Viking-inspired pub opening in East Village Des Moines on July 31
- Thread starter capitalcityguy
- Start date
I am. From what I understand you don't open a business like this and expect to make a profit for quite a while. I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't a bigger picture issue with ownership needing to reduce costs for some reason and doesn't really have much to do with the popularity of the place.
Mostly because the concept didn't seem all that clear from the start. A place that is all about Scandinavian should probably focus on that in their menu as opposed to "Viking tacos"
I would normally agree but the stench of lutefisk rolling out of the kitchen would probably shut the joint down on its own.
Could be. I'll be in interested to see if Bruno addresses it on one of his radio appearances.
One should always be prepared for a letdown with “Vikings” in the name. Speaking from 29 years of experience.
Went there for the Vikings - 49ers game and it closing within the year was the first thought that popped in my head. Terrible service, no room in the place, the "Viking experience" was nowhere to be felt.
It was fun being surrounded by other Vikings fans watching the game, but other than game watches, I couldn't imagine a reason to go there.
I would say the same thing about the couple times I've been to the Library and people LOVE that place.
I think they're out of Mullets but they seem to be doing fine.
Fongs in Ankeny is definitely in limbo from some strong rumors.
They’ve been out of mullets for awhile now.
And also heard similar about Ankeny. I thought the Fong’s Drake would have been their first oops before Skol. I think there’s some teeth to it being a little too soon for the area. 3 years from now, would be different.
They have been very successful, but one black mark, They opened the first grocery store on Court Ave (can't recall the name) and Shorty's downstairs to help fund it. The grocery store closed and they ended up selling Shorty's (although it is still open).
Obviously something wasn't working as expected (didn't help they never had the smoked meats they suggested would be a staple). Add to it: is is the slow season in general, they are opening a new place in Dogtown (Drake) and also the Speakeasy in the basement of Iowa Tap Room so they may be stretched a little thin right now and rather than battle getting this right with current limited time and resources. Once the other two are opened and running, they'll have time to focus on what to do with this long-term.
