New brewery, restaurant coming to downtown
Something big is brewing in downtown Des Moines.
Eastern Iowa’s Big Grove Brewery confirmed Tuesday that it plans to open a Des Moines location in the eastern half of the Crescent Chevrolet building at 555 17th St. in May 2022. It said construction likely will begin this summer or in early fall.
Big Grove hopes to be a focal point of an “eatertainment” hub where Sherman Hill borders downtown’s Western Gateway. Proposed by Krause+, the development arm of the Des Moines-based Kum & Go convenience stores chain, it is part of the developer’s larger $550 million plan to transform a broad swath of downtown Des Moines’ west side, including a USL Championship league soccer stadium, apartments, shopping, offices and hotels.
More:What’s included in Krause’s plan for a downtown Des Moines soccer stadium?
“We have always envisioned the ‘Crescent block’ to include an ‘eatertainment’ venue consisting of music, food and a brewery. This is a successful Iowa brewing scene — Des Moines is becoming a destination for craft beer and brewing,” Jerry Haberman, president of Krause+, said in a news release.
“I’m thrilled by our growth and bringing the magic of Big Grove to Des Moines. It is a perfect next step,” Doug Goettsch, co-founder of Big Grove, said in the release.
If all goes as planned, the 12,000 square-foot eastern half of the Crescent Chevrolet building will house both the taproom and a 15-barrel brewery, which will brew experimental beers not found at the Big Grove’s Solon or Iowa City locations. Big Grove plans to add a 12,000-14,000-square-foot patio that wraps around the south and east sides of the building, flocked in trees and greenery to create an urban oasis with prime views of the downtown skyline.
Related:Exclusive: Big Grove Brewery’s big redevelopment goals could change how you see west end of downtown Des Moines
The Des Moines location will offer a diverse menu created by executive chef Benjamin Smart, with a particular emphasis on healthy meals that pair well with beer.
“We’re looking at big, bold flavors, definitely,” said Smart. “International vibes, things that are just kind of in your face that go really well with beer.”
Also on Tuesday, it announced plans to release Squeeze Hard Seltzers, a line of hard seltzers, in four flavors ahead of the 2021 Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa July 25-31.
More:‘It feels like things are back’: RAGBRAI pre-ride starts countdown to ride’s return
The Des Moines Register previously reported that compared to craft beer meccas across the United States, like Colorado Springs, Colorado, Des Moines has plenty of room for growth in the brewery industry.
“We’re trying to work hard to put Iowa on the map,” said Janelle Buxton, marketing manager of Big Grove, which plans to open a downtown Cedar Rapids location in 2023.
Goettsch and partners Matt and Faye Swift started Big Grove in 2013 in Solon. It expanded to Iowa City in 2017 and has grown into a brewery with statewide distribution and almost 250 employees.
Elle Wignall covers dining for the Register. Reach her at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @ElleWignallDMR.
