Bentley’s has been nominated as a semi-finalist in Bama’s Best Burger competition. Bentley’s will be in competition against Union Jack Cafe in Rainbow City through Sunday of this week to move to the final round.

The best burger competition is put on by the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, and is in its second year. Kayla Greer is the Director of Social Media and Communications at the Cattlemen’s Association, and said the competition is a way to celebrate unique Alabama burgers.

Greer said that the nominations begin at the end of July and leads up to the best burger being named in October for Alabama beef month. Bentley’s is representing region one of the state which includes Marion, Winston, Cullman, Morgan, Lawrence, Franklin, Colbert, Lauderdale and Limestone counties.

Jeremy Reed is the owner of Bentley’s and is excited at the nominations and support he has received. He said the competition has also brought people from all over wanting to try the burger. “It just blows my mind that a little restaurant can represent this region.We have had people come from all over. Anything we can do to bring people to the area is a good thing,” Reed said.

Greer said that the semi-finalists are determined by the restaurant that receives the most nominations for their region. From there the regions compete against their neighboring region until there are four finalist. Once the finalists are named, tasters that specialize in the industry come in and try the burgers to determine the best. “Most of the time it is not surprising to see small town restaurants in the semi-finalists. They are the ones with avid supporters,” Greer said.

Reed echoed a similar sentiment in thanking the community for their support. “It was our customers that nominated us. Without our community support we are nothing,” Reed said.

The community can support Bentley’s by voting on the poll posted on Facebook. The poll can be found on the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, or shared on Bentley’s page. The poll will end midday on Sunday. “I love Hartselle and love being here. The people have always accepted and supported us. The community support really makes you want to get up and keep going,” Reed said.