Des Moines

Picture of the Des Moines skyline with DSM written across it.

blue

Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporters Jason Clayworth and Linh Ta.

Axios Des Moines Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Axios Des Moines Deep Dive

Deep Dive

Axios Des Moines Partners

Axios Des Moines

Standard

Des Moines Members

Membership

New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents

The demographic shift could deepen Iowa's labor and care gaps.

News

Iowa lost more than 41,000 people ages 45–64 since 2020 — a group central to the state&#x27;s workforce, tax base, and caregiving system.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iowa is losing experienced workers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/12/06/iowa-nursing-home-crisis-staffing-shortages-fines" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/12/06/iowa-nursing-home-crisis-staffing-shortages-fines" target="_self">Iowa is losing experienced workers</a> and caregivers just as its aging population needs more of both.By the numbers: Iowa&#x27;s 45–64 population fell 5.3% — from about 778,900 in April 2020 to 737,300 in July 2025 — according to an Axios analysis of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Census Bureau" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-detail.html" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-detail.html" target="_blank">U.S. Census Bureau</a> estimates released last month.<ul><li>The decline was larger than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the national decrease" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/gen-x-population-shrinking-taxes-economy" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/gen-x-population-shrinking-taxes-economy" target="_self">the national decrease</a> of 3.2% but smaller than the Midwest&#x27;s 6.2% drop.</li><li>Meanwhile, Iowa&#x27;s population age 65 and older grew 13.1%, to nearly 650,000.</li><li>The number of Iowans younger than 18 fell 3%, while the state&#x27;s overall population grew 1.5%, to nearly 3.24 million people.</li></ul><div><figure><div id="av-hermesv2/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s--OU1PE" style="max-width:100%" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="axios-visual" data-vars-asset-id="av-hermesv2/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s--OU1PE" data-vars-iframe-src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s-/index.html" class="gtmView"><img alt="A bar chart that shows U.S. population change by age group from 2020 to 2025. Adults 65 and older grew the most, up 16.2%. Ages 25 to 44 rose 5.7% and ages 18 to 24 increased 3.2%. Under 18 fell 2.4%, while ages 45 to 64 declined 3.2%." class="axios-visual-newsletter-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s-/fallbacks/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s--fallback.png" width="1200" height="420"/><img alt="A bar chart that shows U.S. population change by age group from 2020 to 2025. Adults 65 and older grew the most, up 16.2%. Ages 25 to 44 rose 5.7% and ages 18 to 24 increased 3.2%. Under 18 fell 2.4%, while ages 45 to 64 declined 3.2%." class="axios-visual-apple-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s-/fallbacks/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s--apple.png" width="750" height="466"/></div><figcaption>Data: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2025 population estimates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/vintage-2025-pop-estimates.html" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/vintage-2025-pop-estimates.html" target="_blank">U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2025 population estimates</a>; Chart: Russell Contreras/Axios</figcaption></figure></div>The big picture: The 45–64 cohort includes most of Generation X and the youngest baby boomers, many of whom are retiring faster than younger generations are replacing them.<ul><li>Iowa&#x27;s median age increased from 38.6 in 2020 to 39.3 in 2025.</li><li>About 20% of Iowans are now 65 or older, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Census QuickFacts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/IA/AGE775221" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/IA/AGE775221" target="_blank">Census QuickFacts</a>.</li></ul>State of play: Iowa has already struggled to find enough workers, a longtime economic constraint compounded by young college graduates leaving the state.<ul><li>Economists have linked the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sluggish economic growth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/07/iowa-economy-gdp-economic-decline-agriculture" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/07/iowa-economy-gdp-economic-decline-agriculture" target="_self">sluggish economic growth</a> to workforce shortages and demographic headwinds.</li><li>Iowa was also recently ranked among the states with the highest outbound moving rates, potentially further shrinking its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="future workforce and tax base" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/01/06/iowa-moving-population-losing-migration" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/01/06/iowa-moving-population-losing-migration" target="_self">future workforce and tax base</a>.</li></ul>Zoom in: Older Iowans are helping fill the gap. Iowa had the nation&#x27;s second-highest share of residents age <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="65 and older still working" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/31/iowa-oldest-workforce-retirement-age" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/31/iowa-oldest-workforce-retirement-age" target="_self">65 and older still working</a> in 2023, at 23.9%.Yes, but: Relying on people to work later may become less sustainable as more residents require care themselves.<ul><li>Iowa lost more than 250 health care facilities between 2008 and 2023, including elder-care and home-health providers, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2024 report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/11/iowa-health-care-access-closures" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/11/iowa-health-care-access-closures" target="_self">2024 report</a>.</li><li>The state&#x27;s nursing home system has also faced persistent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="staff shortages and facility closures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/12/06/iowa-nursing-home-crisis-staffing-shortages-fines" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/12/06/iowa-nursing-home-crisis-staffing-shortages-fines" target="_self">staff shortages and facility closures</a>.</li></ul>The bottom line: Iowa&#x27;s overall population is still growing, but the shrinking ranks of its most experienced workers and caregivers could make the state&#x27;s existing labor, health care and budget challenges even harder to solve.

This Ankeny mom is opening a giant play cafe for kids, and coffee for adults

Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe will cater to all kids and parents alike.

Business

An Ankeny mom is opening an inclusive, kid-friendly cafe where their parents can connect (or disconnect) without helicoptering their kids.Why it matters: Megan Holtz was inspired to create a fun space for her 8-year-old son, Vinny, who has sensory processing disorder. Now she&#x27;s opening <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Whimsy &amp; Wonder Play Cafe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/whimsyandwonderplaycafe/" data-vars-content-id="5511c029-c47f-40ce-b2ae-945f05f978c3" data-vars-headline="This Ankeny mom is opening a giant play cafe for kids, and coffee for adults" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/whimsyandwonderplaycafe/" target="_blank">Whimsy &amp; Wonder Play Cafe</a> this fall, along with her husband, Mitch.

Des Moines police seek 80 more officers amid budget crisis

New studies say patrol officers are overwhelmed by calls.

Des Moines police say they need 80 more officers to keep calls from piling up.Why it matters: A police shortage is straining emergency response, but fixing it would require millions of dollars <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the cash-strapped city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/01/des-moines-public-feedback-budget-gap-library-cuts" data-vars-content-id="884f9385-60c1-4156-b956-21a50bbdce86" data-vars-headline="Des Moines police seek 80 more officers amid budget crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/01/des-moines-public-feedback-budget-gap-library-cuts" target="_self">the cash-strapped city</a> does not have.

Des Moines taps Gray's Lake to water plants

A $40 setup has enabled the city to preserve about 100,000 gallons of drinking water.

Des Moines parks crews are now pumping water from Gray&#x27;s Lake to irrigate trees, flower beds and planters across the city.Why it matters: It <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reduces demand" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/21/smart-sprinkler-pilot-draws-quick-des-moines-demand" data-vars-content-id="c16e1c96-e3a2-4da3-8a50-a3347294598f" data-vars-headline="Des Moines taps Gray&#x27;s Lake to water plants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/21/smart-sprinkler-pilot-draws-quick-des-moines-demand" target="_self">reduces demand</a> on the regional drinking water system.

Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro

From ice cream to Vietnamese coffee, there's a range of new dining spots.

Food and Drink

Des Moines&#x27; restaurant scene has hit a rough patch, where it seems like every week, a beloved joint announces that times are tough (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="which they are" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/02/06/des-moines-restaurants-closing-fast-economy" data-vars-content-id="0c51c8c6-f364-473e-bd9c-68e4b028eac9" data-vars-headline="Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro" 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">which they are</a>) and it&#x27;s time to close shop.<ul><li>So let&#x27;s talk about some places that are opening — or have already opened — that you should check out. (Eat local, friends.) </li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Home Sweet Cone — (Ingersoll)</h2><figure><img alt="Close-up of a pink ice cream cup with a blue cone logo and the text Home Sweet Cone, holding a scoop of chocolate ice cream with a white plastic spoon, outdoors with a blurred storefront." height="872" id="dad54da0-0c6a-4f31-8d29-d35f1521460e" src="https://images.axios.com/KEllBQnmtf7Q6NTPZYjKd-Wo_sk=/2026/07/15/1784151927357.png" width="1570"/><figcaption>Olive oil drizzle and salt flakes on chocolate ice cream from the Waukee location. Photo: Linh Ta/Axios</figcaption></figure>The ice cream shop, which has locations in Waukee and West Des Moines, is opening its third location in September at 2701 Ingersoll Ave. in the Star Lofts, per the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Business Record" data-vars-click-url="https://www.businessrecord.com/home-sweet-cones-sweet-expansion-into-des-moines/" data-vars-content-id="0c51c8c6-f364-473e-bd9c-68e4b028eac9" data-vars-headline="Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.businessrecord.com/home-sweet-cones-sweet-expansion-into-des-moines/" target="_blank">Business Record</a>.<ul><li>(Yes, we also dream of the salted Oreo flavor.)</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">The Breakfast Club (East Village)</h2><figure><img alt="Urban street scene with a modern building featuring large windows and a bright orange sign reading &quot;The Breakfast Club&quot; with a sun graphic. Pedestrians pass by and a silver car is parked in front." height="1872" id="66ff997a-7a8c-4a03-87fa-c7ae32f5041b" src="https://images.axios.com/hPDXbBcgNJUf7nQxzX-OZOp2IAU=/2026/07/03/1783095351743.jpeg" width="3330"/><figcaption>The Breakfast Club, · 418 E. Grand Ave. in Des Moines. Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios</figcaption></figure> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The brunch spot moved" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/07/breakfast-club-new-east-village-move-waukee" data-vars-content-id="0c51c8c6-f364-473e-bd9c-68e4b028eac9" data-vars-headline="Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/07/breakfast-club-new-east-village-move-waukee" target="_self">The brunch spot moved</a> from its original East Third Street storefront into a larger space at 418 E. Grand Ave. <ul><li>It also opened a location last month at Kettlestone Central in Waukee, expanding its suburban reach.</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Saigon Day Cafe &amp; Bakery (Clive)</h2><figure><img alt="Split image: left lounge with striped wood wall, round mirrors, and a long cushioned bench; right three iced drinks in clear cups with domed lids on a wooden table in a bright cafe." height="882" id="2e1ec712-eeeb-4d08-b050-9dd85d4e4768" src="https://images.axios.com/4VupyLV4nEAnRxMqOtx517WbU2o=/2026/07/15/1784152408499.png" width="1568" srcset="https://images.axios.com/Wi_4Tja1mDaut7eljwsc8Z0qQBo=/0x0:1568x882/1920x1080/2026/07/15/1784152408499.png?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/5ndHdIxar_Wm6i_DTW310ecpplg=/0x0:1568x882/1600x900/2026/07/15/1784152408499.png?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/DbwuVHKBp2ZVASUkBwfSJG3PEXQ=/0x0:1568x882/1366x768/2026/07/15/1784152408499.png?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/tQmEvuQcuL2vYO939RwQMoDbJbU=/0x0:1568x882/1024x576/2026/07/15/1784152408499.png?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/uzYfNChCnYQGYYsSc1sNPDHsWzE=/0x0:1568x882/768x432/2026/07/15/1784152408499.png?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/_D8xwvQRSAmB3Mqf9Kt-kHzPjSI=/0x0:1568x882/640x360/2026/07/15/1784152408499.png?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/PAPVccmy3ciez0yW3ytfKJOjYac=/0x0:1568x882/320x180/2026/07/15/1784152408499.png?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>The inside of Saigon Day Cafe &amp; Bakery and coffees and a matcha. Photos: Linh Ta/Axios</figcaption></figure> Opened by a niece-aunt duo, offering a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="full menu of Vietnamese coffees" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/02/saigon-day-cafe-bakery-vietnamese-coffee-des-moines" data-vars-content-id="0c51c8c6-f364-473e-bd9c-68e4b028eac9" data-vars-headline="Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/02/saigon-day-cafe-bakery-vietnamese-coffee-des-moines" target="_self">full menu of Vietnamese coffees</a>, including cà phê muối (salted coffee) and cà phê trứng (egg coffee), off University Boulevard near Taste of Italy.More openings we&#x27;re hyped about:🍾 Cuvée (downtown) — A Champagne lounge and tapas bar is opening at the former Café Madeleine location, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Register reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/07/14/cuvee-champagne-lounge-cafe-madeleine-downtown-des-moines-restaurants/90829313007/" data-vars-content-id="0c51c8c6-f364-473e-bd9c-68e4b028eac9" data-vars-headline="Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/07/14/cuvee-champagne-lounge-cafe-madeleine-downtown-des-moines-restaurants/90829313007/" target="_blank">the Register reports</a>.<ul><li>The lounge is being opened by Chef David Baruthio&#x27;s former sommelier. It&#x27;s planned to open in late summer.</li></ul>🍨 Nothing Major (downtown) — Nick Tillinghast, owner of Hello, Marjorie and Secret Admirer, is rebranding and moving his speakeasy into a new cocktail bar and ice cream parlor. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Planned for this summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/04/24/owner-of-hello-marjorie-opening-another-bar-in-downtowns-equitable-building" data-vars-content-id="0c51c8c6-f364-473e-bd9c-68e4b028eac9" data-vars-headline="Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/04/24/owner-of-hello-marjorie-opening-another-bar-in-downtowns-equitable-building" target="_self">Planned for this summer</a>.🍣 Osaka (West Des Moines) — A sushi and Japanese takeout spot at 640 S. 50th St. offering nigiri, onigiri, matcha and protein smoothies. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Japanese-owned shop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/osaka_ia/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="0c51c8c6-f364-473e-bd9c-68e4b028eac9" data-vars-headline="Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/osaka_ia/?hl=en" target="_blank">The Japanese-owned shop</a> opened in May.🍸 T12 Distillery (Valley Junction) — T12 Distillery, which founder Scott Turczynski began in fall 2022, took over Foundry Distilling&#x27;s former space at 111 S. 11th St. in late May, per the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Business Record" data-vars-click-url="https://www.businessrecord.com/t12-distillery-finds-home-in-valley-junction/" data-vars-content-id="0c51c8c6-f364-473e-bd9c-68e4b028eac9" data-vars-headline="Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.businessrecord.com/t12-distillery-finds-home-in-valley-junction/" target="_blank">Business Record</a>.<ul><li>The name refers to the T12 vertebra, which sits at the transition between the mid and lower back. Turczynski suffered a spinal cord injury after falling off a retaining wall.</li></ul>

First bite: The Breakfast Club's new East Village digs

Its downtown restaurant now has more space, and it has a new Waukee location.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Breakfast Club" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thebreakfastclubusa.com/" data-vars-content-id="c212936f-7da5-41bb-a884-6b0557e9d93d" data-vars-headline="First bite: The Breakfast Club&#x27;s new East Village digs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thebreakfastclubusa.com/" target="_blank">The Breakfast Club</a> has a new home in the East Village.Why it matters: The club has become one of the metro&#x27;s most visible brunch brands, and now there&#x27;s more room for its crowds.Driving the news: The restaurant moved from its original East Third Street location to a larger building across the street from Zombie Burger about a month ago.<ul><li>It also opened a location last month at Kettlestone Central in Waukee, 2285 Grand Prairie Parkway, expanding its suburban reach beyond its West Des Moines and Ankeny restaurants.</li></ul><figure><img alt="Urban street scene with a modern building featuring large windows and a bright orange sign reading &quot;The Breakfast Club&quot; with a sun graphic. Pedestrians pass by and a silver car is parked in front." height="1872" id="66ff997a-7a8c-4a03-87fa-c7ae32f5041b" src="https://images.axios.com/hPDXbBcgNJUf7nQxzX-OZOp2IAU=/2026/07/03/1783095351743.jpeg" width="3330"/><figcaption>The Breakfast Club&#x27;s new spot in the East Village. Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios</figcaption></figure>On the menu: Many of the favorites — a mix of comfort food and novelty breakfast items, including pancake tacos, breakfast burritos, chicken and waffles, loaded hash browns, omelets, French toast, and brunch cocktails.<ul><li>Fans of the old space will recognize its bright, playful décor.</li></ul>On my plate: I split the Strawberry Shortcake Waffle ($15) with my hubby because nobody needs that many carbs and sugar. With the side of bacon we ordered and our coffee, it was the perfect portion.<ul><li>It came with lemon mousse, strawberries and whipped cream — sweet, bright and delicious.</li></ul>If you go: The Breakfast Club East Village is open daily from 6am to 2:30pm.<ul><li>418 E. Grand Ave. in DSM</li></ul>

Vietnamese coffee culture comes to Des Moines

The new coffee shop offers a full menu of Vietnamese coffees.

A new cafe in Clive is bringing Vietnamese coffee culture and a taste of Saigon&#x27;s street life to the Des Moines metro.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Saigon Day Cafe &amp; Bakery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/saigondaydsm" data-vars-content-id="c581af4e-94a8-4c84-b4f8-3a62a964488d" data-vars-headline="Vietnamese coffee culture comes to Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/saigondaydsm" target="_blank">Saigon Day Cafe &amp; Bakery</a>, opened by a niece-aunt duo, is offering a full menu of Vietnamese coffees, including cà phê muối (a salted coffee) and cà phê trứng (a creamy egg coffee), off University Boulevard near Taste of Italy.

A new analysis questions Iowans devotion to eating corn

An Instacart analysis shows fewer Iowans are ordering corn.

<figure><img alt="US map showing state-by-state percent difference in corn orders on Instacart; yellow indicates more corn, gray indicates less, with the title at top reading &quot;Not Your Midwest Corn&quot;." height="1166" id="27b2cbaf-1cd8-4149-8044-efc589204bcb" src="https://images.axios.com/1W-7RDhNU2gPXdhqyy0kdVMcJOY=/2026/06/23/1782239243005.png" width="1384"/><figcaption>Map: Courtesy of Instacart</figcaption></figure>There&#x27;s nothing like gnawing on a buttery corn cob in the summer, but a new Instacart analysis is questioning Iowans&#x27; passion for the grain, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="noting we&#x27;re 37% less likely" data-vars-click-url="https://company.instacart.com/data-trends/sweet-corn-stone-fruit-and-strong-opinions-what-instacart-orders-reveal-about-america-s-summer-produce-season" data-vars-content-id="f010b99b-7c35-4825-8f67-a5754ccd2b84" data-vars-headline="A new analysis questions Iowans devotion to eating corn" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://company.instacart.com/data-trends/sweet-corn-stone-fruit-and-strong-opinions-what-instacart-orders-reveal-about-america-s-summer-produce-season" target="_blank">noting we&#x27;re 37% less likely</a> than the rest of the country to order corn through the app.What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;Turns out corn on Instacart is a New England thing, not a Midwest thing.&quot;

Casey's plans to add 400 new stores over next 3 years

The Ankeny-based company is becoming one of the nation's largest convenience stores.

Casey&#x27;s says it plans to add 400 stores over the next three years, doubling down on the rural and suburban markets that helped turn the Ankeny-based chain into one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nation&#x27;s largest convenience retailers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/12/caseys-grew-a-lot-including-its-gas-profit-margins" data-vars-content-id="2f9a173b-0cbc-49e3-a88d-60f8013f9aca" data-vars-headline="Casey&#x27;s plans to add 400 new stores over next 3 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/12/caseys-grew-a-lot-including-its-gas-profit-margins" target="_self">nation&#x27;s largest convenience retailers</a>.Driving the news: The company&#x27;s &quot;sweet spot&quot; is communities of under 20,000 people, where competition is thinner and its combination of gas, groceries and food gives it an edge, CEO Darren Rebelez shared during an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="investor presentation" data-vars-click-url="https://investor.caseys.com/static-files/282c53ca-5901-433f-bda2-730dc4bd84b9" data-vars-content-id="2f9a173b-0cbc-49e3-a88d-60f8013f9aca" data-vars-headline="Casey&#x27;s plans to add 400 new stores over next 3 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://investor.caseys.com/static-files/282c53ca-5901-433f-bda2-730dc4bd84b9" target="_blank">investor presentation</a> on Wednesday.

New Filipino coffee shop opening in Des Moines' East Village

The coffee pop-up has found a brick-and-mortar home.

Seven siblings are opening <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Grounded" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/groundedbythecollective/" data-vars-content-id="b028836d-b25f-4f37-8c96-6de15e654458" data-vars-headline="New Filipino coffee shop opening in Des Moines&#x27; East Village" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/groundedbythecollective/" target="_blank">Grounded</a>, a new coffee shop in the East Village, featuring Filipino flavors they grew up loving.Why it matters: As brands like Starbucks and Trader Joe&#x27;s flood the market with Filipino <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ube flavors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/03/09/ubes-surging-popularity-challenges-filipino-supply-chain" data-vars-content-id="b028836d-b25f-4f37-8c96-6de15e654458" data-vars-headline="New Filipino coffee shop opening in Des Moines&#x27; East Village" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/03/09/ubes-surging-popularity-challenges-filipino-supply-chain" target="_blank">ube flavors</a>, this immigrant-owned shop wants to share their traditions with other Iowans.

A new Mexican meat market is opening in Des Moines

Cerro Grande Meat Market is opening in July.

A family meat market with roots stretching back generations in Mexico is opening this summer at 2517 Hubbell Ave. in Des Moines.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cerro Grande Meat Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/CerroGrandeMeatMarket" data-vars-content-id="fb325f0e-78e8-4094-ab42-71c5e334846d" data-vars-headline="A new Mexican meat market is opening in Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/CerroGrandeMeatMarket" target="_blank">Cerro Grande Meat Market</a> aims to offer products not found at your typical grocery meat counter. It will sell Latino and Mexican specialty cuts, rotating seasonal sausages and ready-to-cook foods.

We tried West Des Moines' Dave's Hot Chicken

The hot chicken chain opened its second metro location.

Linh here. Dave&#x27;s Hot Chicken, a popular Nashville hot chicken chain, opened its second metro location over in West Des Moines, and I decided to try it to see if it&#x27;s as spicy as its namesake.What I got: A hot chicken sliders meal with fries ($14.50). There&#x27;s a spectrum of heat levels, ranging from zero spice to its Reaper heat, which requires a waiver.

Pie Bird Pies bakery grows bigger

The popular pie bakery is looking into wholesale products.

For years, pie dough and flour took over Kristen Daily and her wife&#x27;s Drake neighborhood home as she worked to keep up with the growing demand for her business, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pie Bird Pies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/03/12/des-moines-pie-bird-pies-creators-business-blew-up-overnight" data-vars-content-id="811d416b-a6d7-44e2-a680-3be1e17d8221" data-vars-headline="Pie Bird Pies bakery grows bigger" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/03/12/des-moines-pie-bird-pies-creators-business-blew-up-overnight" target="_self">Pie Bird Pies</a>.Why it matters: After years of searching for a larger commercial kitchen, Daily learned that she doesn&#x27;t &quot;knead&quot; to look any further than her own backyard.

Bonchon opens its first Iowa location near Jordan Creek

The popular Korean fried chicken chain opened outside of Jordan Creek mall.

Things to Do

Linh here. I&#x27;m a huge Korean fried chicken fan. (Every Wednesday, you&#x27;ll find me at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Basic Bird for their $1 wing deal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/02/04/basic-bird-offers-dollar-wing-deal-every-wednesday" data-vars-content-id="b5a48473-aeca-47df-854a-ce67d0f18190" data-vars-headline="Bonchon opens its first Iowa location near Jordan Creek" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/02/04/basic-bird-offers-dollar-wing-deal-every-wednesday" target="_self">Basic Bird for their $1 wing deal</a>.)<ul><li>So when I saw that the popular Bonchon chain was opening just outside Jordan Creek mall, I was hyped to try it.</li></ul>

Food and Drink 🍽

Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro

First bite: The Breakfast Club's new East Village digs

Vietnamese coffee culture comes to Des Moines

A new analysis questions Iowans devotion to eating corn

Casey's plans to add 400 new stores over next 3 years