The Legends of Des Moines: Unique Businesses That Celebrate Local Culture

The holiday shopping season is in full swing, and if you’re looking for unique and meaningful gifts for your loved ones, Des Moines has you covered. The city is home to a variety of local businesses that have become legendary for their craftsmanship, creativity, and dedication to their communities. From witty T-shirts to handcrafted pens, here are nine Des Moines metro local legends that are sure to delight.

1. Raygun

Location: 505 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines (and eight more locations around Iowa and the Midwest)

Owner: Mike Draper

Product: Locally made and oriented T-shirts and novelty items

Why it’s a legend: Raygun is known for its witty T-shirts and other items that celebrate the quirks and spirit of its local markets. Started by Mike Draper in 2004, the store has grown to multiple locations and offers a wide range of products, including art prints, glassware, and books. Raygun’s success lies in its ability to capture the humor and unique character of its local market, making it a favorite among customers and even partnering with national humor publication The Onion.

2. Sticks

Location: 400 E. Locust St., Des Moines (with a workshop in West Des Moines)

Owner: Rachel Eubank

Product: 100% locally crafted furniture, accessories, and objets d’art

Why it’s a legend: Sticks is a unique furniture store founded by artist Sarah Grant in 1992. The store specializes in handcrafted furniture and accessories that combine quality, design, and American folk art. Each piece is made with care and attention to detail, creating one-of-a-kind items that are cherished by customers around the country. Sticks’ success is built on its commitment to craftsmanship and the uniqueness of its products.

3. Quill & Nib

Location: 133 Fifth St., West Des Moines

Owner: Robert Beers

Product: Handcrafted writing instruments and stationery

Why it’s a legend: Quill & Nib is a hidden gem in West Des Moines, specializing in handcrafted writing instruments. Owner Robert Beers started the business in 2006 and has since mastered his craft, creating pens ranging from affordable options to high-end designs. Each pen is carefully made with a variety of materials, including wood, stone, and even pet cremains. Quill & Nib’s success is built on its dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and personalized customer service.

4. Berkwood Farms

Location: 6615 N.E. 14th St., Des Moines (with international distribution)

Owner: Farmer-owned cooperative

Product: Family farm-grown premium pork products from Berkshire pigs

Why it’s a legend: Berkwood Farms is a farmer-owned cooperative that raises premium pork products from Berkshire pigs. The company’s commitment to strict protocols, such as no use of antibiotics or hormones and an all-vegetarian diet, ensures the highest quality and flavor. Berkwood Farms’ products are known for their rich marbling, tenderness, and unique depth of flavor. The company’s success is built on its dedication to sustainable and humane farming practices and its reputation for top-quality pork.

5. Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce

Location: Made in West Des Moines, with nationwide distribution

Owners: Taufeek and Carmelita “Lola” Shah

Product: Hot sauces, salsas, seasonings, and biscuit cookies

Why it’s a legend: Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce is a family-owned business that specializes in handcrafted hot sauces and other spicy products. Founded by Taufeek Shah and his mother, Lola, in 2015, the company has quickly gained a nationwide following. Lola’s hot sauces are made with fresh ingredients and a touch of “Iowa nice,” resulting in bold and flavorful creations that have garnered rave reviews. Lola’s success is built on its passion for quality and taste, as well as its commitment to creating unique and memorable products.

6. Fontenelle Supply Co.

Location: 524 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines

Owners: Erich Bockman, Adam Tweedy, and Asher Connelly

Product: Custom-made leather goods, candles, and clothing

Why it’s a legend: Fontenelle Supply Co. is a hip and urban men’s clothing and accessories shop that has gained a legendary reputation for its craftsmanship. The store offers a variety of custom-made leather goods, including wallets, belts, and bags, as well as hand-poured candles and unique clothing items. Fontenelle’s success lies in its dedication to quality and design, as well as its commitment to providing personalized, one-of-a-kind products.

7. Ephemera

Location: 505 E. Locust St., Des Moines

Owners: Arin Wiebers and Karen Brady

Product: Custom invitations, stationery, greeting cards, and gifts

Why it’s a legend: Ephemera is a one-stop-shop for all things stationery and personalized gifts. Owned by Arin Wiebers and Karen Brady, the store offers custom invitations, stationery, greeting cards, and a wide range of unique gifts. Ephemera’s success is built on its dedication to personalized customer service, attention to detail, and a passion for celebrating life’s special moments.

8. BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages

Location: Des Moines-headquartered, with nationwide distribution

Owners: Rod Johnson and Pernell Cezar

Product: Hand-roasted premium coffee with a side of social impact

Why it’s a legend: BLK & Bold is making waves in the coffee industry as the country’s only Black-owned, nationally distributed coffee brand. Co-founded by Rod Johnson and Pernell Cezar in 2018, the company has gained a reputation for its hand-roasted premium coffee. What sets BLK & Bold apart is its commitment to social impact—5% of the company’s profits are donated to support youth in need. BLK & Bold’s success is built on its dedication to quality coffee and a mission to make a positive difference in communities.

9. Bozz Prints

Location: 215 Fifth St, West Des Moines

Owner: John Bosley

Product: Vintage-inspired prints, clothing, and mugs

Why it’s a legend: Bozz Prints is a local business known for its vintage-inspired prints that celebrate landmarks and landscapes. Owner John Bosley started the business with just seven poster designs and has since expanded to offer a wide range of products, including clothing and mugs. Bozz Prints’ success is built on its commitment to capturing the unique character of various cities and regions, as well as its dedication to quality and craftsmanship.

These nine local legends of Des Moines showcase the creativity, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit that make the city’s business community thrive. Whether you’re looking for a witty T-shirt, a handcrafted pen, or a unique piece of furniture, these businesses offer the perfect gifts that celebrate the charm and character of Des Moines and its surrounding areas. Supporting these local legends not only means finding something special for your loved ones but also contributing to the growth and vitality of the community.