Where Community Meets Sports: TJ Rushing and The Station on Ingersoll

Growing up in Greater Des Moines (DSM), TJ Rushing never thought he’d be in a position to run a restaurant – let alone co-owning a sports bar on the iconic Ingersoll Avenue in the city of Des Moines. Now, since October 2019, TJ has been channeling his energy into The Station.  

“The Station is your local sports headquarters,” TJ said. With 23 TVs, almost every major sports package one can dream of and quality food, The Station stands out as a community favorite. 

“There’s really nowhere we’d rather be than on Ingersoll,” TJ shared. “There’s a lot of community here and it’s an honor to be a part of it.” For many, Ingersoll Avenue is their go-to for dining, drinks and shopping. With its abundance of options, rich history and commitment to continuous improvement, such as the Ingersoll Streetscape, Ingersoll remains a vibrant hub for both business owners and customers alike.  

For TJ, one of the most rewarding parts of being a small business owner is being able to give back to the community. “The Station is owned by two DSM kids so we have a heart for Des Moines Public Schools.” Whether it’s providing a protein packed meal to the high school football teams or hosting events requested by the community, The Station supports the DSM community in many ways.

The spirit of connection extends to the business community as well. As a member of the Des Moines West Side Chamber of Commerce, The Station has found support, community and recognition. “The chamber is very supportive of its members, and they unite businesses throughout the city,” TJ said. “Every year, the West Side Chamber holds an awards ceremony, and we’ve been recognized twice. When you work so hard at something it’s nice to be recognized.” 

TJ appreciates and values what DSM is and what it stands for. “It’s a little bit of peace with big city amenities,” he shared. “It’s got beautiful architecture, distinct neighborhoods and has that little-big town feel.”  

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