On March 24, 2024 Matt Bernhard passed away.
Known as Mr. Pork Chop Jr., Matt was a RAGBRAI celebrity and alongside his signature pink bus, he made and sold grilled Iowa pork chops on the route each year. Riders would stand in long lines to get a chop that had been grilled on a bed of corncobs right there on the side of the road.
His dad had launched the business back in the early 80’s after RAGBRAI came through their hometown of Bankroft and when Matt took it over, he perfected grilling techniques and riders responded by stopping whenever they saw the big pink bus.
On this episode you will hear an excerpt from Episode 2 of Matt being interviewed by reporter Kyle Munson, and also an excerpt from Episode 127 when Murph interviewed Matt. We also have some special guests on to share memories of Matt and the big pink pig bus.
Matt Bernhard is an icon that will be greatly missed.
Special thanks to Matt Phippen, Brian Brinkema, Brian Powers, and Scott Sumpter for sharing.