This Iowa Grocery Store Is So Huge That You’ll Keep Discovering New Finds Every Time You Visit

A grocery store with a full food hall, a candy shop, and a drive-up pharmacy window sounds like more than a quick errand. It’s real, and it sits in Iowa.

The building covers about 93,000 square feet. It stocks roughly 100,000 items, so a quick milk run can easily turn into a field trip.

The funny thing is, the groceries are only part of the story. There’s a food hall with sushi, hibachi, scratch-made pizza, and burgers from Hy-Vee’s own Market Grille.

Over 100 TVs and all-digital shelf labels make the place feel more airport terminal than corner market.

I’ve come to realize that some stores are built for errands. This one seems built for wandering, snacking, and remembering three things you forgot to buy.

It just feels right to give a place this big a proper tour. Where do you even start when the bakery, the candy shop, and the hibachi grill are all calling your name?

The Store That Rewrote The Grocery Playbook

Big claims deserve big buildings, and the Grimes Hy-Vee backs its words up with square footage. The company called it its first entirely reimagined grocery store when it opened on September 14, 2021.

Hy-Vee also labeled it the most innovative store it had built across its eight-state territory. That’s a bold title for a chain that has been feeding the Midwest since 1930.

So what does reimagined actually mean here? It means roughly 93,000 square feet packed with about 100,000 items, plus dining, shopping, and services stacked under one roof.

At opening, it ranked as the third-largest Hy-Vee in Iowa, and the chain viewed it as a model for its future stores. Since then, Hy-Vee has fine-tuned the lineup inside, swapping out some partner shops for more of what shoppers buy most.

Hy-Vee is employee-owned, which adds a nice layer to the whole picture. The people stocking shelves and slicing deli meats have a stake in the business.

The doors typically open early in the morning and stay open late into the evening, giving early birds and night owls plenty of time to explore. Check current hours before you go.

A smart first-visit tip? Skip the rigid list and give yourself extra time.

You’ll likely wander farther than planned, and that’s half the fun.

Lunch Gets Complicated In The Best Possible Way

Sushi, hibachi, burgers, or pizza? The Food Hall makes that question tough, because every answer is sitting right there.

This large, open dining area was designed for fast-casual eating. You can grab a quick bite or linger at a table while someone else finishes the shopping.

Nori Sushi rolls out fresh options for raw fish fans. HyChi and Hibachi handles the sizzling side of the menu, which is a strong move for anyone craving something hot.

Then there’s Hy-Vee’s own Market Grille, which brought back its burgers and comfort classics after the store’s former Wahlburgers counter closed in 2025. It’s a familiar favorite for anyone craving something hearty.

Long Island Deli and Mealtime offerings round things out, giving shoppers even more grab-and-go choices.

Digital kiosks let you order fresh prepared foods without hunting down a counter. That’s handy when your group can’t agree and everyone wants something different.

Here’s a practical idea for families. Let each person pick a station, then meet at a table.

Nobody compromises, and dinner feels like a mini food festival instead of a negotiation.

Six Minutes Stand Between You And A Fresh Pizza

Six minutes. That’s about how long Mia Italian needs to get a gourmet, made-from-scratch pizza ready to go.

Fast food usually means frozen and forgettable. Mia Italian flips that idea by building pies from scratch at a pace that fits a busy weeknight.

Picking up a pizza here solves a common problem. You can finish your grocery run while dinner gets made, then head home with both handled.

Just past the pizza counter, the kitchen department keeps the comfort food coming. Hickory House smoked meats bring a backyard barbecue vibe without the hours of tending a smoker.

Fried chicken and whole rotisserie chickens sit nearby for anyone who wants something classic. Plenty of side dishes make it easy to build a full meal in minutes.

A rotisserie chicken might be the most underrated shopping hack around. Use it for dinner tonight, then turn the leftovers into sandwiches, soup, or salads tomorrow.

Breakfast fans get their turn too, since the store offers Hy-Vee’s breakfast menu. So whether it’s morning eggs or a late pizza craving, the kitchen has a plan ready for you.

Errands Stack Up Nicely Under One Roof

Need to mail a package with your bananas? At Grimes Hy-Vee, that sentence actually makes sense.

The customer service desk handles a surprising list of everyday chores. Postal services, money orders, Western Union, dry cleaning, and even Rug Doctor rentals are all part of the lineup.

The pharmacy adds another layer of convenience with its drive-up window. That’s a lifesaver when you’re juggling a sick kid or a packed schedule.

Over the years, the store has also hosted extras like a nail bar and specialty shops. Check what’s currently open before your visit, since the lineup has changed since opening day.

The smartest way to use all this? Bundle your chores.

One parking spot, one trip, and several tasks checked off before lunch. Your gas tank and your weekend schedule will both thank you for the extra planning.

Your Sweet Tooth Will Find Two Places To Get In Trouble

Artisan bread, delicate pastries, and custom cakes all live in one bakery here. That’s a lot of temptation before you even reach the produce.

The full-service bakery offers artisan and specialty breads for sandwiches, dinners, or plain old snacking. A patisserie section adds fancier treats for those days that call for something special.

There’s also a cake decorator station. That makes it a handy stop for birthdays, graduations, or any celebration that needs frosting.

Planning ahead pays off with cakes. Digital kiosks let you order cakes right in the store, so you can lock in your design while shopping.

Now for the second trouble spot. The Candy Shoppe is an expanded department packed with premium, novelty, and nostalgic selections.

Nostalgic candy is a sneaky kind of fun. You might spot a treat you haven’t seen since grade school and suddenly feel ten years old again.

A friendly tip for parents: decide on the candy budget before entering this zone. Kids will spot the colorful shelves fast, and a plan beforehand saves everyone from a long debate near the jelly beans.

The Meat And Seafood Counters Mean Serious Business

Dry-aged steaks in a dedicated case are not something most people expect from a neighborhood grocery store. Grimes Hy-Vee has one anyway.

The full-service meat counter includes a chef’s station and Chophouse selections. It’s built for shoppers who care about the cut, not just the price tag.

Dry aging lets beef rest under controlled conditions for a period of time. The process concentrates flavor, which is why steak lovers often seek it out for special dinners.

Packaged meats are available too, so quick weeknight cooking stays simple. You get options for both the grilling enthusiast and the busy parent.

Right nearby, the seafood counter offers sustainable seafood options with full service. That means you can ask questions and get help choosing something for dinner.

The deli keeps the full-service theme going strong. Hand-sliced meats and cheeses, specialty cheeses, charcuterie, and ready-to-eat meals all live here.

Here’s a useful move. Ask the counter staff how thick to slice your deli meat or which cut suits your recipe.

Full-service counters exist for exactly that, and the right advice can upgrade a simple meal.

About 1,500 Produce Items Are Waiting For Your Cart

Roughly 1,500 fresh produce items fill this department. That number alone explains why a salad shopping trip can turn into an adventure.

Around 120 of those items are organic. Shoppers who prefer organic fruits and vegetables get real choices instead of one sad shelf.

A produce section this large is a great place to try something new. Grab one unfamiliar fruit each visit, and you’ll slowly build a delicious bucket list.

Healthy shopping continues in the HealthMarket. This expanded department carries over 5,000 items, including vitamins, supplements, and sports nutrition options.

Athletes, busy parents, and wellness fans can all find something useful here. A bigger selection means less chance of leaving without the brand you wanted.

Out in the warmer months, the lawn and garden area joins the fun. It offers plants, tools, and seasonal decor, depending on the weather.

The floral department and gift shop were expanded too. That makes last-minute bouquets much easier to pull off.

Quick tip: hit produce near the end of your trip. Your strawberries will stay safer on top of the cart, far away from heavy jugs and cans.

Screens Everywhere And Checkout On Your Phone

More than 100 TVs hang throughout the store. They feature Hy-Vee products, giving the aisles a high-tech glow that feels a bit futuristic.

Look closely at the shelves and you’ll notice something else. Every shelf label is digital, displaying product information and pricing on small screens.

Digital labels can be updated quickly, which helps keep pricing current. It’s a small detail that shows how much thought went into this reimagined store.

Hy-Vee Scan and Go lets you scan items with your phone as you shop. Self-checkout options are available too, for shoppers who like handling things themselves.

Not in the mood to shop at all? Hy-Vee Aisles Online offers grocery pickup and delivery, so the store can come to you.

The pharmacy also has a drive-up window. That’s a lifesaver when you’re juggling a sick kid or a packed schedule.

Customer service handles a surprising list of tasks. Western Union, lottery, money orders, dry cleaning, Rug Doctor rentals, and postal services are all offered.

A dedicated Mothers Room adds thoughtful comfort for parents who need a quiet, private space.

Plan A Trip To This Corner Of Northwest Des Moines

Grimes sits just northwest of Des Moines, in a growing part of Iowa. The store’s spot reflects that growth, serving a community that keeps adding new neighbors.

You’ll find it at 351 NE Gateway Dr, Grimes, IA 50111. It’s an easy stop for anyone already running errands in the metro area.

The parking lot holds a bonus: Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh. This convenience store opens at 5 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. daily, perfect for a quick fuel-up.

Hometown pride shows up inside too. General merchandise includes gear for the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and Dallas Center-Grimes.

That mix means rival fans can shop in the same aisle. Hawkeyes and Cyclones, peacefully side by side, which might be the store’s most impressive trick.

Need catering for a big event? Full catering services are available, which helps for graduations, office parties, or game-day gatherings.

Final advice for first-timers: go in with a loose plan and a little extra time. Grimes Hy-Vee rewards curiosity, and every return trip seems to reveal one more department you somehow missed.