If the name sounds familiar, that's because it's the same North Carolina-based restaurant cooking up Southern comfort foods.

If the name sounds familiar, that's because it's the same North Carolina-based restaurant cooking up Southern comfort foods.

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If the name sounds familiar, that's because it's the same North Carolina-based restaurant cooking up Southern comfort foods.

From cast iron pork to collard greens, Tupelo Honey, a Southern restaurant, will officially open in Downtown Des Moines Tuesday evening. If the name sounds familiar, that's because it's the same North Carolina-based restaurant cooking up Southern comfort foods.

The new eatery on Grand Avenue is the chain's first location in Iowa.

"We're introducing classic Southern dishes with a little bit of creative spin to it. We hope to create a warm and welcoming environment so people can come in and experience true Southern Hospitality," Caroline Skinner, Tupelo Honey chief operating officer, said. "We love the growth that's happening specifically in Des Moines, both in population and the business community. We always try to align ourselves in communities that support our same values and we've seen as we come here, a true hospitable environment."

The restaurant strives to source local ingredients. The specialty here is at the bar with beer from local craft breweries. Some of its signature dishes include shrimp and grits and colorful salads. New items debuting at this location include a lemon herb salad.

One of the challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic for many businesses is finding workers but Skinner says they were able to hire nearly 100 employees within the last month. Because of the pandemic, the owners also started a program, where every purchase of a biscuit helps out an employee in need.

"We've granted over $300,000 to team members since the pandemic started, just to support any sort of life circumstances," Skinner said.

You can find more information here.

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