The owner of Jethro’s in Altoona recently announced Jethroni Pepperoni, a new restaurant that will feature Italian food and pizza. Construction is underway in the old Pizza Hut Altoona at 3221 Adventureland Drive, which closed this month.
Bruce Gerleman, Jethro’s owner, said Executive Chef Dominic Iannarelli will create a brand new menu focused on classic Italian food with unique pasta dishes and thin crust pizza, instead of the BBQ the chain is known for.
Iannarelli oversees all six Jethro’s restaurants in Metro Des Moines, as well as Splash Seafood Bar and Grill, also owned by Gerleman.
The Italian Restaurant is on the same block as Jethro and Jake’s Smokehouse Steaks on Adventureland Drive across from Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino.
The new restaurant will seat 150 customers and include a full bar. Gerleman plans to open the new restaurant by the end of this year.