TeeHee's comedy club has no comeback plan
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TeeHee's, one of Des Moines' most recognizable comedy brands, has no near-term plans for a brick-and-mortar comeback, owner AJ Simmons tells Axios.
Why it matters: TeeHee's helped anchor Des Moines' local comedy scene, and its uncertain future after a deal to relocate to the former Spaghetti Works fell through leaves a gap for performers and audiences seeking a dedicated venue.
Catch up quick: TeeHee's opened in 2019 at 1433 Walnut St., the former location of a thrift store, featuring a small bar, stage and seating for about 100 people.
- Local comedian Simmons and his business partner, Dave Boelman, closed the venue in 2024, soon announcing plans to relocate to the former Spaghetti Works building and significantly expand the club's footprint.
- The $4 million project fell through after Boelman was diagnosed with cancer. He died in November.
The latest: Simmons is still booking and helping facilitate occasional comedy shows around the metro, but is still grieving the loss of Boelman and has no plans to open a new venue.
Zoom in: Simmons left the door open for future possibilities, telling Axios that he may open a club in Boelman's honor — but that's likely three to five years away.
Flashback: Spaghetti Works closed in March 2023, with its president blaming public perceptions of crime in the area for the closure.
- A plan by longtime businessman Larry Smithson to resurrect the former "Big Lars" party bar fell through in 2024 after it was opposed by some downtown residents and denied zoning that would have allowed it.
What's next: The Spaghetti Works building remains for sale.
- The city of DSM's Office of Economic Development has not been made aware of any recent interest in the building, city spokesperson Devin Perry tells Axios.