Business
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Why are Western Gateway Restaurants in Des Moines closing?
Americana and Django, two iconic Des Moines restaurants, are gone for good and they’re not alone. 600 restaurants in Iowa will be closing in 2026 and it’s because the challenges are too many to count. Scott Carlson, owner of The Craft Beer Tent, and Gilroy’s opens up about Americana’s closing. Increasing taxes, work from home,…
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Iowa eyesore becomes iconic spot. Meet the The Ingersoll fixer
The drive down Ingersoll avenue is a juxtaposition of new and trendy, but also rundown and gross. But this month, with the launch of The Ingersoll that brand is finally behind us. Steve Peters, co-owner of The Ingersoll, and CEO of VenuWorks describes the process of saving the building and bringing back to life the…
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Cyclists from everywhere are coming, but will the town capitalize?
20% of cyclists coming to Ankeny aren’t from Iowa. The economic potential cyclists bring is estimated to be in the billions, but currently each stay only brings $250 in economic activity. Derek Lord, Ankeny economic development director explains the retail and business opportunity accommodate the massive and untapped revenue potential. Will retailers answer the call?…
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Tax pro to Iowa business owners: do this in 2026
As 2026 ushers in sweeping tax reforms for business owners, CPA Ann Hartz, founder of Ann Hartz CPA in Des Moines, offers tactical steps business owners can take before January 1st to avoid overpaying their 2025 taxes. Keep in mind, all of this advice may not apply to your specific situation. Heck, this summary was…
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2025 Bourlaug Dialogue exclusive
In this special edition of the Iowa Podcast, recorded during the World Food Prize’s Borlaug Dialogue, host Justin Brady captures a rare cross-section of voices that drive the global food security conversation—from international leaders to Iowa farmers. Interviews with Mashal Husain, President of the World Food Prize Foundation; Brent Renner, soybean farmer and United Soybean…
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DSM Airport Half-Way Point Video & Photos
The Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is stepping into a new era of air travel with a terminal project that reflects not just growth, but ambition. Now at the official halfway point of construction, DSM is no longer a quiet regional hub—it’s rapidly positioning itself as a serious Midwest transit player with carriers asking about…
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Bruce Gerleman of Jethro’s reacts to fire and company beginnings
Audio version: Move over Dos Equis guy, Bruce Gerleman may very well be the most interesting man in Iowa. As the founder of Jethro’s BBQ, he reacts to news of the original Drake-neighborhood location burning to the ground—a property he sold years ago. He also discusses his background in Iowa, how he paid for a…
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Cedar Rapids Chef Gets Coveted Food Nomination
Audio version: For those not in the know, just being recognized by The James Beard foundation is a big achievement, and Andy Schumacher of Cobble Hill in Cedar Rapids has the bragging rights. The celebrity chef, who competed against Guy Food Network Star, discusses fine dining in Iowa. The chef and owner graduated from The…
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Media trust down, healthcare isn’t insurance, and success in 2025
In this special New Years day episode of The Iowa Podcast, Justin Brady shares how The Iowa Podcast is doing, why it’s beating local media in many metrics, and asks to share the show if you haven’t already. Brady also discusses why media trust and ratings are dropping, and how they can turn the ship…
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Top 5 booze brands in Iowa announced with Foundry Distillery owner
The official numbers from the The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division have been released for 2024 and we ask the owner of Foundry Distillery to guess them all. Scott Bush, who was also the founder of Templeton Rye takes a stab at the top 5 national and top 5 local Iowa brands and is shockingly accurate. …