‘Viral’ mac and cheese bar expanding in Iowa with new Waukee store

You know that viral mac and cheese place? The one that slathers every bowl with ungodly amounts of cheese? The one that makes you feel lactose intolerant just looking at it?

Yeah. Roni’s Mac Bar is opening its second Iowa location, this time in Waukee.

The store will celebrate with a grand opening on Saturday, May 16 at 10:30 a.m. sharp

In a video on social media, the company credits the new location choice to the Waukee man who drove to a location in Waco, Texas, asked for a bowl so cheesy that the chef making it felt lactose-intolerant just looking at it.

Frank Senese, chief executive officer of Roni’s Mac and Cheese, said the business as the “Chipotle of mac and cheese.”

“It’s comfort food; whether you’re a hungover college kid, tattooed biker or a little princess in a tutu, you’re going to find something here that you’ll love,” Senese told the Ames Tribune before the company’s restaurant opened there in 2025. “It’s a fun way to think outside the box.”

The first 100 people to get in line can spin the wheel for a chance to win giveaways and a year’s worth of mac and cheese.

Roni’s Mac bar boasts massive menu

The quote, “Think outside the box” is painted on the wall inside the mac and cheese bar, and the menu certainly inspires customers to do just that.

Roni’s Mac Bar has created a menu of more than 77 million possible combinations that continues to grow, Senese said.

Every bowl can be unique, with drizzles like pesto and ranch, and toppings such as tomatoes and even pineapple − a topping that can be a key indicator of a repeat customer, Senese said.

Where to find Roni’s Mac Bar in Waukee

• Location: 1195 SE Alice’s Road, Waukee
• Contact: 515-450-2497, ronismacbar.com
• Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily starting May 16

Lucia Cheng is a service and trending reporter at the Des Moines Register. Contact her at lcheng@gannett.com or 515-284-8132.