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Des Moines' best chicken tenders: Christopher's

Christopher's is the place to stop for some unique tenders.

Things to Do

Listen, I&#x27;m not the type of person to order only chicken tenders when I go to a restaurant (unless it&#x27;s Raising Cane&#x27;s), but the Kim&#x27;s chicken tenders ($14) at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christopher&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.christophersdsm.com/menu" data-vars-content-id="74d0ad2a-6e0f-4711-8107-b87b89f7b333" data-vars-headline="Des Moines&#x27; best chicken tenders: Christopher&#x27;s" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.christophersdsm.com/menu" target="_blank">Christopher&#x27;s</a> in Beaverdale have me feeling a certain type of way.What it is: Three chicken strips breaded in cornflakes, almonds, and the secret to what makes it unique — brown sugar.<ul><li>It&#x27;s served with a side of honey mustard sauce (arguably better than ranch.)</li></ul>What I liked: As a sweet and savory lover, the sweeter breading won me over, balancing out the saltiness of the chicken. If you&#x27;re a fan of chicken nuggets and honey, this is the dish for you.<ul><li>Texturally, the cornflakes and almonds gave the strips a nice crisp and crunchy exterior.</li></ul>If you go: 5-10pm Monday-Thursday; 5-11pm Friday-Saturday; 2816 Beaver Ave., Des Moines.

Tall plants along Fleur Drive tied to a $150K traffic settlement

Oversized vegetation in the street's median contributed to a crash, according to a lawsuit.

News

The Des Moines City Council agreed this week to pay $150,000 to settle a lawsuit claiming that plants in the medians along Fleur Drive contributed to an accident that injured a motorcyclist.Why it matters: The payout highlights how routine <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="streetscape decisions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/09/grant-street-diet-projects-desmoines-pedestrians" data-vars-content-id="caa1cfa4-dc98-4427-aa4c-a3ea5554b7b3" data-vars-headline="Tall plants along Fleur Drive tied to a $150K traffic settlement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/09/grant-street-diet-projects-desmoines-pedestrians" target="_self">streetscape decisions</a> can expose cities to liability risks.

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge visitor center will be cut in half

The refuge center was damaged by severe hail in 2024.

The visitor center at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/neal-smith" data-vars-content-id="d82f67fa-fb31-4374-acc8-afbd66b39c22" data-vars-headline="Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge visitor center will be cut in half" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/neal-smith" target="_blank">Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge</a> near Prairie City is set to be downsized following storm damage in 2024, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to a draft federal planning document" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fws.gov/media/draft-compatibility-determination-nls-ee-multitype" data-vars-content-id="d82f67fa-fb31-4374-acc8-afbd66b39c22" data-vars-headline="Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge visitor center will be cut in half" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fws.gov/media/draft-compatibility-determination-nls-ee-multitype" target="_blank">according to a draft federal planning document</a>.Why it matters: The visitor center is the main hub for environmental education and programming at the refuge, which draws thousands of students and visitors annually.

Dave's Hot Chicken and Bonchon opening in West Des Moines

Here are the latest restaurants opening and closing in the Des Moines area.

Food and Drink

Here are some of the latest restaurants that are opening, closing, or making moves across the metro.

Iowa small businesses feel tariff squeeze

Shop owners say thin margins make tariff swings hard to absorb.

Business

Iowa business owners say they started feeling the pain of tariffs last year, and this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Supreme Court ruling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-illegal" data-vars-content-id="3a7ac880-de0c-4a87-a12c-3cd6ef6e8235" data-vars-headline="Iowa small businesses feel tariff squeeze" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-illegal" target="_self">Supreme Court ruling</a> hasn&#x27;t brought any clarity for the future.Why it matters: Small business owners say their profit margins are too small to absorb tariff-related price shocks, making planning for the future difficult.

Casey's CEO says oil volatility isn't hurting demand

Retail gas rose 30 cents, but prices remain in the low $3 range.

Casey&#x27;s CEO Darren Rebelez isn&#x27;t too worried about the recent oil market volatility tied to Iran, noting the company has weathered similar challenges before, and usually comes out ahead.The big picture: Casey&#x27;s retail fuel prices jumped roughly 30 cents per gallon following recent geopolitical events, but they are still sitting in the low $3 range, which Rebelez noted is 30 cents below where prices stood when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

These 3 Valley Junction businesses are expanding

Despite tariffs and economic uncertainties facing Valley Junction business owners, several shops are expanding.

Despite tariffs and economic uncertainties facing Valley Junction business owners, several shops are expanding their footprint and adding new features to their storefronts.The big picture: At least three businesses are expanding right now, and another, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tulip Bloom Boutique" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573818149247" data-vars-content-id="abb7ccb7-680e-4148-a6a7-a6f92c0f4c6a" data-vars-headline="These 3 Valley Junction businesses are expanding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573818149247" target="_blank">Tulip Bloom Boutique</a>, already doubled its footprint earlier this year.🌮 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="La Michoacána Mexican Groceries" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/LaMichoacanaMGroceries?__cft__[0]=AZbVHtb9s3XA3jIruMyQzhQU5QDH3ImzjNtcQNP5NNZOnC_WR18Bovl0BI2WPEnObr9hTxX4mOWhc829MtT5krdlUMDSMrt8ZQfffadiZZPcSCPCG7M_NusoGSQcga4rPp17H-WVTpILHJpLwt0CWcxyHK2kvvUyL-VGt4496IADC6jKsrmzIOk81MuHzPlcrIseoxiKQb9py7zdP2HTbulfnHYTBXlTIIz1Ill01UcbY2vHCVThn3lf4DmI7Jiy2nY&amp;__tn__=-UC%2CP-R" data-vars-content-id="abb7ccb7-680e-4148-a6a7-a6f92c0f4c6a" data-vars-headline="These 3 Valley Junction businesses are expanding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/LaMichoacanaMGroceries?__cft__[0]=AZbVHtb9s3XA3jIruMyQzhQU5QDH3ImzjNtcQNP5NNZOnC_WR18Bovl0BI2WPEnObr9hTxX4mOWhc829MtT5krdlUMDSMrt8ZQfffadiZZPcSCPCG7M_NusoGSQcga4rPp17H-WVTpILHJpLwt0CWcxyHK2kvvUyL-VGt4496IADC6jKsrmzIOk81MuHzPlcrIseoxiKQb9py7zdP2HTbulfnHYTBXlTIIz1Ill01UcbY2vHCVThn3lf4DmI7Jiy2nY&amp;__tn__=-UC%2CP-R" target="_blank">La Michoacána Mexican Groceries</a> — The longtime popular grocery store and restaurant is building an addition in the back and expanding its kitchen to offer more foods and seating for customers, says Andres Castro, whose family owns the store.<ul><li>The 21-year-old shop is getting a major expansion, adding 1,708 square feet to its current 988-square-foot space.</li><li>The menu will grow too, with more breakfast items among the additions, Castro says.</li><li>&quot;We love the whole street. Just the whole vibe about it,&quot; he says. &quot;We lived here all our lives, my whole family.&quot;</li></ul><figure><img alt="Shop window of Five Monkeys Inc art studio with neon sign shaped like a yellow palette and text, displaying ceramic pieces and a rainbow heart decoration inside." height="3024" id="9d36a1ab-8eec-4480-96e0-466e3e478c22" src="https://images.axios.com/uydP-MrRmfBBCcbr1zCSt8J_6Ks=/2026/03/09/1773017029497.jpeg" width="4032" srcset="https://images.axios.com/1izT2uqiQJE9SdstqWzIdFijxOw=/0x0:4032x3024/1920x1440/2026/03/09/1773017029497.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/oQTQZ8x2FgV3FgzNmqkag0A7ruc=/0x0:4032x3024/1600x1200/2026/03/09/1773017029497.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/77GzVnSbFKAlb8nNk0t7UkkRJyc=/0x0:4032x3024/1366x1024/2026/03/09/1773017029497.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/da9rjp5oKCR2cvgYTeu6KW6auUM=/0x0:4032x3024/1024x768/2026/03/09/1773017029497.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/hElTptq8ykoSQAEa6VH2h6bBaQc=/0x0:4032x3024/768x576/2026/03/09/1773017029497.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/zuuHz0H6CzLj4IEnAcsQNv1Ac8Y=/0x0:4032x3024/640x480/2026/03/09/1773017029497.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/5TTz-p4rN2edTzdJln_8I17wHSI=/0x0:4032x3024/320x240/2026/03/09/1773017029497.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>Five Monkeys Inc. storefront. Photo: Linh Ta/Axios</figcaption></figure>🎨 Five Monkeys Inc. — The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="paint-your-own pottery studio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fivemonkeysinc.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorhPba6ohsTM2GcOLelXOtq7I4sHI2PakQwvAmXcuvjrwD6KxKG" data-vars-content-id="abb7ccb7-680e-4148-a6a7-a6f92c0f4c6a" data-vars-headline="These 3 Valley Junction businesses are expanding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fivemonkeysinc.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorhPba6ohsTM2GcOLelXOtq7I4sHI2PakQwvAmXcuvjrwD6KxKG" target="_blank">paint-your-own pottery studio</a> already doubled its space in 2024, but owner Dina Bechman is ready to grow even more with the opening of a fused glass studio.<ul><li>Bechman, who enjoys creating her <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="own fused glass projects" data-vars-click-url="https://moltenworksglass.com/what-the-heck-is-glass-fusing" data-vars-content-id="abb7ccb7-680e-4148-a6a7-a6f92c0f4c6a" data-vars-headline="These 3 Valley Junction businesses are expanding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://moltenworksglass.com/what-the-heck-is-glass-fusing" target="_blank">own fused glass projects</a>, is expanding into the former Quill &amp; Nib store next door.</li><li>While Bechman&#x27;s pottery studio attracts a lot of newcomers and special occasion visits, she wants the glass studio to be a hangout space for creatives to learn from each other.</li><li>When it opens, she will operate almost 5,000 square feet. An open house for the new studio is March 22.</li></ul>🥩 BW Outdoors — When Marshall Porter and his business partner, Mike Busch, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opened BW Outdoors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.getbwoutdoors.com/" data-vars-content-id="abb7ccb7-680e-4148-a6a7-a6f92c0f4c6a" data-vars-headline="These 3 Valley Junction businesses are expanding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.getbwoutdoors.com/" target="_blank">opened BW Outdoors</a> over two years ago, there wasn&#x27;t a place in Des Moines where someone passionate about outdoor cooking could walk in and get expertise.<ul><li>Now, after operating out of a 1,000-square-foot space, the store is expanding and moving next door into a larger shop at 509 and 511 Elm St.</li><li>With the expanded space, one side will be dedicated to barbecue supply and the other to outdoor kitchens and patios, where they&#x27;ll help customers build out their kitchens, including countertops, storage and infrared heaters.</li><li>A customer appreciation event in the new space is planned for May 1.</li></ul>

As festivals fill Des Moines streets, restaurants feel the pinch

One restaurant owner says he loses five figures in weekend sales when streets close.

Frequent weekend street closures for downtown Des Moines festivals cut into nearby restaurants&#x27; most profitable hours and are worsening <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an already difficult time" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/02/06/des-moines-restaurants-closing-fast-economy" data-vars-content-id="e1f43d6c-d3f7-49f8-b853-b092b9023bc3" data-vars-headline="As festivals fill Des Moines streets, restaurants feel the pinch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/02/06/des-moines-restaurants-closing-fast-economy" target="_self">an already difficult time</a> for table-service spots, managers of several businesses tell Axios.Why it matters: Festivals are meant to boost downtown vitality and foot traffic, but if that activity doesn&#x27;t translate into restaurant sales, the city could be trading year-round businesses for occasional events.

Downtown's Davidson Bros. building to be restored

The $7.4 million project is expected to be finished next year.

A $7.4 million renovation of the Davidson Bros. Company Warehouse and Manufacturing Building in downtown Des Moines is expected to begin in the coming months, developer Jeff Stanbrough tells Axios.Why it matters: The nearly 125-year-old building is one of the remaining anchors in the former industrial district, according to documents that helped lead to its recent addition to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Register of Historic Places" data-vars-click-url="https://cms2.revize.com/revize/desmoines/011724%20Staff%20Report%20Packet.pdf#page=10" data-vars-content-id="d93aef9c-ce4e-4cbb-adc2-d0230bd1c7d8" data-vars-headline="Downtown&#x27;s Davidson Bros. building to be restored" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cms2.revize.com/revize/desmoines/011724%20Staff%20Report%20Packet.pdf#page=10" target="_blank">National Register of Historic Places</a>.

Scoops by Beth marks Highland Park's sweet comeback

The ice cream shop is among the new eateries and housing projects in the area.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Scoops by Beth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2022/11/18/pints-by-beth-ice-cream-shop-highland-park-des-moines" data-vars-content-id="a524d9a5-e816-46e2-869b-8e16aa785f48" data-vars-headline="Scoops by Beth marks Highland Park&#x27;s sweet comeback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2022/11/18/pints-by-beth-ice-cream-shop-highland-park-des-moines" target="_self">Scoops by Beth</a> opens in Des Moines&#x27; Highland Park Business District on Saturday.Why it matters: The ice cream shop is another sign of the district&#x27;s comeback, powered by small, locally owned businesses and eateries.

Iowa lawmakers push data center transparency

A new bill would require public reports on data center water and energy use.

Iowa lawmakers want to know exactly how much water and energy the state&#x27;s booming data center industry is consuming.Why it matters: Iowa has become a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="magnet for data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/04/28/the-midwest-s-data-center-boom" data-vars-content-id="9d900c93-9b79-4fd0-acab-a9e75eef0878" data-vars-headline="Iowa lawmakers push data center transparency" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/04/28/the-midwest-s-data-center-boom" target="_self">magnet for data centers</a>, but the infrastructure needed to power and cool these facilities puts pressure on the state&#x27;s electric grid and water supply, which can get passed on to homeowners.

Federal ruling fuels Iowa push to curb credit card "swipe fees"

Credit card companies could face a $1,000 fine per violation under an Iowa proposal.

Iowa business advocates who have long pushed to rein in credit card &quot;swipe fees&quot; say momentum is building after a federal judge last week upheld an Illinois law banning them on sales taxes and tips.Why it matters: The Illinois ruling fuels the Iowa effort and would be significant for the state&#x27;s hospitality sector, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shed 3,800 jobs last year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/02/06/des-moines-restaurants-closing-fast-economy" data-vars-content-id="a765b2bf-f98a-4b3a-b6cc-ca031b3b8516" data-vars-headline="Federal ruling fuels Iowa push to curb credit card &quot;swipe fees&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/02/06/des-moines-restaurants-closing-fast-economy" target="_self">shed 3,800 jobs last year</a>, Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association, tells Axios.

Des Moines to buy first home under new housing strategy

It marks the start of a massive, long-term effort to demolish or improve entire city blocks.

Des Moines City Council unanimously approved the first property acquisition tied to its new citywide housing strategy this week.Why it matters: The home at 1656 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway marks the start of a massive, long-term effort to demolish or improve entire city blocks, home to thousands of neglected houses that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="have been called &quot;an albatross.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/02/13/redeveloping-blocks-house-eminent-domain-czb" data-vars-content-id="0740e30c-f721-4ec7-9d2a-613d791bd07e" data-vars-headline="Des Moines to buy first home under new housing strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/02/13/redeveloping-blocks-house-eminent-domain-czb" target="_self">have been called &quot;an albatross.&quot;</a>

Kwik Star plans new West Des Moines location

The new 9,000-square-foot store would open off Valley West Drive.

Kwik Star plans to build a new convenience store at Westown Parkway and Valley West Drive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="at the former Iowa Realty site" data-vars-click-url="https://www.loopnet.com/property/3501-westown-pky-west-des-moines-ia-50266/19153-32004882602000/" data-vars-content-id="dbfa634e-1367-4b50-aefe-b50520b4d136" data-vars-headline="Kwik Star plans new West Des Moines location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.loopnet.com/property/3501-westown-pky-west-des-moines-ia-50266/19153-32004882602000/" target="_blank">at the former Iowa Realty site</a>, according to West Des Moines city officials.State of play: The company has proposed demolishing the existing building and constructing a 9,100-square-foot convenience store with eight gas pumps at the northwest corner of the intersection.

Latest news on Wall Street, Corporate America and financial regulation.

Business 🏦

Iowa small businesses feel tariff squeeze

Casey's CEO says oil volatility isn't hurting demand

These 3 Valley Junction businesses are expanding

As festivals fill Des Moines streets, restaurants feel the pinch

Downtown's Davidson Bros. building to be restored