Narwhals Crafted Will Open in Des Moines
The St. Louis brand is expanding to Iowa with a fifth location featuring a new nacho-focused menu.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Beer
Live Poll
Do you support local businesses expanding their presence into new regions?
Narwhals Crafted is scheduled to open its first location outside the St. Louis area in Des Moines, Iowa. The new site will debut in winter 2026 with a nacho-centric food menu.
Why it matters
The opening marks a significant geographical expansion for the brand, bringing its unique concept to a new market in the Midwest. It also signals a move toward incorporating expanded food offerings into the established beverage brand model.
The new Narwhals Crafted will be located at 418 E. Grand Avenue in Des Moines. This site will be the first of its kind outside of the St. Louis area, expanding the brand to a total of five locations.
The players
Narwhals Crafted
This brand is an established beverage business that originated in St. Louis and is currently expanding its market footprint.
Angelyn Chleborad
She is the franchisee responsible for managing the brand's new expansion into the Des Moines market.
The details
Franchisee Angelyn Chleborad is overseeing the development of the new Des Moines site, which is currently under construction. The menu is being designed around a nacho-centric theme, drawing inspiration from the brand's Loaded concept.
Timeline
The new Des Moines location is expected to open in winter 2026.
Culture Shift
The expansion reflects a broader trend of regionally-based beverage chains successfully pivoting into secondary Midwestern markets by scaling their specialized service models. This movement mirrors the growth patterns of boutique hospitality brands aiming to capture regional demand outside of their original hubs.
Residents in the East Village area can anticipate the addition of a new dining and drink venue that features a unique food concept. The establishment will provide a new option for those looking to experience the brand's nacho-centric menu locally.
The takeaway
The move brings a new dining concept to the Des Moines area while marking a milestone for the St. Louis-based chain. Locals can look forward to a new venue that centers its culinary approach on specialized food offerings.
Further reading
Learn more about the local beverage scene on the Des Moines Beer page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Firstalert4.
Live Poll
Do you support local businesses expanding their presence into new regions?
