Growing Community: Visit the Prairie Meadows Hydroponic Farm Beneath Hugo’s

A Growing Connection: Visit the Prairie Meadows Hydroponic Farm Beneath Hugo’s

Finding a great restaurant is about more than just food—it’s about connection. At Hugo’s Wood-Fired Kitchen, we’re proud not only of our Mediterranean-inspired menu and wood-fired pizzas, but also of the community we’re part of here in the Drake neighborhood.

Directly beneath our restaurant, in the lower level of our building, something truly special is growing: the Prairie Meadows Hydroponic Farm.

Part of a Bigger Picture

Our space is home to more than just Hugo’s. We share our building with WesleyLife’s Meals on Wheels program, which serves neighbors across Des Moines, and the Prairie Meadows Hydroponic Farm, a groundbreaking project that grows fresh produce right below our dining room.

It’s the only hydroponic farm in the country connected to a Meals on Wheels program—producing thousands of pounds of leafy greens and herbs each year using a fraction of the space and water of traditional farms.

Innovation Meets Compassion

The Prairie Meadows Hydroponic Farm is redefining what it means to grow local food. By cultivating produce hydroponically—without soil—the farm can operate year-round, supplying fresh greens for Meals on Wheels, WesleyLife communities, and even local grocery stores and co-ops.

That means every salad, every garnish, every bright, crisp bite grown downstairs helps feed both our guests and our neighbors. It’s an inspiring reminder that great food and great community go hand in hand.

See It for Yourself

After dining with us, we invite you to take a moment to stop downstairs and see the farm in action. You’ll find rows of vibrant lettuces and herbs growing under soft LED lights, cared for by a dedicated team that believes in sustainability and service.

Guests are welcome to visit, ask questions, and learn how hydroponic farming is helping to nourish our city—one head of lettuce at a time.

Our Shared Mission

We’re proud to be part of a building that represents innovation, care, and community. From our kitchen upstairs to the farm below, every part of this space is dedicated to feeding Des Moines well—today and for years to come.

So next time you join us for lunch or dinner, take a peek downstairs before you go. You’ll leave full, inspired, and connected to something truly local.

Make a reservation or drop in—we’ve saved a seat (and a story) for you.