David’s Catfish of Atmore was crowned the champion of the Bama’s Best Catfish Restaurant contest.

The annual contest is sponsored by the Alabama Catfish Producers. Rob Faircloth, David’s Catfish of Atmore owner, will receive a championship plaque and $500.

In addition to winning the contest, David’s was the People’s Choice Award winner.

When asked what his secret is to serving Alabama’s best catfish, Faircloth said it’s his employees.

“We have employees who have been with us for 25 or 30 years,” he said. “They’re happy and enjoy what they’re doing. They know our customers and want to make them happy. We can’t thank our customers enough for nominating us.”

Judges for the event were Fred Hunter of WBRC-TV in Birmingham, the host of “Absolutely Alabama;” Alabama Farmers Cooperative’s Jim Allen, cohost of “Simply Southern TV;” and Hale County catfish farmer Townsend Kyser, who is Catfish Farmers of America president. Alabama Catfish Producers Chairman Sid Nelson of Sumter County accompanied the judges.