Red Robin

Des Moines School student body about 1915

The Daring, one of the Mosquito Fleet vessels serving Des Moines

History of the Des Moines Red Robin

The Red Robin restaurant at 22705 Marine View Drive South stood near the Des Moines Marina and served the community for nearly three decades.

Exterior of the Des Moines Red Robin restaurant beneath a partly cloudy sky — The Red Robin at 22705 Marine View Drive South on September 2, 2026.

The Site Before Red Robin

Norma and Johnny Somers were the owners of Johnny's Super Market, which opened on the corner of South 223rd Street and Marine View Drive South in 1945 (where the Allstar Sports Bar is currently located). As the market grew, it moved to the property that later became the Red Robin site, according to a 2013 Highline Times account of the Somers family's place in Des Moines history.

Opening in 1997

A commercial property record for the restaurant building lists early 1997 as its construction year. Combined with the restaurant team's statement that the location served Des Moines for nearly 30 years, the available evidence indicates that the Des Moines Red Robin opened in 1997. The exact opening month and day have not yet been located in available online records.

A Red Robin logo medallion from the Des Moines restaurant.

A Community Gathering Place

For generations of local diners, the restaurant was a place for first dates, family dinners, birthdays, team traditions, celebrations, and countless burgers. Its dining rooms and bar were decorated with colorful signs, murals, memorabilia, and a distinctive ceiling gallery filled with framed photographs and artwork.

Inside the Restaurant

The following photographs were taken on September 2, 2026, the day before the restaurant's announced final day.

Red benches, host stand, and wooden screens in the Red Robin lobby — The restaurant lobby.

Red booths and tables in the main Red Robin dining room — The main dining room.

Striped booths and historical wall displays in a Red Robin dining room — Dining booths and wall displays.

Red Robin signs, local references, and pop-culture artwork in a restaurant alcove — A restaurant alcove filled with signs, local references, and pop-culture art.

Entrance to the Red Robin bar with a long counter and tables beside large windows — The entrance to the bar area.

Curved Red Robin bar with stools, tables, televisions, and beverage taps — The restaurant bar.

Long ceiling gallery of framed photographs and artwork above the dining room — The distinctive ceiling gallery above the dining room.

The Final Day

The Des Moines Red Robin team announced Thursday, September 3, 2026, as the restaurant's final day. In its farewell to the community, the team remembered the location as more than a building: it had been a gathering place, workplace, second home, and a small part of Des Moines for almost three decades.

“Thank you for letting us be part of your story.”

The Des Moines Red Robin team

Read the full farewell letter (PDF, 178 KB)

Sources

Des Moines Red Robin team, farewell notice, 2026.
LoopNet property record for 22705 Marine View Drive South.
The Waterland Blog, “After ~30 years, Red Robin in Des Moines expected to close Sept. 3”, August 28, 2026.
Highline Times, “Des Moines honors 5 volunteers, 1 organization with Spirit Awards”, January 15, 2013.