Explore These 6 DSM Businesses This Spring

Greater Des Moines (DSM) is among one of the fastest-growing Midwest cities and with that there are new and exciting businesses popping up everywhere! Speaking with my friends and coworkers almost always leads to conversations about either a new restaurant to try or suggestions of a local DSM spot to check out. As someone who loves to try new things, I have learned about some new restaurants opening this spring that everyone should put on their list to try! In addition, some new non-food businesses are opening that will offer fun for families with children of all ages.

What’s New in Greater Des Moines

Blue Zoo

With a pending official opening date, the aquarium franchise, Blue Zoo, is coming to DSM within the Jordan Creek area in West Des Moines. As most locations span anywhere from 17,000-23,000 square feet, this large aquarium will feature interactive exhibits for families with children of all ages. Families can expect exhibits displaying and educating about ocean life, scuba divers swimming with sharks, live pirate and mermaid shows, touch-and-feel stingray exhibits, interactions with reptiles and more! See the mermaids in training here!

Stay up-to-date by following them on Facebook and Instagram.

Wilson’s Orchard and Farm Expanding to Des Moines

Wilson’s Orchard and Farm, originating in Iowa City, has purchased 115 acres in Cumming, Iowa. As fifth-generation farmers, they are passionate about connecting Iowans with their food, educating others about where their food comes from and providing unprocessed whole foods to the DSM community. They are currently putting the finishing touches on a restaurant under construction and will source all their food and ingredients locally, tying everything together with a “from-scratch” bakery utilizing many fruits and berries from their farm. They will be open year-round with plenty of “you-pick” options including fruit trees, berry patches, corn fields, pumpkin patches, flower fields and some wild prairie added back in as well. In addition, their farm will host 30 acres for their livestock to happily graze!

Stay up to date on the orchard’s progress via their Facebook and Instagram.

Middlebrook Meadow Agrihood Expansion

As a part of the agrihood developing in Cumming, Iowa, the Middlebrook Meadow will be an exciting addition to DSM trails, opening to the public in 2024! As one of the many amenities the agrihood will boast, this meadow will span over 50 acres and host many of the Wilson’s Orchard livestock pastures, a new pond and feature walking trails serving as a connector between the Middlebrook agrihood, the Great Western Bike Trail and the Wilson Orchard.

For updates about the meadow and other Middlebrook festivities you can visit Middlebrook on Facebook and Instagram.

New Restaurants Coming to Greater Des Moines

As DSM continues to grow, so does the local restaurant selection. The region is welcoming a second Home Grown location that will open off Jordan Creek Parkway this month in West Des Moines. K-Pot Korean BBG and Hot Pot, will be taking over the former Wahlburgers location off of Mills Civic Parkway. They will be offering a fusion of Asian hot pot with Korean BBQ with a variety of meat, seafood, and vegetarian options. To top things off, a fine dining experience, Prime and Providence, will be opening this month off S. 60th St. in West Des Moines offering steak, seafood and an oyster bar. They will cook their food over an open hearth overseen by Chef Dominic Iannerelli, the owner and former executive chef of Des Moines’ Splash Seafood and Jethro’s BBQ.

With the #7 Lowest Cost of Living in the U.S. and a Top Metro for Number of Economic Development Projects (among metros with a population of 200,000 to 1 million), Greater Des Moines (DSM) is a region where you can have it all. Learn more about what it’s like to live here.