A Closed Cedar Rapids Restaurant Is Reopening This Fall

Over the course of the past year and a half, we've lost quite a few restaurants here in Eastern Iowa. Overall, it's estimated that around 750 have closed across the state since the start of the pandemic. One of those restaurants was Popoli Ristorante in Cedar Rapids.

Back in November of 2020, it was announced that Popoli, located at 101 3rd Ave SW, would be shutting down operations in December. The Facebook post read:

"On Dec. 20, 2020, Popoli will discontinue operations. We wish to thank all of our loyal customers, employees, suppliers, and service providers for their support for the past 6+ years. This was a difficult decision during a difficult time for many restaurants."

Nearly ten months later, we have some good news to report! A new post from the Popoli Facebook page has revealed that the restaurant is being revived. A September 2nd job listing asking for experienced line cooks took Facebook users by surprise, and that lead to some questions in the comments section. According to the restaurant, Popoli is reopening under new management. I reached out to see if I could get any more information, and all they could tell me was that the restaurant will be keeping its name, the menu will be similar to it was before, and the projected opening is at the end of this month (September). Based on the comments, former Popoli customers seem to be excited for its return!

Popoli Ristorante has always been a unique dining destination here in Cedar Rapids. According to the Facebook page, "the restaurant portion of the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designed by the famous architect, Louis Sullivan, for Peoples Bank in 1910." The original bank vault is an impressive feature of the building, along with the chandeliers, stained glass, and murals. We're so happy that the space will soon be occupied again!

For more updates from Popoli Ristorante, you can follow the official Facebook page HERE.