Mezze Mediterranean Kitchen Opens in Downtown Des Moines
The new fast-casual eatery is located inside the historic Temple for Performing Arts.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Mezze Mediterranean Kitchen officially opened its doors in downtown Des Moines on October 28, 2026. Situated within the historic former Masonic Temple, the restaurant provides a new fast-casual dining option for the local community.
Why it matters
The restaurant aims to serve office workers, residents, and theater patrons looking for quick, customizable meal options in the downtown area. Its location inside the Temple for Performing Arts positions it as a convenient dining hub for visitors to the venue.
Mezze Mediterranean Kitchen offers pitas starting at $12 and bowls at $16. The establishment is open for business Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The players
Pamela Bass Bookey
She is a co-developer of the restaurant who originally purchased the historic Masonic Temple building in 2001.
Harry Bookey
He is a co-developer of the restaurant who worked alongside Pamela Bass Bookey to transform the historic building.
Orchestrate Hospitality
This organization serves as the management firm for the new restaurant operations.
The details
Developed by Pamela Bass Bookey and Harry Bookey and managed by Orchestrate Hospitality, the eatery features a menu of pitas, grain bowls, salads, and wraps. Customers can customize their meals with various proteins prepared using low-and-slow braising, dry-brining, and marinating techniques, while the venue includes a heated, covered patio.
Timeline
The Bookeys purchased the Masonic Temple building in 2001.
Mezze Mediterranean Kitchen opened its doors on October 28, 2026.
The restaurant maintains standard operating hours from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Market Landscape
The opening of the restaurant represents the latest repurposing of the historic site since the 2001 acquisition of the Masonic Temple building. This move integrates modern fast-casual dining into a prominent landmark, reflecting broader efforts to revitalize downtown properties.
Local diners can visit the restaurant Monday through Saturday to access customizable Mediterranean meals in a historic downtown setting. The addition provides a new option for office workers and theater-goers seeking quick lunch or dinner service.
The takeaway
The restaurant provides a new flexible dining choice for downtown commuters and visitors by focusing on customizable grain bowls and pitas. Patrons can utilize the heated patio seating to enjoy these Mediterranean-inspired meals throughout the week.
Further reading
For more on new businesses arriving in the area, check out the Des Moines Openings & Closings.
More information
View the full menu and learn more about the restaurant on the Mezze Mediterranean Kitchen website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Des Moines Register.
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