Press & Media | Kalmes Foods

Press & Media

Kalmes Foods — Five Generations of Iowa Flavor Since the 1850s

Since the 1850s, when Peter Kalmes opened his bar in St. Donatus, Iowa, our family has been crafting legendary flavors passed down through five generations. Our family restaurant and catering (est. 1980s) proudly carries on that tradition with premium seasonings and breading mixes trusted by home cooks and professional kitchens across America.

James Kalmes at Kalmes Restaurant in St. Donatus, Iowa with Kalmes Foods seasoning products on display

Kalmes Restaurant — St. Donatus, Iowa

🍽️ Featured on Food Network

Kalmes Restaurant & Gehlen House Inn was featured on Food Network, showcasing our legendary family recipes and the premium seasonings that have made us a Midwest culinary destination for generations.

View Food Network Feature →

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Best Caterer — Dubuque Advertiser Best Fest 2026 — Voted Best Caterer in the Tri-State Area by readers of the Dubuque Advertiser
2001 Restaurateurs of the Year — Iowa Hospitality Association — Honoring Windy & Helen Kalmes of Kalmes Enterprises, St. Donatus, for Originality, Quality and Service to Customers
22x Best Catering Business — Tri-State Area — Voted #1 in Iowa, Illinois & Wisconsin for 22 consecutive years
5 Generations of Family Excellence — Rooted in St. Donatus since the 1850s
Made in USA — Proudly crafted in Iowa with premium ingredients
Trusted by Professional Chefs — Used in restaurants and kitchens nationwide
60+ Retail Partners — Available at Fareway, Hy-Vee, and specialty stores

Dubuque Advertiser Best Fest 2026

Iowa Hospitality Association — 2001 Restaurateurs of the Year

📰 Press Coverage

365ink Dining: Kalmes Restaurant feature article — St. Donatus, Iowa

365ink — Kalmes Restaurant Dining Feature

Kalmes Restaurant & Catering — Celebrating 60 Years in St. Donatus, Iowa 1956–2016

Celebrating 60 Years — St. Donatus, Iowa (1956–2016)

Telegraph Herald — "Kalmeses stir up anniversary feast" (June 24, 2006)

📖 Our Story

Since the 1850s, when Peter Kalmes opened his bar in St. Donatus, Iowa, five generations of the Kalmes family have been serving legendary flavors to their community. Our family restaurant and catering (est. 1980s) proudly offers the same 2-in-1 seasoning & tenderizer that made us famous — now available for home cooks and professional kitchens nationwide.

Read Our Full Story →