In a surprising turn of events, JJ’s Tavern + Grill, the Ankeny-based eatery that earned statewide recognition in 2024 for serving Iowa’s Best Burger, has permanently shut down just one year after its grand opening.
The restaurant, which opened in November 2023, quickly climbed the culinary ranks after winning the prestigious Iowa’s Best Burger award from the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and the Iowa Beef Industry Council. The award-winning burger, famously known as the JJ’s Smash Burger, was a local favorite, accompanied by signature items like the jalapeño cheddar burger and the Brock Curdy Burger a playful tribute to Iowa State University quarterback Brock Purdy.
But despite the rapid rise to fame and a loyal customer base, JJ’s Tavern + Grill announced its closure this week through a heartfelt Facebook post that left fans shocked.
After much thought and heartfelt reflection, we’ve made the difficult decision to close the doors of JJ’s Tavern + Grill,” the owners wrote. “This is not the end of the relationships built, but the close of a meaningful chapter.
A Brief But Memorable Journey
Located in the fast-growing Des Moines suburb of Ankeny, JJ’s Tavern was known for its modern bar vibes, family-friendly setting, and a menu that emphasized creativity and quality. The eatery attracted burger lovers from across the state after winning the 2024 best burger competition, which typically brings significant traffic and media attention to the winners each year.
The Iowa’s Best Burger contest, an annual celebration of Iowa’s beef industry, evaluates restaurants based on taste, presentation, and customer reviews. The award often translates into a surge of customers for the winning restaurant. JJ’s Tavern certainly enjoyed the spotlight for several months following their win.
Community Support and Response
Local residents and burger enthusiasts expressed surprise and sadness at the sudden news. Many fans commented on social media, thanking the team for their service and reminiscing about their favorite meals. Some even expressed concern about the broader struggles of running an independent restaurant in the current economic climate.
While no specific financial reason was cited in the closure announcement, experts point to ongoing challenges in the restaurant industry, including labor shortages, inflation, and rising operational costs, especially in smaller towns.
The U.S. Small Business Administration notes that restaurants, especially new establishments, face some of the highest failure rates among small businesses, with nearly 60% closing within their first three years.
A Broader Trend?
JJ’s Tavern’s story is not unique. While the restaurant gained significant recognition and support, the award wasn’t enough to guarantee long-term sustainability. This highlights a concerning trend: accolades and social media buzz don’t always translate into ongoing profitability, especially without sufficient financial buffers or stable staffing.
According to a recent report by the National Restaurant Association, more than 10% of independent restaurants that opened in 2023 have already shuttered in 2024 due to challenges ranging from increased food costs to limited consumer spending.
Owners Remain Grateful
Despite the abrupt ending, the owners remain thankful for the journey.
“To our loyal patrons, hardworking staff, and community supporters — thank you for helping us build something special. Though our time was short, the memories will last forever,” they said in their social media post.
The owners did not indicate whether they plan to reopen in a new format or location, but many in the Ankeny community are hopeful for a comeback in some form.
No Further Comments at This Time
As of now, JJ’s Tavern’s official website and phone lines have been deactivated. Attempts to reach the ownership team for further comment were unsuccessful.
For Iowans looking to support other local burger joints or learn more about the next best burger competition, you can keep an eye on updates from the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and Iowa Beef Industry Council.
