DES MOINES, Iowa — When Jesse’s Embers started serving food in 1963, it was all about change.
It had been a “key club” in the days before it was legal to serve alcohol in a restaurant. Patrons brought in their own liquor, Embers sold them the tonic or soda mixer, and then the drink could be enjoyed inside.
When the law changed, owner Jesse Roush jumped at the chance, and turned the Embers into a full-service restaurant. Customers loved his food, but they also loved the suddenly-mixer-free libations he could put on the menu…