Popularity of delivery apps soars in Des Moines despite restaurant struggles

Companies like DoorDash have become popular in the Des Moines marketplace thanks to the pandemic.

The big picture: Sales through the delivery service have more than doubled since the pandemic hit about a year ago, per consumer analytics company Second Measure. But that doesn’t mean everything is rosy in the restaurant world.

• $1.45 billion: The estimated amount restaurants lost in 2020, per the Iowa Restaurant Association.
• Des Moines lost a few notable restaurants last year, including Trostel’s Dish, a tapas bar and restaurant. But nearly two dozen opened despite pandemic challenges, the Register reports.
• Help is coming: New federal, state and local pandemic programs are expected to bring restaurants relief in coming weeks.