Iowa State Fair Board to pick new operator for old Steer ‘N' Stein location
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa State Fair Board listened to seven presentations on Tuesday afternoon. The food and beverage operators came in armed with ideas, enthusiasm, and delicious food samples for board members to consider.
The spot had been under the name of Steer 'N' Stein, but some employees' wages were delayed last year. After pondering the situation, the Fair Board elected to find a new operator for the property.
'When you look at that Steer 'N' Stein location, kind of a prime real estate on the fairgrounds and obviously Iowans are creative people,' said Jeremy Parsons, State Fair CEO. 'Iowans love their food and beverage and so kind of all those things combining as we kind of, as we listen to these presentations today.'
Here are the proposals the Board heard Tuesday:
Lucky's on Grand
Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery
Lucky's Hideout
Kenny's Place
Lucky Leprechaun
D Gee's
Sham Rocks
Perry internet provider repaying firefighters who battled headquarters fire
Scott Carlson has run the State Fair Craft Beer operation for a few years. He proposed opening the property as Lucky's on Grand. It includes an extensive remodel. Carlson also focused on his work serving on RAGBRAI.
'We are the number one stop on RAGBRAI. We do two stops a day. We host about 20,000 riders throughout the state of Iowa,' said Carlson.
Kylee Hulet, of CMBA Architects, gave a presentation on a redesign of the space for the Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery.
'So, we want to make all four corners of this building approachable and accessible as you're traversing around the building, that you just are drawn in from every side of it,' said Hulet.
Joni Bell is leading the proposal for the Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery. She also has run the Rib Shack at the State Fair.
The Board will vote on which proposal will be offered the chance to run a business on the prime spot of the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
Iowa News:
Iowa State Fair Board to pick new operator for old Steer 'N' Stein location
Gov. Reynolds, Auditor Sand trade blows about ESA account financial details
Drag shows and minors, Iowa House Republicans advance policy that charges parents with a felony
Perry internet provider repaying firefighters who battled headquarters fire
Near record-breaking cold hits Iowa
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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