A quest for great beer.

Our previous owners “About Us” page started with “515’s story is a cautionary tale of how two cunning women hatched one small, not-so-innocent plot, changing the course of our lives forever.” I suppose, in a similar way, the “new” 515’s story is an cautionary  exciting tale of how a father and son hatched one small meaningful and somewhat well thought out plot, changing the course of their lives forever (only time will tell)!

In late 2025, Scott Hedderich was invited by his son, Wil, to a local craft brewery in Clive named 515 Brewing Company. It wasn’t the first time they had been there. The taproom and patio had been the scene of many long conversations, discussions, debates, and father-son bonding. But it was there that he shared with his father that 515 Brewing was shutting down. Drowning their sorrows and cursing fate for taking yet another craft brewery from Iowa, Jeremiah LaBresh, founder of Art is Rad and avid 515 regular, overheard their anguish and struck up a conversation. 

It was here, dear readers, that the story began.

With the help of Jeremiah, Scott and Wil were introduced to Jason Kyte, a long-time Des Moines resident with decades of brewing and bar experience. With his fantastic beer and charming personality, he quickly won them over. They then met with Ryan Rost, Bailey Forrest, Barb Becker, and others who made 515 Brewing what it was. After lots of talking, some lawyers, and a little bit of patience, the core of 515 Brewing was reformed.

The original team who opened the taproom made it a true DIY effort. The previous owners self-funded, destructed, and constructed almost all of the taproom/brewery, and configured and learned how to professionally brew on a three-barrel and then expanded to a seven-barrel brewing system. 515 was built and continues to grow with the blood, sweat and tears of our staff, founders, and now its re-founders. We’re proud of 515’s MacGyver-like qualities, always doing more with less (sans the 80’s hairdo).

515 Brewing Company fully opened its doors in March of 2013, and soon hired Barb Becker as its taproom manager and brewer. Barb helmed the 515 brewing floor for 13 years before retiring, creating over 200 recipes including the award-winning OJ IPA, Mexican Spring, and #QuadGoals. 515 Brewing Company temporarily closed its doors at the end of 2025 while transitioning to new owners, but expects to re-open in June of 2026.

With a reputation for brewing delicious, flavorful and award-winning beer, we continue to evolve to meet the insatiable needs of our customers and it is reflected in our ever-changing brew menu. While 515 may not have a dog sanctuary, a 72-acre beer garden, or ridiculous over-hyped/priced beer, we took our time, money and effort and focused on what’s most important for a brewery: the beer. We raise our glass and welcome you (again) to the 515 neighborhood. Cheers!