Hy-Vee buys the former K’s Merchandise

Hy-Vee has bought the vacant 81,936 square-foot building in Urbandale that used to be K’s Merchandise. The grocery store chain bought the building at 3303 86th St. earlier this month and paid $3.6 million. The plan is to transform the old building into an employee training facility and a fulfillment center for Hy-Vee Aisles Online, its online grocery ordering program. Interior teardown and demolition is underway, and construction is slated to begin this spring.

Holiday lights on the move  

After last year’s cancellation due to flooding, Jolly Holiday Lights is moving to Adventureland for the next holiday season. The Make-A-Wish Iowa charity event has been hosted in Water Works Park for the last 20 years. Onlookers will now be able to view the spectacle as they drive through the light show located in Altoona’s Adventureland Campgrounds, which donated the venue and also sponsored the event in 2016. Jolly Holiday Lights is Make-A-Wish Iowa’s largest fundraiser. The show is scheduled to open on Nov. 22 and run through Jan. 1. Call 800-797-9474 or visit www.iowa.wish.org for more information.

Jimmy John’s  

There is a new Jimmy John’s and drive-thru window in Clive. The store is the 28th franchise in the Des Moines area for its ownership group and also happens to have a seat availability of 28. More Jimmy John’s are on the way, as two franchises are being built in Grimes. The Clive store’s hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Call 515-225-6108.

Reed’s Hollow 

The building that formerly housed Tally’s in Beaverdale has now reopened as Reed’s Hollow. The new restaurant and lounge is owned by the same entity as Gas Lamp, a downtown bar and restaurant. Reed’s serves six local beers. Barn wood has been used to redecorate the interior. The menu was put together by Chef Zach Gutweiler, previously of the Hole in the Wall eatery at the Gas Lamp. It features dishes such as salmon taquitos, baked potato soup and a PBJ. It’s located at 2712 Beaver Ave. in Beaverdale and is open from 4-10 p.m. The bar stays open later on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Call 515-777-3625.

7 Stone Pizzeria

Newly-opened 7 Stone Pizzeria offers hand-rolled dough, “sauce like mom used to make,” fresh mozzarella cheese, and the pies are cooked in a brick oven. The restaurant is family-owned and located at 9350 University Ave. Suite 118 in West Des Moines. It is open from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 4-9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Sundays. Call 515-987-7768 or visit www.7stonepizzeria.com.

Fresh Thyme Farmers Market

Fresh Thyme Farmers Market is opening its first Iowa store in Clocktower Square in West Des Moines. The Midwest specialty grocer offers a variety of organic foods, local produce, natural meats, healthy deli foods and baked goods along with nutritional supplements. The store plans to employ 100 workers. Its hours are 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily. The store is located at 2900 University Ave. in West Des Moines. Call 515-635-6016 or visit www.freshthyme.com.

Parkway expansion

Work will begin on expanding Northeast Douglas Parkway from N.E. Alice’s Road westward to N.E. Badger Lane near Grant Ragan Elementary School in Waukee will be undergoing construction as early as Monday, April 4. There won’t be any closures during the four months of work, but portions of the road will be shifted to one lane intermittently. Construction is expected to wrap up prior to August.

Modern Mexican eats   

Candela Modern Mexican restaurant is open on Ingersoll where Red China Bistro used to operate. The menu offers more than the traditional Mexican fare and includes salmon fajitas, spinach enchiladas and mushroom soup along with other items. It is located at 2925 Ingersoll Ave. in Des Moines and is open from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday. Call 515-279-4775. CV