Fong’s Pizza is Leaving Downtown Des Moines for a Bigger Space

After more than 15 years at 223 4th Street in Downtown Des Moines, the folks behind Fong's Pizza have decided to relocate to a new building that will allow for some improvements. According to the Des Moines Register, that new building is at 317 East Court Avenue, the former home of Peace Tree Brewing Co.

Peace Tree Brewing officially ended operations last summer after almost eight years in business. Then, in November, it was revealed that the Full Court Press Restaurant Group would be taking over their Des Moines location. Full Court Press not only owns Fong's Pizza, but also other popular area bars and restaurants like Buzzard Billy's, El Bait Shop, the Royal Mile, and Lucky Horse.

So, why has Fong's decided to leave their longtime home? The restaurant has simply outgrown the small space. The Des Moines Register reports that Jeff Bruning, the co-owner of Full Court Press, said:

"The building just is not functioning as a 21st century kitchen. This wasn't a situation where we had trouble with the landlord, or any real problems. But we know that we can do better."

Fong's Pizza's new home is 1,500-square-feet, has a spacious patio & lawn, a pick-up window, more room for parking, and an interior that allows for double the number of customers. They are working on renovating the building ahead of the opening, which is set for April.

As far as food goes, Fong's will continue to serve its famous pizza, but they plan to add some items, too. That includes salads, noodle and rice dishes, appetizers, and late-night options.

The Des Moines Register reports that the new Fong's Pizza plans to open "no later than the first week in April." The Downtown Des Moines location will shut down in late March. For the latest updates, you can follow the Fong's Pizza Facebook page HERE.