People’s Choice Award winner based on a Facebook vote. Facebook users may vote for their favorite restaurant by liking the photo in the Federation’s “Bama’s Best Catfish – People’s Choice Award” album. The contest runs through 9 a.m. July 18.
