Johnny & Kay's: Iowa Time Machine July 24, 2016

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On July 24, 2016, Des Moines mourned the passing of Kathleen J. “Kay” Compiano, better known as the “Kay” behind Johnny and Kay’s Restaurant, a beloved institution whose influence stretched far beyond its famed dining room. For decades, Kay helped shape what many considered the heart and soul of Des Moines' culinary scene, serving as a symbol of the post-war rise in American hospitality and Midwestern tradition.

Johnny and Kay’s Restaurant was established in 1946 by Kay and her husband, Johnny Compiano, opening as a modest, 32-seat establishment on the south side of the city. The timing was auspicious: post-World War II optimism was running high, and Des Moines was experiencing rapid growth. Johnny, inspired by his experiences as a Coast Guard cook in New Orleans, infused his menu with flavors that were both comforting and a touch exotic for Iowa, most notably, the now-iconic Steak de Burgo, a dish that would forever link their restaurant to Des Moines’ culinary heritage. 

As the years passed, Johnny and Kay’s expanded to seat 450 guests, evolving from neighborhood eatery into a state landmark. Kay was known not only for her dedication to hospitality, but also for helping make the restaurant a community meeting ground. It wasn’t just a place for a memorable meal or a special occasion; it became a backdrop for romance, family milestones, and countless stories that wove it into the city’s social fabric.

Kay’s presence exemplified the oft-overlooked role of women restaurateurs in mid-century America. While women rarely helmed their own restaurants in the 1940s and 1950s, Kay’s partnership with Johnny was pivotal in the restaurant’s success and reputation, making her a quiet pioneer among business owners in Iowa. The spirit of Johnny and Kay’s Restaurant endures in local memory, recipe books, and the enduring legend of Steak de Burgo, a testament to the generations that found community and comfort within its walls. #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaHistoyrCalendar