A Tiny New BBQ Joint is Opening Soon in Cedar Rapids

A new restaurant is getting ready to open inside of the old Salsa Guy Cafe in Cedar Rapids. Recent posts on social media have confirmed that Minnie's BBQ is coming soon to 2874 Mount Vernon Rd SE!

About Minnie's BBQ

The first post about Minnie's BBQ actually came from The Salsa Guy Cafe Facebook page back on July 31st. Owner Tim Palmer posted a photo with Jerry Walker, the owner of Minnie's BBQ, and let customers know that the new restaurant plans to open sometime in August. The caption reads:

"Think authentic Southern Style BBQ! I won't divulge all of the information, but long story short, he will be using his Momma's recipes (God rest her soul). I instantly fell in love with his passion for the new venture and I'm sure you will all show him some love and support when those doors open up and the smell of fragrant BBQ wafts up and down Mt. Vernon Road!"

The most recent post about Minnie's BBQ came from a Facebook page called 'BBQ Critic,' which features news and reviews about BBQ joints across Iowa and surrounding states. On Monday, August 17th, a representative from BBQ Critic stopped by Minnie's BBQ to meet Jerry, and the page says that they ended up talking for an hour and a half! The post also revealed that Minnie's BBQ is set to open this coming weekend.

Minnie's BBQ does currently have a Facebook page, but they have yet to post about the restaurant's grand opening, hours, or menu. For the latest updates about the new restaurant, you can follow that page HERE.

Salsa Guy Cafe's New Location

Salsa Guy Cafe opened a much larger location in the old Wendy's building at 3925 Blairs Ferry Road NE in 2025. That allowed them to close their original restaurant on Mount Vernon Rd in late April of this year. You can read more about that move HERE.

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