PELHAM – Smiley Brothers Specialty Foods has been announced the winner of the third Bama’s Best Beef contest, a statewide promotion sponsored by the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program.

The Filet Kabobs dish from Smiley Brothers Specialty Foods, which was submitted in the variety category, won the competition where contestant went head-to-head to get the most photo likes.

The contest, driven by fan interaction on Facebook, seeks out a unique beef dish served at an Alabama restaurant or food truck.

During the first week of photo challenges, the dish earned a win over “Roast” category finalist, Claunch Café’s (Tuscumbia) Roast Beef Sandwich. After securing their spot in the final round, the kabobs sat out a week as “Brisket” finalist, Big D’s Butts N’ Stuff’s (Monroeville) Brisket Panini, battled it out against “Steak” finalist, SALT at San Roc Cay’s (Orange Beach) 45-Day House Dry-Aged Mishima Reserve Wagyu Tomahawk Ribeye.

After the Brisket Panini earned its spot in the final round, the Variety and Brisket representatives battled it out for the title, and after falling behind the Brisket Panini in votes, the Filet Kabobs came back late in the week and won by nearly 400 votes.

Following the first round of photo challenges, the team at Smiley Brothers Specialty Foods wrote on their Facebook page, “We are so humbled and thankful for such [amazing] and positive support from our community and friends! There were votes on both pictures from all over the country and even around the world. What a positive thing for Alabama to draw so much attention to local businesses across the state!”

Joshua Swinford, executive sous chef of Smiley Brothers, said the business appreciates the overwhelming support it has received from the community.

“We’re so thankful for all of the support,” he said. “Since opening, we’ve received outstanding feedback from customers and have gotten good reviews online and in person.”

In addition to this Bama’s Best Beef win, Smiley Brothers also won Best Entrée at Taste of Pelham and was nominated for a Small Business of the Year award given by the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.

Throughout the lifetime of the contest, the four finalists received extensive exposure on social media as the contest reached over 454,500 Facebook users, garnered 211 nominations, over 29,000 reactions, comments and shares and earned over 14,500 photo clicks.