G3 Guide: DSM Queer-Owned Dining Guide
Pride never stops, Des Moines!
TL;DR: This is a developing list of local, queer-owned food businesses in central Iowa. I’m always looking to add folks, so please contact me if you wish to be included!
The Reasoning
I try to practice values-based consumerism. This is not a new approach to capitalism. As many faith-based companies have long identified their beliefs as part of their business model, it’s only fair for someone to include additional social groups and identities, especially those who have been historically excluded. This is one of many values-based, equity-driven guides I will curate and share.
Iowa’s current sociopolitical climate is openly hostile to the LGBTQ+ community. However, I know there are hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Iowans who wish to support anyone who identifies as queer. As food is my specialty, I want to highlight food businesses in central Iowa that are both locally owned by at least one person who identifies as queer.
My goals are to help support queer small-business owners year-round and to help others practice values-based consumerism.
The Scope
This guide is limited to Polk County, Iowa, and the four surrounding counties of Story, Dallas, Jasper, and Warren. This guide includes brick-and-mortar, home-based, food truck, and wholesale operations. It is NOT a comprehensive list, but that is my aim. It will be updated periodically as I hear from more businesses.
If you’d like to see a full Iowa list, please share this Substack and consider sponsoring this work by becoming a paid subscriber, contributing via Ko-Fi, and or contacting me about partnerships.
The Methodology
I follow every locally owned, central Iowa food business I can find on both Facebook and Instagram. Based on their posts, their self-identification, recommendations from others, and local research, I contact every restaurant that in some way seems to support the LGBQT+ community. I then ask them three questions:
Does anyone in your business’s ownership identify as a member of the LGBQT+ community?
Do you want to be included in this guide?
If you wish to be included, what socials/links do you want to use?
No one has been included in this guide without their written permission. Inclusion is free and optional. They stay on the list until their business closes or they request to be removed.
There is always a possibility that someone has been inaccurately or accidentally included or left off. I will update the post if that happens.
I’m not a graphic designer by any stretch of the imagination. If it’s an ugly graphic, I’m open to suggestions
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The Funding
As of publication, the only financial backing to support this work is you, my Substackers (y’all need a nickname). I am seeking funding from a couple non-profits. A page on financial transparency is coming soon.
If you wish to be a sponsor, your logo will be included on the graphic and in the post. For details, please email me. If this funding status changes, I’ll update the post and graphic.
Please do not share anything below the paid line. Intellectual property still matters. Thank you.
Without further ado . . .
Des Moines Gems, Guides, and Goodies: Locally-Owned Drive-Thrus
If I missed anyone, please let me know!