Why Des Moines' restaurants are closing fast
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A growing list of popular metro restaurants that have announced closures in recent months is likely to extend due to long-term workforce and economic pressures, Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association, tells Axios.
Why it matters: Restaurants are a major economic and cultural engine for the Des Moines metro — anchoring foot traffic, drawing tourism, creating first jobs, and shaping how people experience the region.
By the numbers: Iowa's overall workforce grew by more than 32,000 in 2025, but restaurants moved in the opposite direction, according to a Jan. 23 report from Iowa Workforce Development.
- Leisure and hospitality employment fell by 3,800 jobs, with the losses concentrated in the accommodations and food service industries, per the report.
- Nationally, food services and drinking places added 27,000 jobs in December, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports.
State of play: Django's announcement last week that it would permanently close on March 14 after nearly two decades downtown was the latest in a string of longtime restaurant closures.
- About two dozen other popular establishments also shut their doors in 2025, the Register reports.
Behind the scenes: Consumer behavior is shifting in ways that hurt restaurants, Dunker says.
- Foot traffic is down, partly because people are more cautious about spending amid economic uncertainty.
- Weight-loss drugs are curbing appetites and spending.
- Gen Z doesn't gather as frequently as some previous generations.
The intrigue: Dunker says big crowds do not always translate into big profits, and she predicts more unexpected closures.
What we're watching: Upcoming job reports, which can give insight into whether the industry slide is subsiding.