Gusto Pizza now open in Johnston
4/15/2015The third metro location for Gusto Pizza Co. opened on April 6 at 8705 Chambery Blvd., Suite 100. The pizza restaurant is part of a new building on the corner of Chambery and 86th, and it seats 80 inside, with additional seating on the patio. Gusto offers pizza, salads, sandwiches, homemade pasta and more, and it also serves gluten-free pizza crusts and desserts. Owners Joe McConville, Tony Lemmo and Josh Holderness opened the first Gusto Pizza at 1905 Ingersoll Ave. in Des Moines in 2011 and the second at 8950 University Ave. in West Des Moines in 2013. Johnston location hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday. Call 334-3000, visit www.gustopizzaco.com or find it on Facebook.
Tasty Taco plans to replace Des Moines store
Mexican restaurant chain Tasty Tacos has announced plans to replace its store at 1418 E. Grand Ave. with a larger restaurant on the adjacent corner. Tasty Tacos is family-owned and has six stores throughout the metro. The business bought the property at 1400 E. Grand, which housed Kinman Glass and Alternative Automotive, and plans to build a larger restaurant there, where the old buildings have already been razed. Construction is expected to begin mid-summer, and the existing Tasty Tacos next door will close once the new store opens. At 5,800 square feet, the new location will seat 120 inside, in addition to a patio, and it will be the largest Tasty Tacos location.
Price Chopper opens in several metro locations
The former Dahl’s grocery stores that were purchased by Kansas City, Missouri-based Price Chopper reopened under the new name. Though the signs are different, the adjustments inside the stores have been minimal, as Price Chopper Chief Executive Craig Moore says remodeling plans are still being finalized. More extensive renovations are projected to begin in late April or early May.
Ames-based company to move headquarters to Ankeny
Advanced Analytical Technologies, which produces genetic analysis systems, received city and state incentives to move its headquarters to a 33,000-square-foot space in Ankeny. The city of Ankeny approved a $100,000 loan for the company, which will bring 44 jobs from Ames and create 57 new jobs, provided that 24 of those new jobs pay at least $31.91 an hour. Advanced Analytical Technologies was awarded $500,000 in loans and about $256,000 in tax credits from the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board to go toward the estimated $7.8 million move.
Old School Arcade and Pinball open in Grimes
Jason Shiffer, a native of Grimes, opened a classic arcade at 209 S.E. Main St. in Grimes in January. It features more than 30 video arcade games dating back to the 1970s, with a focus on the 1980s and 1990s games such as Ms. Pac Man and Donkey Kong. It also has more than a dozen pinball machines. The 3,500-square-foot space is family-friendly and offers old-fashioned ice cream and shakes, in addition to partnering with the Mustang Grill next door. Shiffer said he plans to open an outdoor eating area between the arcade and the restaurant. Old School Arcade and Pinball has a fireplace and an area for private parties. Guests pay for wristbands rather than individual games. Wristbands are $10 for adults and $8 for kids on weekdays, or $13.50 for adults and $10 for kids on weekends. Hours are 5-9 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday; 5-11 p.m., Friday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The hours will be expanded to daytime on Wednesday through Friday in the summer, and it is open for private parties on Monday and Tuesday. Visit www.theoldschoolarcade.com or find it on Facebook.
Herndon’s Des Moines Seed and Nursery to close
The second-generation owners, Steve Herndon and his brother Ron Herndon and Ron’s wife Louise, have decided to retire and close the family business that started about 60 years ago. Located at 6015 Grand Ave. in Des Moines, Herndon’s Des Moines Seed and Nursery will close in July, and purchases are discounted by 30 percent. The family decided to sell the business in order to pursue other interests, according to Steve Herndon. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday. Call 274-2586. CV
