Firebirds Wood Fired Grill to open in West Des Moines

A classic American restaurant known for its wood-fired entrees and bold flavors, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is set to open in West Des Moines this month. The restaurant specializes in aged steaks, fresh seafood, chicken and ribs. This is Firebirds’ 38th national location and its first in Iowa. Firebirds will be located in Paradise Pointe at 440 S. 68th St. and will have a happy hour from 4-6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, featuring half-priced appetizers and drink specials. Visit http://west-des-moines.firebirdsrestaurants.com or find it on Facebook.

Chicago Dog
Hot dog restaurant Chicago Dog opened in the Cityville mixed-use development at 550 S.W. Ninth St. in Des Moines. The restaurant is owned by Lisa Keena, who formerly operated Chicago Dog and Deli until she sold it 10 years ago. Keena will serve Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef, polish sausage, Reuben, Philly and grinder sandwiches at the new Des Moines restaurant. She said most of the meat will come from Chicago, but some will be sourced locally. Cityville is a Hubbell development that includes about 100 apartments and other retailers. Chicago Dog’s hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday; and closed on Sunday. Call 280-5245 or find it on Facebook.

Charming Charlie
Charming Charlie, a jewelry and accessories retailer, has opened its new West Des Moines store in the Village area of Jordan Creek Town Center. Located in the 6,000-square-foot space previously occupied by Party City, Charming Charlie held its grand opening on Nov. 21. The company is known for its color-coordinated merchandise groupings and expansive collection of jewelry. The metro location offers jewelry, shoes, apparel, accessories and a special occasion section. Charming Charlie also has two other Iowa locations in Council Bluffs and Davenport. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday. Call 226-2176, visit www.charmingcharlie.com or find it on Facebook.

Angelo’s Pizza and Café
Mark Nicola opened Angelo’s Pizza and Café at 3855 121st St. in Urbandale. Nicola originally opened Angelo’s at 70th Street and Douglas in 2005, moved to 1310 Grand Ave. in West Des Moines in 2007, moved into the former Jimmy’s American Café in 2014, then sold the business to Stephen Kroner, who died unexpectedly. That location closed, but Nicola’s new spot will feature some of the same menu, which includes Cincinnati chili, cheese Frenchies, thin-crust pizzas, pastas, salads and more. Angelo’s also serves breakfast daily until 11 a.m. Angelo’s is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Call 276-4848, visit www.angelospizzaandcafe.com or find it on Facebook.

Sixth Avenue Corridor project
The Des Moines City Council approved a “Memorandum of Understanding” between the Sixth Avenue Corridor and the city of Des Moines for phase one of the Sixth Avenue Corridor Streetscape Project, which is set to begin in 2018. The project will transform Sixth Avenue from the Des Moines River Bridge to College Avenue, reducing the number of traffic lanes from five to three, adding shared-use vehicle and bicycle lanes, street lights, public art and more. In the following years, phases two and three will complete the project south to Interstate 235. As community sponsor, the Sixth Avenue Corridor has committed to raising $1.2 million in matching funds for the project, the total of which will be about $7 million.

Bubba — Southern Comforts
A new restaurant is set to open next spring in the space formerly occupied by Raccoon River Brewing Co. at 200 10th St. in Des Moines. Chris Diebel and Kolby Jones, both owners of the new Bubba — Southern Comforts restaurant, have partnered with Lana Jones Gould to create a private investment group for the business venture. Bubba — Southern Comforts will occupy 5,300 square feet and the same two-floor footprint that Raccoon River used until it closed in March. The menu is expected to include southern dishes such as meatloaf sandwiches, fried green tomatoes, gumbo, peach cobbler and chicken fried steak. CV