Johnny’s Hall of Fame – the first sports bar in Des Moines! 

Back in 1962, John Ulrich and his wife, Fran, opened the Interlude Lounge Key Club in the Elliot Hotel just around the corner on 4th Street.  At that time, it was illegal to sell liquor by the drink, so the Ulrich’s key club only sold water, ice and mixers.  By 1963, that Iowa law was reversed and the beer began to flow!

Six years later, the Interlude Lounge moved across the street and was renamed Johnny’s Interlude Lounge.  In 1972, Johnny and Fran pioneered a new concept in the bar business and changed the name to Johnny’s Hall of Fame, creating the first sports bar in Des Moines.  They began collecting and hanging sports pictures of all members in every Hall of Fame throughout the sports world.

In 1983, Johnny’s Hall of Fame moved to its current location at 302 Court Avenue. This historic building was constructed in 1889 by Seth Richards and housed many different businesses. Tragedy struck in 1989 when water damage from a fire ruined three-quarters of the 4,600 Hall of Fames photos collected by Johnny and Fran.  Then the floods of 1993 almost wiped out the rest of the collection when Court Avenue was under water.  Throughout it all Johnny’s persevered.

In 2006, Hubbell Realty Company purchased the building above Johnny’s to remodel and add apartments to the Court Avenue District.  Hubbell approached Johnny and Fran regarding the bar/restaurant, and after serving the Des Moines metro for 44 years, they decided to enjoy the fruits of their labors and retire.   Hubbell Realty brought in managing partner, Todd Millang, and in 2008 renovated the bar/restaurant to its original splendor. 

 

Be sure to check out the articles and additional history regarding both the building and Johnny’s Hall of Fame scattered around the bar.  Thanks for your patronage, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.   Please let us know if we can do anything to make your next visit even better.

 

Todd Millang & Hubbell Realty Company