This morning, the Chamber Ambassadors popped into the Strand to meet Leo Garcia, the new general manager of the quintessential movie theatre. Garcia and Tom Latimer, member of the Strand LLC Investor Group, described the Strand’s newest developments into one of Grinnell’s local entertainment hot spots.
“When I look around, all I see is the hard work of my newly inherited staff,” says Garcia, who previously worked with Fridley theatres in other Iowan towns. Of his short time in his new role, he is most proud of the team’s hard work to get the space cleaned up and ready for more visitors!
Ever since the COVID pandemic hit, Latimer remarked that one of the goals of the Strand Theatre LLC is to reinvigorate the community into attending the local theatre. With additional funding and Hollywood getting ‘back to normal’ post writers-strikes and pandemic, the theatre has begun to receive highly anticipated movies for screening, and is looking ahead to future promotions and partnerships. For a list of current showtimes, and all the new releases check out the Strand 3 Theatre website.
In the near future, Latimer and Garcia are hoping to work more in tandem with the local community, beginning with renting out the theatre space to community members for graduation parties and private events. Garcia is excited to bring some community film favorites to town; community members can request movies to be screened at the Strand by emailing grinnell@fridleytheatres.com.
Don’t miss out on local showings! The locally owned theatre offers Bargain Tuesdays, with a discount on movie tickets and a free bag of freshly popped popcorn with a purchase of a beverage. The Strand also offers gift cards for their movies and concessions.
Pictured left to right:
Ambassadors celebrated Jay's Deli in their new location at 819 Broad Street today! Owner Jarrod Diehm shared more about their transition to the new space and some exciting new menu items.
Jarrod opened Jay’s Deli just over 5 years ago in the space at the back of Saint’s Rest Coffee House and worked on growing his menu and customer base over the years. With the 819 location opening up last year, Jarrod had a dream to bring ice cream back closer to Central Park. This dream also fit well with his need to expand seating options for the deli customers and continue to grow his business. The new location now offers seating for 20 and a better production line for sandwiches and ice cream.
With room to grow, Jarrod launched a breakfast menu this week. You can now add an egg patty to any sandwich (the Ruben and the Sheila would be a great place to start), a side of hashbrowns, biscuits and gravy or even do a ham or bacon, egg & cheese sandwich. Breakfast is served Monday-Friday 6-11 AM starting tomorrow! You can order online at jaysdeligrinnell.com or stop in and check out the new shop.
They’re still serving lunch or dinner sandwich, soup and salad options Monday-Friday 11 AM - 8 PM, and 11 AM - 5 PM on Saturdays. Add a side of Tillamook hard scoop ice cream (gluten free and dairy free options available!) on a cone or a dish with a color changing spoon!
Pictured L-R: Lori Vos - Loralei's Giftshoppe & Village Decorating Studio, Hannah Greene - Bayer Crop Science, Donnette Ellis - Grinnell College Community Connections, Cassie Wherry - Pioneer Bookshop, Grinnell College, Matt Moyer - Bayer Crop Science, Fran Conn, Hannah O'Polka - Cleanfoodfix Wellness Studio, Trent Arment - MCG - Mahaska Communication Group, Rachel Arseneault - Ramsey-Weeks Inc. Real Estate, Kody Bigelow - Walmart Grinnell, Donna Fischer - UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center Foundation, Jennifer McAlexander - JM Consulting & Hawkeye Lock & Security, Jarrod Diehm - Jay's Deli, Ashley Symbol - First State Bank, Dorothy Spriggs - Carriage House Bed & Breakfast, Cece & Grace Deihm, Rayn Beckman - Beckman Gallery & Gifts, Sarah Smith - Grinnell College, Mike Beasley - Beasley Construction & Paparoni's - Grinnell, Iowa Food Truck, Dedee Lehamn - All In Real Estate Inc., Alathia Andera - Iowa State University Extension & Outreach: Poweshiek County, Rachael Kinnick - Grinnell Chamber, Vince Lukehart, Jessica Lukehart, Sheila Deihm, Dan Diehm
Ambassadors welcomed new member Avenue Builders and Restoration to the chamber today. Owners Conner & Keaton Jones shared more about the history of the company and where they’re looking forward to taking it in the future.
ABR was started by Connor’s dad over a decade ago and did a variety of work in the area with Connor assisting. When his dad retired and moved out of state, Connor worked in concrete and expanded his experience in the construction industry. After the May 2023 hail storm, Connor’s dad returned to the area to assist with some repair work and Connor came on board as project manager. They saw a demand that led to Connor taking over the business at the end of the year, brought on Keaton and establishing a permanent location in Grinnell.
They worked on a variety of projects over the last two years in over 80 homes in the Grinnell, Newton and Tama area. Their recent focus has been on exterior work - siding, roofs, gutters, concrete, windows, etc. but are expanding into interior builds and remodels and interested in doing whole-home and commercial builds. With a small team, they have a reliable list of local sub contractors they work hand in hand with to ensure their clients projects come to fruition.
Connor and Keaton moved into suite #6 at Stagecoach Road and customized the space to fit their needs. This office allows them to meet with clients and review quotes and discuss projects. If you’re interested in learning more, visit their website www.avebuilders.com, give them a call at 641-569-3862 or email connorj@avebuilders.com.
Pictured L-R: Phil Grout - Hy-Vee, Fran Conn, Lisa Cirks - Cirks Financial Services, Trent Arment - Mahaska Communication Group, Claire Burch - Temp Associates Grinnell, Donna Fischer - UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center Foundation, Keaton Jones - Avenue Builders and Restoration, Connor Jones - Avenue Builders and Restoration, Hannah O’Polka - Cleanfoodfix Wellness Studio, Rachael Kinnick - Grinnell Chamber, Jennifer McAlexander - JM Consulting & Hawkeye Lock & Security, Alyssa Sliger - First Interstate Bank, Rachel Arseneault - Ramsey-Weeks Inc. Real Estate
Ambassadors had a real treat of a visit today to Dari Barn! Owner Ginette McFarland shared more about the pre-season prep, some exciting additions coming to the menu this year and announced opening day will be THIS Friday, March 7!
One of the most critical pieces of operating Dari Barn is the staff. They’ve hired over 40 team members for this season, 20 of which are new to the team. These team members range from Grinnell High School students to Grinnell College students and even adults! They worked hard to train their team making sure they follow the highest food safety standards and are excited to welcome everyone this season.
Ginette always spends the off season looking for new ideas for the menu and this winter was no exception. New this year, you’ll find:
You’ll also notice new concrete out front and a new logo this year!
They are excited to bring back the Dole flavors and their Frostline lactose free ice cream, both of which get rave reviews from everyone - not just those with dietary restrictions. If you’re not sure what flavor you want to try, ask for a sample at the window. Don’t forget, you can also custom order ice cream pies in a variety of options including the specialty ice creams. Make sure to give them 48 hours notice for your order.
Dari Barn is open daily 11 AM - 9 PM for the spring and will shift to later hours in the summer. You can order at the window, online at Chow Now, or by calling 641-236-7828. If you’re interested in working at Dari Barn, they’re always accepting applications for people 16 and older who are looking for a fast paced, fun environment. Visit their website at daribarngrinnell.com to learn more.
Pictured L-R: Stephanie Lair - UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center, Trent Arment - MCG - Mahaska Communication Group, Monica St. Angelo - Grinnell Area Arts Council, Alyssa Sliger - First Interstate Bank, Dedee Lehamn - All In Real Estate Inc., Donna Fischer - UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center Foundation, Donnette Ellis - Grinnell College Community Connections, Rachel Arsenault - Ramsey-Weeks Inc. Real Estate, Charlie Isaacs - Theisen's, Traci Smith - Dari Barn LLC, Dorothy Spriggs - Carriage House Bed & Breakfast, Ginette McFarland - Dari Barn LLC, Ashley Symbol - First State Bank & Dari Barn LLC team member, Sarah Smith - Grinnell College, Jennnifer McAlexander - JM Consulting & Hawkeye Lock & Security, Rachael Kinnick - Grinnell Chamber, and Hannah O'Polka - Cleanfoodfix Wellness Studio
Ambassadors visited the American Brawn Solace Center yesterday to celebrate their first anniversary. The Solace Center offers a supportive community space originally intended for veterans and first responders but its participant base has quickly expanded to anyone looking for solace. The group meets every Thursday on the third floor of the Masonic Lodge from 6-8 PM. Interested participants find encouraging peers and a variety of activities including; art supplies, games, musical instruments and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring friends or family or even their own projects to work on. No RSVP needed to attend, simply show up and be welcomed.
To celebrate the one-year anniversary of the American Brawn Solace Center, they’ll be hosting an “Ameri-Gras” party on March 21 featuring live music from Too Many String Band, a showcase of the group’s recent artwork, auction, snacks and more. This event is a free will donation, all funds raised at this event will be used to continue American Brawn’s mission of buying life saving equipment for first responder departments and support the Solace Center. To date, American Brawn has donated over $80,000 in critical equipment to departments across Iowa, Nebraska and even Illinois.
If you’re interested in learning more about American Brawn’s mission or making a donation, visit their website at americanbrawn.us. If you have questions about the upcoming Ameri-Gras Party, call/text Kent at 641-821-5134.
Pictured L-R: Hannah O’Polka - Cleanfoodfix Wellness Studio, Trent Arment - MCG - Mahaska Communication Group, Monica St. Angelo - Grinnell Area Arts Council, Dorothy Spriggs - Carriage House Bed & Breakfast Gary Benest - American Brawn volunteer, Kent Reed - American Brawn founder, Jennifer McAlexander - JM Consulting & Hawkeye Lock & Security, Joni Schmidt - The Mayflower Community, Claire Burch - Temp Associates Grinnell, Rachel Arseneault - Ramsey-Weeks Inc. Real Estate, Fran Conn, Rachael Kinnick - Grinnell Chamber, Mary Anne Hosch - American Brawn volunteer and Solace Center attendee, Victoria Springer - American Brawn volunteer and Solace Center attendee, Mike Fisher - American Brawn Solace Center attendee.
