A Cute New Book Store and Coffee Shop is Coming to Cedar Rapids

Later this year, a new, local business plans to open up over in the Czech Village! I'll Meet You There will serve both a book store AND a coffee shop!

The Location

I'll Meet You There will be located at 62 16th Ave SW in Cedar Rapids, which is the former home of Hospoda and Aces & Eights Saloon.

Aces & Eights shut its doors in June of 2021, and then Hospoda closed in October of 2023. The building has sat empty ever since.

The Details

As of right now (June 23rd), we don't have a ton of details about I'll Meet You There. The official Facebook page describes the business as "a space where stories, community and comfort intersect - encouraging people to connect over books, coffee and a shared love of cozy moments."

The concept reminds me a lot of Reader's Cup and The Nook in Downtown Cedar Falls, another cute coffee shop and bookstore that are connected!

I'll Meet You There has been posting occasional updates on Instagram, asking followers for their opinions on designs and showing some of their early progress. The building also comes with a spacious patio that the owners hope to take full advantage of!

According to a recent article from the Homegrown Iowan, the new coffee shop and book store is hoping to open "possibly by December." For the latest updates, you can follow I'll Meet You There on Instagram HERE.

Other Changes in the Czech Village

According to the Homegrown Iowan, Pam and Ken Lewis, who own several properties and are the longtime owners of Czech Village Antiques, are planning to retire. They are selling off their properties, including Czech Village Antiques, which will close at the end of the year. The article says that "the developer who purchased the properties has no plans to keep the antiques mall open."

Here Are the Treasures 'Antiques Roadshow' Discovered in Iowa Last Year

Last summer, 'Antiques Roadshow' found its way to Iowa to film some episodes for its 29th season. There were LOTS of valuable treasures discovered in Iowa that made it on the show! Here are the featured items, courtesy of PBS (click on the name of each item for a link to the video of its appraisal on the PBS website):

Gallery Credit: Courtlin