New American restaurant scheduled to open in downtown Cedar Rapids this fall

CEDAR RAPIDS – A new American restaurant will open in downtown Cedar Rapids this fall.

CityWalk Eatery is scheduled to open in October at 102 Second St. SE. The site’s last tenant was the short-lived Barrel House, a growing Iowa-based franchise chain that was located there until July.

Owner Gaurav Gaud and his wife, who bought the building after the Barrel House lease began, decided to open their own restaurant after the burger and beer shop closed.

“Barrel House wasn’t doing very well. … We saw how they were maintaining the building,” Gaurav told the Gazette. “Instead of having someone else come in and do the same thing, (we thought), ‘Why don’t we open our own restaurant?'”

The couple, who already own an IT company and a hair extension shop in Cedar Rapids, are hiring the right staff to open an upscale American restaurant with good cocktails and appealing food.

CityWalk is open for lunch and dinner, with a tentative menu featuring rib-eye steaks, steaks, trout, pasta, wraps and sandwiches. They hope to eventually offer weekend brunch as well.

Gaurav describes the new concept as “affordable and with a good ambience”.

Renovations are currently underway, including a brand new bar and a new kitchen splashback.

Bo Mac’s closes in New Bohemia after nearly 6 years in business

CEDAR RAPIDS – A New Bohemia restaurant closed last weekend without notice.

Bo Mac’s, 219 16th Ave. SE, announced its closure on August 22 – just three days before its Sunday, August 25, closing date.

Although the social media post did not provide any specific reasons for the bar and restaurant’s closure, owner Brett McCormick told Iowa’s News Now in July that ongoing construction at the intersection of 16th Avenue and Third Street SE had impacted business.

“I just don’t see as many people coming through my door anymore,” McCormick told the outlet. “I mean, it’s necessary construction, this road is exceptionally old, it needs to be upgraded. It’s just difficult to keep operations going while construction is going on.”

McCormick purchased the previously dilapidated building in 2012 before gutting it and renovating the interior. The building is one of the few Victorian Italianate architectural style buildings remaining in the area.

Inspired by his upbringing in his family’s restaurants, he opened Bo Mac’s in October 2018.

The city’s construction began in April and will continue through November. The area will see a new road paved, new sidewalks built, stormwater drainage improvements, sewer upgrades and other key infrastructure improvements. Affected streets include the 16th Avenue Bridge of Lions, 16th Avenue SE from Second to Fourth Streets and Third Street east of 16th Avenue.

Other businesses in the area such as Little Bo’s, The Ideal Theater and Kickstand remain open with signs indicating detours and business entrances.

Sporty restaurant and bar opens in southeast Cedar Rapids

A new restaurant and bar with a sporty flair has opened on Mount Vernon Road SE.

Pregame Brew and Chew, a new offering from Cedar Rapids restaurateur Jade Luter, opened Aug. 20 at 3025 Mount Vernon Rd. SE. That location was previously home to Mamacita’s Taco Bar, which closed in May.

Luter’s new menu is inspired by Cork and Fork, a former neighborhood favorite. A sandwich on toasted rye bread is named after the former restaurant.

Luter has opened and expanded a portfolio of other restaurants in recent years, including Daisy’s Garage in Marion, Cruz’s Cafe in the northeast of Cedar Rapids and Kingston’s Steakhousewhich she has since sold.

Cheesy Noodle Macs & Snacks opens near Westdale Mall

CEDAR RAPIDS – A new restaurant specializing in pasta opened on August 26 at 3998 Westdale Pkwy. SW, Suite 100.

The restaurant’s reopening was announced on social media over the weekend. Menus included “build your own recipe” options for macaroni and cheese bowls and grilled cheese sandwiches. Each recipe includes a choice of sauce or cheese, protein, mix-in and toppings.

The space was previously home to Great Harvest Bakery Café, which relocated to 5070 Lindale Dr. NE.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or [email protected].