"Started in 1926 by butcher Fred Angell, Maid-Rite serves the iconic Iowa “loose meat sandwich,” consisting of seasoned ground beef topped with onions and pickles and served in a hamburger bun — basically a sloppy Joe minus the tomato sauce. The fast-casual chain has 70 locations scattered across the region, mostly in small cities. The downtown location closed recently, so you’ll have to hike to the Valley West Mall or the Merle Hay Mall out in Urbandale for a taste of this almost century-old small-town institution." - Gary He