Zoning board clears Tee Hee’s Comedy Club to move into Spaghetti Works building on Court Avenue

The Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a conditional-use permit for Tee Hee’s Comedy Club to occupy the former Spaghetti Works building at 310 Court Avenue, finding the proposal satisfies the requirement that alcohol sales be accessory to the primary assembly and entertainment use.

Staff (Bert Drost) framed the application as consistent with downtown planning documents calling for more diverse entertainment offerings on Court Avenue. "Staff does believe that the criteria for granting the conditional use permit have been satisfied," Drost said, but emphasized condition No. 1: alcohol must be accessory to the primary entertainment use, not a standalone bar.

Applicants AJ Simmons and Dave Bowman described their history operating in downtown Des Moines, the programming they plan to bring, and a proposed $4.1 million investment to acquire and renovate the venue; they estimated the project would create about 20 full-time equivalent jobs and significant contractor work. The Downtown Neighborhood Association and multiple Court Avenue business owners endorsed the club as a community asset.

Opponents focused on enforcement questions (the 51% food threshold that affects liquor-license categorization) and potential noise impacts. Applicant representatives said the club expects ticket and food sales to exceed alcohol sales on most nights and that architectural sound mitigation is included in renovation plans. The board added an explicit condition requiring the assembly/entertainment space be developed generally in accordance with the applicant’s plan and approved the permit 7–0.

Staff and the zoning enforcement officer will monitor compliance and can reconsider the conditional use if the operation becomes a nuisance.