Fabulous Goods and Services from Our Local Businesses
The season to celebrate with family and friends is here! While gathering together is the stuff memories are made of, hosting can be stressful and time-consuming. Why not use the services and goods provided by Greater Fort Dodge’s local businesses to lighten the work of entertaining so you can focus on the fun? You’ll give yourself the break you deserve, enjoy friendly and attentive customer service, and support our small businesses.
While grabbing that bottle of wine or picking up that delectable dessert tray, check out the merchants’ gift card selections, too. They make excellent gifts for family, friends, and employees!
It’s time to decorate!
First things first, embrace that it is time to celebrate and let your decorations reflect that joy. Flowers are the ideal way to set the mood and bring freshness and color to your festivities. Pick out the perfect pop of color for your tablescape! Bouquets and arrangements also make the perfect gift of appreciation for your host, who is treating you to a delicious dinner or party!
Family-owned and operated Becker Florists, Inc. has proudly served the Fort Dodge area since 1885. They offer only the finest floral arrangements, gifts, blooming plants, and foliage plants, backed by friendly and prompt service. They go the extra mile to make your floral selections and gifts perfect.
Are you dreaming of a huge party with decorations galore? Party Productions and Events has what you need! There’s no need to stress because Party Productions and Events has rental chairs, tables, glassware, tents, linens, warmers, coolers, roasters, carnival games, popcorn machines, beverage servers, snow cone machines, cotton candy machines, hot dog rollers, helium tanks, and more. They even have bulk restaurant-service food items. You can add the special touch of personalized imprinted items through their custom print shop.
Let’s Eat!
Greater Fort Dodge has a number of eateries that can help round out your menu. Ardys Mae Coffee and Dessert freshly roasts their beans on-site, and their kitchen features homemade soups, sandwiches, quiches, and fresh baked goods daily. Grab some desserts or a dozen scones for your Christmas brunch. They even have gluten-free options.
In addition to its tasty full menu for dining-in or curbside-to-go, Mineral City Mill and Grill features a Family Friendly Style To Go Menu with meals that serve four to six people. Options include cajun chicken pasta, chicken and spinach lasagna rolls, and more. Include their delicious specialties on your buffet, or use them to feed your houseguests as you prepare your holiday feast. Who couldn’t use help feeding the “what’s for dinner crowd” the day before Thanksgiving?
Larita's Cakes N' More has been a staple of Fort Dodge since 1982. They use only the best ingredients, like real butter. Their sugar cookie recipe is over 74 years old, so you know it’s good! Pick up some of their delicious goodies for the perfect ending to your holiday dinner. Looking for something fun to do over Thanksgiving? Pick up their frosting and frozen cut-out Christmas cookies to get the whole family involved in the fun part of making cookies: Decorating! They also ship their cookies anywhere in the world.
To finish up your shopping list, visit Hy-Vee Grocery Store and Fareway Meat and Grocery. They have you covered with food and beverages galore, including premade holiday meals and online ordering! Check out their catering selections, tips for entertaining, and convenient pickup options.
Looking for some catering options? We also want to include two new members that offer catering: B.B. Ques Barbecue Store offers take-and-go or free delivery of brisket, smoked chicken, pulled pork, and tasty sides! While you’re at it, why not pick up some of their sauces and rubs for your stocking stuffers?
Teriyaki Madness serves up real food made-to-order with fresh, high-quality ingredients that satisfy your cravings and your wallet. Catering orders can be made online to bring delicious favorites like spicy chicken, steak teriyaki, Yakisoba noodles, stir-fry veggies, chicken eggrolls, and house-made sauces to your home or office! For parties from 10–100 or more, they have you covered!
Tea Thyme has experienced consultants and a trained culinary team to assist you in planning and executing your special event, from intimate to grand, from lavish to informal. Tea Thyme serves up the perfect menu, décor, and ambiance your guests will remember. Explore their catering menu or let them customize one especially for you!
Don’t forget the spirits!
Greater Fort Dodge has a winery and breweries that can take your beverage game to festive levels. Why go for the usual when you can choose local wine and beers? Soldier Creek Winery and its vineyards are a family-owned and operated business serving high-quality reds and whites. Shop their selections for the perfect complement for your meal, and while you’re there, browse their merchandise to finish up your gift list.
Have a beer enthusiast on your guest list? ShinyTop Brewing is a great option. The owners founded it with the hope of bringing a local brewing scene to North Central Iowa, and they have succeeded. Pick up a growler of one of their signature beers to serve at home, or meet your friends and family there for a fun night of food, beer, cocktails, and live music.
Shopping locally benefits the whole community because your purchases boost our economy and promote future growth. For information that can help your business succeed, contact the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance at 515-955-550 or info@greaterfortdodge.com.
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