Des Moines food and drink scene adds new juice bar, bagel shop and dessert spots

A handful of new food and drink businesses are opening across Des Moines, adding fresh options for residents from downtown to Ingersoll Avenue. The openings, which include a juice bar, a bagel shop, a bubble tea chain and two ice cream spots, come as the city's small business scene continues to attract entrepreneurs.

24K Juicing opens first storefront on Grand Avenue

24K Juicing has opened its first brick-and-mortar location at 300 E. Grand Ave. The space features energy-efficient kitchen equipment and a self-serve kiosk, according to a report from Axios. The business had previously operated as a pop-up or online operation before moving into a permanent storefront.

The new location sits in the East Village area, a growing commercial district that has drawn other recent openings.

Black Bagel to launch in the Center at Sixth district

Black Bagel is preparing to open in the Center at Sixth corridor, offering house-made, locally sourced bagels. The business aims to function as a community gathering space, not just a takeout counter, according to Axios. The bagel shop's location places it near other new tenants in the corridor, which has seen increased foot traffic from office workers and residents.

Founders have not announced an exact opening date, but the business is expected to debut in the coming months.

Ocha Bubble Tea adds third Des Moines café downtown

Ocha Bubble Tea is set to open its third café at 221 4th St. in downtown Des Moines, according to a Constant Contact newsletter and an Axios report. The expanded space will offer a sit-down Asian dessert experience, moving beyond the chain's existing takeout-focused model.

The new location is just blocks from the Des Moines River and the skywalk system, making it accessible to downtown workers and visitors. No opening date has been confirmed.

Home Sweet Cone plans third location on Ingersoll

Home Sweet Cone will open a third location at 2701 Ingersoll Ave. in September 2026, according to CBS2 Iowa. The shop specializes in rich, hand-scooped ice cream and has built a following at its two existing Des Moines-area stores.

The new Ingersoll Avenue spot is in a busy commercial strip that also houses restaurants and retail.

Black Cat Ice Cream moves downtown

Black Cat Ice Cream is relocating from the Drake neighborhood to a larger downtown space at 1301 Locust St., taking over the former Ritual Cafe location. The move, reported by DSM Magazine, is expected to be completed later in 2025. The new space will allow for expanded seating and production capacity.

The ice cream shop has been a staple in the Drake area for years and plans to maintain its focus on small-batch flavors.

The flurry of openings reflects sustained interest from small business owners in Des Moines, even as the broader economy faces headwinds. For now, residents have several new spots to watch and visit as they open their doors in the months ahead.

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