The Breakfast Club Celebrates 5 Years of Indulgent Brunch Expansion

The homegrown Des Moines brunch brand has grown to multiple metro locations with over-the-top menu items and cocktails.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Breakfast Club, a retro-inspired brunch restaurant that opened its first location in Des Moines' East Village in 2021, is celebrating its 5th anniversary. The brand has expanded to additional locations in West Des Moines and Ankeny, with a new Waukee restaurant slated to open soon. Known for its neon-bright '80s vibe, cheeky energy, and wildly imaginative takes on classic breakfast dishes, The Breakfast Club has become one of the metro's most popular brunch destinations, offering indulgent menu items like Bananas Foster French toast, breakfast egg rolls, and s'mores pancakes, as well as a playful cocktail menu featuring craft mimosas and loaded bloody Marys.

Why it matters

The Breakfast Club's rapid expansion and popularity highlight the continued demand for unique, experience-driven brunch spots, even in the midst of the pandemic. The brand's commitment to bold flavors, over-the-top presentations, and a fun, nostalgic atmosphere have resonated with diners, making it a standout in Des Moines' competitive brunch scene.

The details

The Breakfast Club opened its first location in Des Moines' East Village in February 2021, launching a new restaurant concept during the COVID-19 shutdowns. Despite the challenges, the brand has grown to include additional locations in West Des Moines and Ankeny, with a new Waukee restaurant slated to open soon. The Breakfast Club is known for its retro-inspired design, featuring neon-bright colors, flashback wall art, and diner-style seating. The menu is filled with indulgent, Instagram-worthy dishes like Bananas Foster French toast, breakfast egg rolls, and s'mores pancakes, as well as a playful cocktail program featuring craft mimosas and loaded bloody Marys.

  • The Breakfast Club opened its first location in Des Moines' East Village in February 2021.
  • The brand has expanded to additional locations in West Des Moines and Ankeny.
  • A new Waukee restaurant is slated to open in 2026.

The players

The Breakfast Club

A homegrown brunch restaurant brand in Des Moines, known for its retro-inspired design, indulgent menu items, and playful cocktails.

Tom Baldwin Jr.

The managing partner of The Breakfast Club.

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What they’re saying

“This weekend is about celebrating our guests and the communities that helped us grow.”

— Tom Baldwin Jr., Managing Partner (News Release)

What’s next

The Breakfast Club will debut new menu items, including cannoli cronuts, blazin' biscuits, and berry electric pancakes, as part of its 5th anniversary celebration on February 14th.

The takeaway

The Breakfast Club's rapid expansion and popularity demonstrate the continued demand for unique, experience-driven brunch concepts that offer bold flavors, over-the-top presentations, and a fun, nostalgic atmosphere. The brand's commitment to innovation and community engagement has helped it thrive in Des Moines' competitive brunch scene.