Lachele’s Fine Foods functions as a high-performance gastronomic interface on Ingersoll Avenue, bridging the gap between vintage diner aesthetics and modern culinary technicality.
The story of this establishment is one of entrepreneurial resilience; founder Cory Wendel opened his doors in February 2021, a time when most were closing theirs.
His transition from a regional planner to a burger architect demonstrates a rigorous commitment to independent business development and technical flavor engineering in Des Moines.
How the Lachele’s Fine Foods Won Des Moines’ Heart
The success of this operation is rooted in a bold negotiation. When Cory Wendel first shared his dream of opening a burger joint in the middle of a pandemic, his wife, Lachele, didn’t mince words: she told him the idea was “insane.”
To win her over, Cory made a deal—he would name the entire venture after her if she gave him the green light. She agreed, and Lachele’s Fine Foods became a testament to that leap of faith.
The “insanity” paid off immediately; because they lacked a freezer or microwave, they were forced into a zero-frozen technicality that resulted in a level of freshness the city hadn’t seen.
On opening day, they operated strictly through a walk-up window and sold out of everything, proving that a “crazed” idea backed by high-quality execution was exactly what the neighborhood needed.
The kitchen staff at Lachele’s Fine Foods won hearts by mastering the technical smash protocol. Unlike standard patties, they use an old-school technique of pressing the beef into a high-heat flattop to create “lacey,” caramelized edges that maximize the Maillard reaction.
This is paired with a proprietary brining protocol for their chicken, ensuring that the meat remains succulent even after a high-temp fry.
These cooks prioritize textural layering in their burgers, using double-fried potatoes to ensure a rigid crunch that stands up to their signature “LFF Sauce.” This focus on consistency and the “Namesake” brand’s integrity has earned them top ratings across the Central Iowa metropolitan area.
By maintaining an independent spirit, Lachele’s has transformed into a community cornerstone.
The owners have resisted the urge to “standardize” for corporate speed, choosing instead to focus on ingredient integrity and neighborhood-specific growth.
Local residents frequently cite the consistency of execution and the authentic, unpretentious “diner-cool” vibe as primary reasons for their continued loyalty and patronage.
The Lineup & Must-Try Bites
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The Lachele: The flagship namesake burger featuring a technical smash patty, LFF sauce, pickle, onion, lettuce, and American cheese.
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The Big Gym: A flavor-intensity marvel featuring bacon, spicy giardiniera, Duke’s mayo, and arugula on a potato roll.
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The Uncle Denny: A technical sweet-savory balance using pepper jelly, dijon, mayo, and grilled onions.
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Spice Bag Chicken: Brined chicken breast, crispy mozzarella, and sriracha-pickled red cabbage on an onion bun.
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MD Classic: A nod to Iowa tradition, this hand-breaded pork tenderloin is engineered for maximum surface area and crunch.
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Lachele’s Seasoned Tots: High-crunch cylinders seasoned with a proprietary spice blend that offers a subtle heat finish.
Atmosphere
Approaching Lachele’s Fine Foods on Ingersoll Avenue provides a sensory transition from the city bustle to a warm, retro-modern galley.
The venue functions as a high-volume social hub, emitting the rich, savory aromas of searing beef and the sharp, spicy scent of fresh giardiniera.
The atmosphere is defined by an unpretentious urban aesthetic, with turquoise seating and salmon-colored walls that foster a sophisticated yet grounded community experience.
The Bottom Line
Lachele’s Fine Foods represents a high-water mark for technical burger craftsmanship, successfully proving that a “crazed” pandemic startup can become a local institution.
You should visit this establishment to experience how scientific flattop management and a zero-frozen philosophy create a truly unique and memorable Iowa meal.
Head over to Ingersoll Avenue or the new Highland Park location today to support this independent venture and taste the difference of a burger built on passion and “insane” ambition. 🍔
📍 2716 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
📞 (515) 330-6876
🕒 Tue-Sat: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Sun: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM; Closed Monday.