Get ready, Des Moines. Steak 'n Shake is coming to the metro.

A franchisee is gearing up to build a West Des Moines restaurant, said Clyde Evans, director of community and economic development.

"They're coming," he said.

The fast food chain known for its steakburgers and shakes has been eyeing the Des Moines metro for about a year, said Jared Hussman, a commercial broker with Keller Williams Realty. Hussman has been working with the franchisee, whom he declined to name, to find a location in the suburbs of Des Moines.

They've looked in Waukee, Altoona and Ankeny, but have settled on an undisclosed location in West Des Moines. He is scheduled to discuss that location Monday with the West Des Moines Development and Planning City Council Subcommittee.

"We're just trying to do our due diligence and make sure we have everything neatly in a row," Hussman said. "But if this continues to go well, hopefully in the next 30 to 40 days we should have a site picked out."

The franchisee hopes to open next summer.

Steak 'n Shake is one of the most requested businesses among central Iowans, according to a recent unscientific survey conducted by the Des Moines Register. More than 8,000 people voted for Steak 'n Shake when asked what store they'd like to see in the metro.

It would be the first metro location for the fast food restaurant. There are more than 550 Steak 'n Shake restaurants in 28 states, including one in Coralville and two in Davenport.

Update: This story has been updated to reflect the date Steak 'n Shake is scheduled to appear before the West Des Moines Development and Planning City Council Subcommittee.