Americana, a cornerstone of Des Moines’ dining scene and home to the iconic Bombshell Brunch, is closing after service on Sept. 7. The decision, though difficult, follows a cascade of challenges that proved insurmountable for owner Scott Carlson and his team.

The reasons are many — a “litany,” Carlson says, that reflects the harsh realities of running a restaurant in 2025. COVID changed dining habits. Street closures made access difficult. Major downtown employers like Nationwide and Wells Fargo left. Locust Street’s two-way conversion dragged on. And then came the lease.

Carlson’s landlord wanted a five-year commitment. Carlson asked for three. “Five years seemed like a lot to commit… at this moment, and we were doing OK,” he said. The landlord indicated he wouldn’t seek another restaur

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