Fong's Pizza - 4th Street - Des Moines

Des Moines, Iowa, United States

Fong's Pizza opened January 26th, 2009 as a partnership between Jeff Bruning (part owner of several other Des Moines bars) and Gwen Schlepphorst. Bruning had dreams of opening a tiki bar, Schlepphorst had dreams of opening a late-night pizza joint. Fong's Pizza took over a space vacated by King Ying Low, a Chinese restaurant that had operated for over one hundred years.

Fong's was a funky mix of Chinese, Polynesian and uniquely American touches. Tiki drinks were served in tiki mugs from Tiki Farm (when secured with an appropriate deposit). Pizza was available by the slice until well past midnight; during lunch and dinner service a wider menu was available with some traditional Chinese and Polynesian offerings.

Three more Fong's locations followed after this first one, starting in 2015, but the expansion did not last and each of the three closed shop until only the original remained by 2023.

The second location in the District at Prairie Trail in Ankeny opened 2015 and closed in 2023, a third location in Cedar Rapids NewBo entertainment district opened in 2018 and closed in 2022, and a fourth location in Des Moines on Forest Avenue opened in 2019 and closed in 2021.

At last, however, the original location closed on March 9th, 2025. This closing was part of a planned relocation with plans to reopen in early April in the former Peace Tree Brewing Co. space in the Market District.

The new location offers double the seating capacity, expanded parking, a patio, and a pick-up window.

Chef Dennis Epps plans to expand the menu with new noodle and rice dishes, salads, appetizers, and late-night options.