Hyper Energy Bar has arrived in Ames, Iowa. Located on 2320 Lincoln Way, Hyper has a variety of vibrant energy drinks perfect for the busy college student.
Hyper started in 2021 in Waukee, Iowa. The store has a double drive-thru and one window where you pay and order. This is the traditional Hyper store build.
Chris and Izzy Whalen, co-founders of Hyper Energy, recognized the gap in the market for this unique customer experience. Now Hypers are known for it.
“No other concept kind of did that,” Izzy, co-founder and director of marketing, said. “So we felt like that was really a unique and important experience for us, for people to be able to build connections like you do… at a restaurant or, you know, your favorite bar.”
The first non-drive-thru location opened in Iowa City in late November 2024 and was a massive success for Hyper. The one criticism from customers was that they wanted seating; however, the Iowa City location has space constraints.
The Ames location, previously a Kum & Go, had plenty of room to integrate a seating option and has become Hyper’s first cafe-style store. And it will stay unique in this way, as Hyper wants to stick with its traditional double-drive-thru style for new stores.
“Ames is a great town, you know, and we love going up there,” Chris said. “And I think it’s, you know, just such a great community.”
The Ames location opened Aug. 19, and had a very successful opening day. The couple felt that the opportunity to talk to so many students and family members was a “rewarding experience.”
“It was fun to be in your space talking about the brand or just talking about… how Hyper was a big part of their life, especially studying and family trips to grab Hypers,” Chris said. “There was just a lot of connection that was super meaningful to me.”
The inside of the Ames Hyper is bold, colorful and fun. Upbeat music is playing, and its overall design is to have “hype vibes.” There is plenty of seating and space to hang out in the store. They are best known for their energy drinks and muffin tops, but they also serve specialty coffee, cake pops and protein bars.
“Every time I go in there, I just feel really good and I think, the hope is that that translates to every other person that comes through there,” Izzy said.
The Hyper brand is growing with a ninth location opening in a few days in Norwalk, Iowa and 14 more within the next six months, expanding to Nebraska and Kansas.
“The dream is to be more nationally present,” Izzy said. “But right now we’re kind of expanding throughout the Midwest.”
Each Hyper location continues to be family-owned and operated.
“Chris is an energy drink fanatic,” Izzy said. “So it’s just been really fun to build this brand. It’s just very creative, very, very different from anything that we’ve ever done.”
To look at their menu or get more information, check out their website here.
