Midwest
'Born leader': Ohio governor nominates former legendary college football coach as lieutenant governor
Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine announced on Monday that he is nominating former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel to serve as the state’s lieutenant governor.
“Jim Tressel is Ohio values,” DeWine said at a news conference announcing the nomination of Tressel to replace former Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, who DeWine appointed to the U.S. Senate last month.
“He’s a hard worker and shares that vision (I have) for the future of Ohio. He has the ability to pull people together. He has the ability to lead. He will enable me to be assured that if something happens to me, he can walk in and be governor that day and that would be seamless.”
Tressel, who DeWine called a “born leader,” was head coach of Ohio State University’s football team from 2001 to 2010. The Buckeyes won the 2002 national championship during Tressel’s tenure along with six Big Ten championships and a record of 9-1 against rival Michigan.
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Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel, Left, and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. right (Getty/AP)
Tressel, 72, retired a year and a half ago as president of Youngstown State University, a job he had held since 2014. Since then, he has been engaged in workforce and economic development activities.
“With his wealth of experience in the education field, Jim understands its importance in building Ohio’s workforce of tomorrow,” Ohio Chamber President & CEO Steve Stivers said in a statement, saying Tressel would prioritize workforce development “for the benefit of the business community and all Ohioans.”
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Former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel is carried on the shoulders of his 2002 national championship team during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game between Notre Dame and Ohio State, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Tressel’s nomination must now be approved by the Ohio Senate and Ohio House, which are both led by Republican supermajorities.
“I want to study a little bit about what Jon Husted has going on, and so I want to learn the business, if you will,” Tressel, a political newcomer, said at the press conference. “And then it’s up to when you sit down with the team and the staff and everyone else trying to figure out who plays what position best. And I’d be more than happy to to help wherever I can.”
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is seen onstage at the Fiserv Forum during preparations for the Republican National Convention (RNC) on July 14, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisc. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Former Ohio Gov. John Kasich congratulated Tressel in an X post saying, “Jim Tressel always puts one foot in front of the other trying to improve our world. Good luck, @JimTressel5.”
DeWine, who must retire in 2026 due to term limits, said the two have not discussed if Tressel plans to run for governor, which would put him in a race against the state’s Republican attorney general, Dave Yost, and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who is expected to jump into the race this month.
Former Ohio Health Director Dr. Amy Acton is running as a Democrat.
Associated Press contributed to this report
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Illinois
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Indiana man surprised with free dental work in Pontiac
Jeremiah Johnson has experienced a tumultuous life that has taken him through tragedy, rehab, and prison before getting back on his feet. An avid fisherman, he thought he was visiting Michigan to just go angling. Instead, he was surprised with $10,000 in free dental work.
(FOX 2) – Jeremiah Johnson thought he was coming to Michigan to fish.
After all, the Indiana native is quite the angler. And fortunately for him, he did net a new catch in Crescent Lake. However, his visit to Southeast Michigan was about much more than casting a line.
Afterward, a heartwarming surprise awaited him in the form of $10,000 in free dental work.
Big picture view:
Johnson wore a blindfold as he was walked up to Royal Chiropractic and Dental Center in Pontiac on June 11. Organized by Bassquatch Hunter host Mike McKinstry, he guided Johnson to the surprise — as well as the latest stage of redemption.
Johnson lost his brother at a young age, catalyzing a fall into addiction and eventually incarceration.
“I lost my twin brother when I was really young, went down some dark roads, became an addict then ended up in and out of jail, in and out of rehabs,” he said. “Finally, ended up going to prison, did a few years in prison and came home and met a woman, changed everything, made a family.”
But even as he worked to recover and build a new life, he did so with significant dental issues and missing teeth.
Over the next two weeks, he’ll receive a full slate of dentistry.
“This was supposed to be a fishing trip, which we did get to fish, but then a huge surprise at the end,” he said. “To be able to smile and talk to people without having to worry about how they perceive me.”
Mike McKinstry and Jeremiah Johnson outside Royal Chiropractic and Dental Center in Pontiac.
The Source: Interviews done at Royal Chiropractic and Clinic in Pontiac were cited for this story.
The Des Moines metro is in the midst of a growth spurt, and this time the momentum is coming from its restaurants. From brunch powerhouses expanding into new neighborhoods to fast-casual outlets adding suburban outposts, the region’s dining scene is stretching in every direction.
The latest wave includes breakfast spots, Mediterranean eateries, fried chicken specialists, Japanese and national brands making an expanded push into central Iowa. Combined, these new restaurant openings show how the suburbs are becoming dining destinations, while established corridors in Des Moines continue to attract fresh concepts.
Discover some of the latest additions and what they serve, where they opened and why they matter, as well as a snapshot of restaurants still on their way.
The Breakfast Club opens in Waukee
The Breakfast Club continues its metro expansion with a bright, energetic new location in Waukee, bringing its signature lineup of playful brunch dishes to the fast‑growing Kettlestone district. Known for over‑the‑top pancakes, boozy brunch cocktails, and colorful, social‑media‑ready plating, the restaurant builds on the success of its four Des Moines metro locations with a space designed for families, brunch groups and weekday regulars. The Waukee restaurant opened June 6 and operates daily from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., serving staples such as breakfast burritos, Benedicts, scrambles and its popular mimosa flights. The new build features modern finishes, cheeky decor and plenty of natural light.
Details: 2285 Grand Prairie Parkway, Waukee, 515-978-9333, thebreakfastclubusa.com/waukee-kettlestone-central.
The Breakfast Club moves in the East Village
Breakfast Club’s move of its original location to a new space in the East Village marks a major shift for the brunch brand as it relocated to a high‑visibility corner at 418 E. Grand Ave. on June 12. The new space gives the restaurant more room for its lively brunch crowds while keeping the same playful menu that helped it grow. Customers can expect the full lineup of indulgent breakfast plates, stuffed French toast, oversized cinnamon rolls and brunch cocktails that have become the restaurant’s signature.
Details: 418 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines, 515-528-7836, thebreakfastclubusa.com.
The Green Olive expands in Des Moines
Green Olive has officially opened its newest Des Moines location, expanding its Mediterranean footprint with a menu built around shawarma, gyros, falafel, kabobs and fresh‑baked pita. The restaurant, now at three metro locations, focuses on fast‑casual service with generous portions and scratch‑made sauces, including its popular garlic sauce and tahini. The new location opened on May 19 and features a bright, modern interior with counter service, ample seating and quick turnaround for breakfast through dinner crowds. Green Olive has built a loyal following for its customizable platters, family‑style meals and vegetarian‑friendly options, making it a reliable stop for diners seeking Mediterranean flavors at an accessible price point.
Details: 520 S.W. Ninth St., Suite 116, Des Moines, 515-635-7770, thegreenoliveiowa.com.
Bubbie’s BBQ debuts in West Des Moines
Bubbie’s BBQ has expanded to West Des Moines with a new location serving its signature lineup of smoked meats, hearty sandwiches and homestyle sides. The restaurant, now with three metro locations, blends Midwestern comfort food with classic barbecue flavors, offering brisket, pastrami, turkey and rotating specials. The West Des Moines restaurant opened June 8 at 1510 Mills Civic Parkway and features both dine-in and carry-out service, with lunch hours from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. The space offers a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with counter service and quick turnaround for busy weeknights. Bubbie’s continues to build a following for its generous portions, approachable price point and scratch-made sides like mac and cheese, potato salad and coleslaw.
Details: 1510 Mills Civic Pkwy., Suite 100, West Des Moines, 515-348-8025, bubbies-bbq.com.
Izumi Sushi & Hibachi plans an Ankeny location
This all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant with a hibachi grill to boot plans a new location in Ankeny with lunch specials daily and teriyaki, udon, soba noodles, curry and tempura dishes. The restaurant offers a kids’ menu, gluten-free dishes and bento boxes. The Izumi location just south of Costco will anchor the west side of a new 17,930-square-foot, multi-tenant building that is under construction. The chain has locations in Clive, Davenport, Waterloo and North Liberty.
Details: 1950 N.E. 36th St., Ankeny
Flip’N Jacks Pancake House & Eatery comes to Des Moines
The breakfast and lunch specialist with locations in Ames, Ankeny and Altoona added a fourth location in Des Moines in the Southgate Shopping Center. Known for oversized pancakes, hearty omelets and classic diner comfort food, the restaurant features a family-friendly space designed for quick service and approachable pricing. Flip’N Jacks has built a reputation for generous portions and a menu that leans into nostalgia. Think skillets, waffles, burgers and melts, served in a bright, casual setting.
Details: 3411 S.E. 14th St., Des Moines, flipnjacks.com.
Charlotte’s Kitchen heads to Waukee
Charlotte’s Kitchen is expanding west with a new Waukee location slated to open in September or October 2026, bringing its popular fried chicken sandwiches, tenders and comfort‑food sides to one of the metro’s fastest‑growing suburbs. The restaurant, which currently operates three metro locations and a food truck, has built a strong following for its crispy chicken, house‑made sauces and rotating specials. The Waukee expansion will offer both dine‑in and carry‑out service, with a menu centered on its signature sandwiches, loaded fries and family‑friendly combo meals.
Details: 1165 S.E. University Ave., Waukee, charlotteskitchendsm.com.
The Station brings a second location to Urbandale
The Station is set to expand with a new Urbandale location opening late this summer at 4810 86th St., the former home of the Beerhouse, which closed in February after 11 years. The Station, known for its neighborhood bar feel, approachable menu and sports-friendly atmosphere, adds its second location, with a space designed for casual dining, gameday gatherings and family-friendly service. The menu is expected to include burgers, wraps, appetizers and pub-style comfort food, along with a full bar and ample TVs.
Details: 4810 86th St., Urbandale, facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590189280833
Mullets expands to Waukee
Mullets expands its footprint with a Waukee location opening in late July or early August. The original breakfast-and-lunch restaurant opened at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers in June 2010, with views of downtown Des Moines and Principal Park. John Royer bought Mullets in 2016 from the Des Moines restaurant operators Full Court Press and began franchising locations, with the 2024 opening of Mullets in Ankeny. Mullets is best known for hearty, Iowa-style American breakfast and brunch, along with bar-and-grill staples. The menu includes classic breakfast plates such as biscuits and gravy, pancakes and omelets; signature comfort dishes like chicken and waffles, country-fried steak breakfast and a variety of breakfast burritos; breakfast nachos, specialty hash brown plates and eggs Benedict; and sandwiches, po’boys, burgers and some pub-style fare.
This location plans to be open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Details: 1105 S.E. Pleasant View Drive, Waukee, facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587667092517.
Bonchon is expanding to Ankeny and Ames
Bonchon, the global Korean fried chicken chain known for its ultra-crispy double-fried wings and signature soy garlic and spicy sauces, is planning two new Iowa locations in Ankeny and Ames. The expansion will mark the brand’s expansion of its internationally recognized menu to central Iowa diners. Bonchon currently operates in West Des Moines, debuting in April, and the Ankeny and Ames restaurants will feature its full lineup of wings, drumsticks, Korean street food appetizers, fried rice and noodle dishes. Both locations are in the planning stages, with opening timelines to be announced.
Qdoba Mexican Eats expands to West Des Moines
The Mexican chain opens a second Des Moines metro location for fast-casual breakfast burritos, steak bowls, quesadillas, tacos and salads. The original Qdoba opened on Ingersoll Avenue in 2012. Qdoba notes that toppings like three-cheese queso, guacamole and pickled red onions are free. The West Des Moines location opens on June 23.
Details: 6305 Mills Civic Pkwy., West Des Moines, qdoba.com.
Dutch Bros Coffee
Dutch Bros Coffee is making its way into the Des Moines metro, preparing to launch its first wave of Iowa locations as its famously loyal “Dutch Mafia’’ fans eagerly await opening day. The first location opens in Des Moines this summer, according to a publicist with Dutch Bros.
Since the first location was confirmed last October, the list of planned shops has expanded rapidly — now totaling at least seven across central Iowa — as the high-energy, drive-thru chain gears up for its debut in the Hawkeye State.
The first confirmed Dutch Bros is taking over the former Fazoli’s at 4800 S.E. 14th St., transforming the site into a 986-square-foot, drive-thru-only coffee shop. The latest seventh location is proposed at Southwest Eighth Street and MLK Parkway in Des Moines. Confirmed locations include:
- 4800 S.E. 14th St., Des Moines
- 4019 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines
- 315 N.W. 36th Drive, Ankeny
- 2459 E. Euclid Ave., Des Moines
- 440 S.E. Alice’s Road, Waukee
- 5950 Mills Civic Pkwy., West Des Moines
- Southwest Eighth Street and MLK Parkway, Des Moines
Sign up for our dining newsletter, Table Talk DSM, which comes out on Wednesday mornings with all the latest news on restaurants and bars in the metro. You can sign up for free at DesMoinesRegister.com/tabletalk.
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. You can reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
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