5 New Shopkeepers Are Coming to NewBo City Market This Spring

The next time you make a trip to NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids, it's going to look a little bit different. That's because there are FIVE new vendors in the process of moving in!

NewBo recently posted an update on social media revealing the new additions to the market, writing:

"Happy Spring! We have some exciting news! We're THRILLED to announce that we will be welcoming FIVE new shopkeepers to the Market fam in April and May!! Please pardon our dust as we complete their build-outs...but it's going to be worth it!"

Here are details on the five new vendors, including the one that has already opened!

Madamchef Delicacy

The first of the five new businesses at NewBo City Market is actually already open for business! Last month (March 2026), we told you about Madamchef Delicacy, a local catering company, which officially opened inside the market on April 1st. The menu offers a number of "global fusion" dishes, including Egusi Stew (West African), Chapati (Indian), Mandazi (East African), Tanzanian Goat Pilau, Spiced Fried Fish (South Indian/Asian), and Jerk chicken or pasta.

On April 5th, Madamchef Delicacy posted on Facebook that their first week at the market has been a learning experience and that they've "been loving every single moment of it." You can check out Madamchef Delicacy's food during NewBo City Market's regular business hours: Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wild Lotus Apothecary

According to their website, Wild Lotus Apothecary is a local, women-owned business that provides "a range of bath and body products that are safe, gentle, and effective." Some of their homemade organic products include body & beard oil, lip scrub, eye cream, essential oil rollers, makeup remover, and more. You actually may have already seen Wild Lotus Apothecary at NewBo as a pop-up vendor, or at one of the other vendor and farmers markets here in Eastern Iowa.

Wild Lotus hasn't posted any details on their NewBo location yet, but you can check out their Facebook page HERE for the latest updates!

Bumblebee Lotus

A new vendor at NewBo that DOES have an announced opening date is another one that you may have seen as pop-up at the market in recent months. It's called Bumblebee Lotus, and it's a metaphysical shop that's also women-owned. The business' website reads:

"Bumblebee Lotus started as my way of pulling myself out of a pretty dark, messy chapter — and somehow turned into a whole vibe. Now I get to help other people protect their energy, reset their peace, and feel a little more human with spiritual, hippie s--- that actually helps."

Bumblebee Lotus sells a variety of items, like herb bundles, dreamcatchers, jewelry, bath soak jars, and home decor, but one of their most popular offerings is their Vibe Reset Kits. Each kit is designed with a specific theme in mind, such as 'Dopamine Fix,' 'Burnout & Overwhelm Reset,' 'New Home,' and 'Emotional Healing.' No two kits are exactly the same, but they all include products like smudge sticks, stones & crystals, stickers, candles, keychains, and other accessories.

A recent Facebook post from Bumblebee Lotus revealed that they will host their soft opening as an official NewBo shop on Wednesday, April 22nd from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Until then, you can check out their Facebook page HERE for other markets they'll be attending in the coming days.

Sliderlicious Sliders

One of the best thing about NewBo City Market is the variety of different food vendors, and the newest one will be arriving at the end of May. It's called Sliderlicious Sliders, and you may have spotted them as a food truck/stand at events in Eastern Iowa over the last couple of years. Now, you'll be able to enjoy their food regularly! A post on their Facebook page from February of this year reads:

"After a period of significant progress behind the scenes, we are delighted to share that we will be opening a shop in NewBo Market, Cedar Rapids, at the end of May this year. In addition to our ongoing mobile business, this new indoor location will enable us to expand our reach. We are currently finalizing the contract and anticipate providing more information as our plans unfold."

Sliderlicious Sliders offers a variety of quarter-pound sliders, with names like 'Lumberjack's Delight,' 'Smokey Mountain Brisket,' and 'Cabin Creek.' Sides include fries, fried pickles, and beer-battered onion rings. After looking through the photos, we can't WAIT to check this place out! You can follow the business on Facebook HERE for updates on their NewBo opening.

The Soul Book Nook

Last, but not least, is an indie bookstore by the name of The Soul Book Nook. The Soul Book Nook recently relocated their Waterloo location to 131 Tower Park Dr, but it appears they'll also be making their way to Cedar Rapids this spring!

The website for the Soul Book Nook's says that the shop has a focus on "inspiring literacy" and highlighting "diverse and independent authors." They offer a little bit of everything, including memoirs & biographies, historical fiction, spiritual books, children's books, science fiction, mysteries & thriller novels, educational books, cookbooks, and just about everything in between! You can see all the titles on their online store HERE.

The Soul Book Nook has yet to post on social media about their new shop at NewBo City Market, but you can follow them on Facebook HERE for any updates!

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