Mystery surrounds former Jethro’s BBQ building

Meghan Holloran

Apr 23, 2024

The picture above shows removed letters that once read “Jethros BBQ.” The Forest Avenue location was the original Jethro’s and opened in 2008. Photo by Meghan Holloran | Photo Editor

jethros 1 — The faded and cracked mural on the backside of Jethro’s is one of the last intact remnants of the shuttered BBQ joint. Photo by Meghan Holloran

Doc Holliday’s Roadhouse was slated to move into 3100 Forest Ave., where Jethro’s BBQ used to be. A large yellow ‘Coming Soon!’ banner hung outside the location, and there was plenty of evidence of construction.

However, construction has stagnated, and the ‘Coming Soon!’ banner is no longer up. What’s going on with the location is proving to be a tough question to answer.

Doc Holliday’s has an active building permit with the City of Des Moines that was filed on May 16, 2023. Dennis Pacifico, of Williston Holding Company, is listed on the permit as the business owner. However, on Holliday’s application for a liquor license, he is listed as the LLC Manager.

Even more perplexing is that another LLC, Stampede Des Moines LLC, is registered as the land owner, according to the state auditor’s office. Stampede

Des Moines’ mailing address is Chandler, AZ, where Pacifico’s Williston Holding company is based.

Pacifico has not responded for comment.

jethros 2 — A “no tresspassing” sign warns curious college students against vandalizing the property. The parking lot was blocked off with cement and chain-like barriers, but those have been cast aside. Photo by Meghan Holloran

jethros 4 — Unplugged T.V. screens retired from showing Drake Basketball games on Thursday nights when crowds would stream in to watch the game and enjoy half-priced wings. Photo by Meghan Holloran

Jethros

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