Wayback Burgers Expands Into Iowa with First Location in Waukee

The national burger chain known for made-to-order patties and hand-dipped milkshakes opens its inaugural Iowa restaurant.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, colorful silkscreen illustration featuring a single, iconic burger icon repeated in a tight grid pattern, rendered in a vibrant neon color palette with heavy black outlines to capture the pop art spirit of the new Wayback Burgers location in Waukee, Iowa.The arrival of the Wayback Burgers chain in Iowa brings a fresh take on classic American fare to the Hawkeye State.Des Moines Today

Wayback Burgers, a national fast-food burger chain, has opened its first Iowa location in Waukee. The new restaurant, located at 1165 SE Alice's Road, is known for its fresh, made-to-order burgers, a variety of fry options, and hand-dipped milkshakes featuring Blue Bunny ice cream.

Why it matters

The arrival of Wayback Burgers in Iowa marks the continued expansion of the national burger brand, which has over 170 locations across the United States. The opening of the Waukee restaurant provides Iowans with a new dining option for fresh, customizable burgers and classic American fare.

The details

Wayback Burgers is not like a typical fast-food chain, as each burger is built in front of the customer as they order. The restaurant's menu features a variety of burgers, cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, and even an Impossible burger, as well as salads, fry bowls, and classic sides like cheese curds, fried pickles, and onion rings. The real stars of the menu, however, are the hand-dipped milkshakes made with Blue Bunny ice cream in flavors like Dubai Swirl, Chocolate Brownie, and Banana Cream Pie.

  • Wayback Burgers opened its first Iowa location on April 10, 2026 in Waukee.
  • The new restaurant will be open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The players

Wayback Burgers

A national fast-food burger chain with over 170 locations across the United States, known for its fresh, made-to-order burgers and hand-dipped milkshakes.

Waukee, Iowa

The city in which Wayback Burgers has opened its first Iowa location, located just outside of Des Moines.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The opening of Wayback Burgers in Waukee, Iowa provides residents of the Des Moines metro area with a new option for fresh, customizable burgers and classic American fare, further expanding the national brand's footprint in the Midwest.