DES MOINES, Iowa– The Graziano Brothers Italian grocery store has been a Des Moines staple for more than a century, and new city documents suggest it is planning to remain in its longtime Little Italy location off South Union Street for years to come.
Renderings sent to city planners as part of a pre-application process show Graziano’s is proposing a significant expansion of its current property. The plans include building an addition onto the existing grocery store and deli that would house a bakery and café, and additional room to produce its beloved sausages. The overall building area would account for more than 16,600 square feet if completed, according to the proposal.
The proposal also notes the construction of a new warehouse measuring roughly 8,300 square feet, the addition of 22 parking spaces, a loading dock and improvements to the alleyway behind the property.
Longtime customers who enjoy the company’s Sweet Italian Sausages and imported Italian goods said the expansion would be a welcome change…