One Of The Most Incredible Small Businesses In Iowa, grāz Is A Shop That Serves More Than Great Food
By Ben Jones|Published September 21, 2021
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Ben Jones
Author
Ben Jones is at heart an adventurer who delights in inspiring others. A former reporter and photojournalist, he explored towns large and small as a Wisconsin correspondent for USA Today. He later became a lead photographer and senior copywriter for an award-winning destination marketing agency, before founding Boldland Creative, a company that produces photography, video, and other content for travel destinations. Jones has completed photography and content projects in more than 15 states and when he’s not looking through a camera or at his Macbook you’ll find him exploring the world’s lakes and forests.
In Pella, Iowa, there’s a place that defies definition. grāz calls itself a health food store and a coffee shop with a heart, and when you stop into this wonderful Pella business, you’ll see why. grāz serves up fresh and beautifully crafted salads and wraps, but that’s not all — it also supports an important local organization that gives hope and help to those who are struggling. Located in one of Iowa’s most picturesque towns, grāz is a place worth seeking out.
grāz is located on the south side of Pella, Iowa, which is a charming little town east of Des Moines that was founded by immigrants from the Netherlands. Every spring, the town hosts a huge tulip festival that draws visitors from around the world. But there’s much more to Pella than tulips and windmills.
Operating in a beautiful old Dairy Queen barn that’s been carefully renovated, grāz works hard to promote health, well-being, and community.
The mission has been beautifully and deliciously executed. The business is a one-stop shop for a vibrant selection of fresh organic produce and local products.
It has a full-service barista and lunch cafe that’s perfect for a light meal or beverage -- enjoy a cup of coffee or a produce-filled smoothie. If you're in a hurry, you can grab coffee at the drive-thru window, but if you have time, stop inside for some fresh groceries and healthy beauty products.
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grāz has a small but well-stocked grocery that showcases locally sourced produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, and more.
The healthy food options and dry goods at grāz all support local business owners, growers, and vendors. Iowa has some fo the world’s best agricultural producers, and you’ll find their bounty on the shelves of grāz.
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The grāz cafe serves sandwiches, salads, and soups, crafted with locally sourced products whenever possible.
Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are available on the rotating menu. Everything is curated with a whole foods mission designed to delight and tantalize the tastebuds!
Feel free to check out the upper loft area, which provides seating for people who want to dine in, study, or gather in small groups.
You'll feel good when you’re visiting grāz; all purchases directly help out The Well, a local nonprofit which offers struggling people a holistic approach to long-term stability in their life.
An enterprise called Well Works provides work opportunities for people overcoming barriers, too. The business provides job opportunities and a chance for employees to learn the food industry in a fast-paced, grace-filled environment.
grāz defines success in part by the participation of community partners, which include local suppliers and small business owners who provide all the items for sale in the store.
Local growers participate seasonally by supplying fresh, healthy produce, too. Every season there’s something new to discover here – whether it’s fresh strawberries, a craft cheese, or a perfect head of lettuce.
There’s a lot to love at grāz: local honey, handmade soaps, infused olive oils, and locally raised beef, pork, and chicken. And of course, the cafe's made-from-scratch soups, sandwiches, salads, and hand-crafted specialty lattes and teas are all amazing, too!
Fan favorites include a grazer Steak Salad paired with a Lavender Spice Latte made with local honey! Customers rave about the freshness and quality of the fare here and have commented that some of the best food they've ever tasted has been served by the employees of grāz.
A grāz purchase benefits so much more than the local community. The restaurant works with local community supported agriculture farms to provide produce grown using organic practices and it partners with organizations who support other missions, such as Baja Missions Trips, early infant loss awareness organizations, and coffee farm sustainability programs in other countries. This really is a place that's doing big things for its local and global community.
For more information about grāz, including hours and community partners, visit the official website. Peruse the cafe menu here, and be sure to follow grāz on Facebook and Instagram.
Have you ever visited this amazing Iowa business before? Is there another great business you think we should feature at Only In Your State? Nominate them here! And be sure to follow Only In Iowa on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop about the latest news, events, and must-visit attractions in the Hawkeye State.
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