Controversial restaurateur Steve McFadden’s Dough Mama’s Pizzeria in downtown Des Moines has been placed up for sale, with a sign in the pizzeria’s window indicating a selling price of $165,000. Over the years, the restaurant earned a 2.8/5.0 rating on Google.

McFadden has been gradually divesting himself of his establishments, including the Grumpy Goat Tavern in Ankeny and Boomer’s Bicycle Lounge in West Des Moines, due to struggling business conditions. He has also been denied liquor licenses for Fat Charlie’s Tavern in Urbandale, both Grumpy Goat Tavern locations in West Des Moines, and the Tipsy Crow Tavern in downtown Des Moines following several criminal charges against him.

Local authorities have expressed concerns about McFadden’s financial stability due to outstanding state and federal tax liens. Urbandale Police Chief Rob Johansen informed the City Council that there are three mechanic’s liens against properties owned by McFadden for unpaid work.

Despite the challenges McFadden has faced, Dough Mama’s Pizzeria opened in 2022 at 214 Fourth Street, taking over the former Java Joe’s Coffee House space. The pizzeria’s website boasts that it has been a ‘community staple for years’ and is ‘one of the most popular pizzerias in the area.’

McFadden has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the sale of Dough Mama’s Pizzeria.