Hy-Vee Closes Bar Doors Across Iowa and Beyond, Streamlines Market Grille
Hy-Vee, the Iowa-based grocery chain, is closing nearly all of its in-store bars and shifting its Market Grille restaurants to limited service starting May 1.
While the company declined to specify how many bars are currently operating or how many will remain, the decision marks a significant shift in Hy-Vee’s in-store dining strategy. “We remain committed to providing a family-friendly atmosphere that prioritizes an exceptional experience for everyone,” said Hy-Vee spokesperson Tina Potthoff in a statement.
The company is also altering operations at its Market Grille dining areas. Previously full-service at select locations, all Market Grilles will now offer only counter service, Potthoff said. Customers will place orders at the counter rather than being served at their tables.
These changes follow Hy-Vee’s January announcement that it would close all 79 Wahlburgers outlets located inside its stores. Those spaces are being transitioned into Market Grille or Market Grille Express concepts.
Hy-Vee operates more than 220 Market Grille and Market Grille Express locations within its 285-plus supermarkets. The company said most impacted staff, including servers, have been reassigned to other roles within the stores.
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