Babe Bisignano: Iowa Time Machine April 18, 2005

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On April 18, 2005, legendary Des Moines restaurateur Alphonse “Babe” Bisignano passed away. As the proprietor of Babe’s Restaurant on 6th Avenue and Grand, Bisignano left a legacy that lasted long after the last meal ended.

Born on the south side of Iowa’s capital city, Babe attended Dowling High School and boasted a successful boxing and wrestling career before starting in the restaurant business. Venturing east to New York to try and make it as a fighter, he returned to Iowa during the late 1930s. Entering the restaurant business, Babe’s first opened in 1939 and quickly grew into a Des Moines institution. 

Originally “Babe’s Taproom,” the establishment attracted many servicemen and women stationed at Fort Des Moines during World War II. Also a hotspot for Drake law students, Babe often called the students ‘Counselor’ and let them study over a cup of coffee for hours in the restaurant’s booths. Babe’s grew from an upstart taproom into an established Italian restaurant as time passed.

Over the years, Babe’s grew a statewide reputation for incredible pizza. After marking the restaurant’s 50th anniversary in 1989, Babe decided to retire in 1991 and closed up shop. Although workers tore down the building to put up a parking ramp in 2005, the legacy of Babe Bisignano lives on in the memories of those who shared a meal, a story, or a smile with the iconic Des Moines restaurateur. #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily