Mullets is expanding to Ames .
Not the hairstyle — the upbeat, roadhouse-esque restaurant based in Des Moines.
The new restaurant will replace the former West Towne Pub, which closed its doors Sunday . The closure came as a surprise to customers and employees.
The new building owners of 4518 Mortensen Road signed the paperwork on Monday. The location offers a large patio overlooking a pond, which fits Mullets' laid-back vibe.
Franchise owners’ names haven’t been announced yet, but Mullets owner John Royer said the Ames-area residents are excited about the new opportunity.
“They’re real local to Ames. Super great people who have a great reputation,” Royer said. “We’ve been working on this plan for about a year and a half. We’re really excited now that we can get started on it.”
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Mid-summer target date
Mullets will open its Ames location in about three months after making some renovations and hiring and training staff.
Royer encourages former West Towne Pub employees to apply for positions at the new Mullets.
“We’d love to talk to you," Royer said. "We want to interview everybody.”
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Mullets continues to expand beyond Des Moines metro
The original Mullets is in Des Moines near the intersection of the Des Moines River and Raccoon River, steps from the bike trail.
A franchise location opened in Ankeny last year , while Ames will be the second franchise. A third is planned for Waukee next year.
He is partnering with Fareway CEO Reynolds Cramer to open a Mullets in Norwalk, near the sports complex.
Expanding to Iowa City and Cedar Rapids is also in Royer’s plans.
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Ames' Mullets will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner
Brunch at Mullets is one of the more coveted experiences in Des Moines.
“At Mullet’s we’re known for our breakfast, but we do really amazing lunch and dinner as well,” Royer said. “It’s the place you will go for an amazing, fun time.”
The restaurant plays only ‘80s and ‘90s music.
“People are dancing in their seats and on their feet,” he said. “It’s more of an experience than just a meal.”
The menu includes a range of drink flights, like mimosas, and food flights, such as its avocado toast flight.
The Ames Mullets will also offer a large selection of hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, burgers, seafood, appetizers, salads, soups and desserts as well as a long list of beverages and cocktails.
The restaurant also has its own line of products, such as vodka and Bloody Mary mix, which are available at Fareway and Hy-Vee across the Midwest.
“Our name is getting out there and I feel like it’s going to keep growing,” Royer said.
Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rlawless@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Des Moines restaurant Mullets to bring fun vibe, great menu to Ames
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