Long John Silver’s Makes a Triumphant Return to Cedar Rapids
I understand that sometimes the internet gets it wrong. It's hard to believe but it does happen. This is one of those times. We must believe what we see. If you were to believe Long John Silver's website, the location in Cedar Rapids is closed for good! If you drive by the new location in Cedar Rapids, the building says otherwise. It doesn't say closed. It says says Now Hiring and the flurry of workers in and around the building doesn't bode well for the we're closed for good thing they're trying to peddle online.
A Quick History of LJS
Long John Silver’s, born in 1969 in Lexington, KY, took inspiration from the pirate in Treasure Island and started as Long John Silver’s Seafood Shop. After a wild ride through bankruptcy and ownership changes (thanks, Jerrico and A&W!), it sailed into the Yum Brands fleet alongside KFC and Taco Bell. You can read all about the new A&W in Cedar Rapids right here (New A&W in Cedar Rapids)
In 2011, a crew of franchisees and private investors rescued the brand, forming LJS Partners. But then came the scandal: trans fats! In 2015, Captain James O’Reilly took the helm and promised to steer the menu toward healthier waters instead of just expansion.
What happened to the Long John Silver's in Cedar Rapids?
The Long John Silver's in Cedar Rapids was here for some time. The original building they were in was built in the 1970's and had a fire on December 12, 2023, which at the time, closed the restaurant for good. You can read about the fire here. The article was written by my predecessor Bob James, Long John Silver's in Cedar Rapids Catches Fire.
If you're looking for some Long John Silver's you're in luck. The location at 2630 Williams Blvd. SW will be opening soon.
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