Sales Down 80% at a Cedar Rapids Bar/Music Venue Due to Construction

A Cedar Rapids business is struggling to bring customers in thanks to a new fence that's located right outside the venue. The Ideal Theater & Bar revealed on Facebook this week that their "sales have gone down by close to 80%" since a construction fence went up last week on 16th Ave.

Located in the NewBo District at 213 16th Ave SE, the Ideal describes itself as "Cedar Rapids’ ONLY fully equipped, fully independent, full time entertainment and live music venue." Open Thursday through Sunday, the unique theater offers lots of live entertainment, as well as a craft cocktail program. The building itself is around 110-years-old!

Unfortunately, construction in the area is hurting the Ideal's business. Owner Kenyon Thorp told Iowa's News Now that they were "blindsided" when a fence went up last week right outside of the building, and now their sales are down about 80%. The construction on the street is making parking more difficult and is deterring people from coming to the area.

The construction is the area is supposed to be complete in November, but Kenyon is concerned that the venue won't be able to make it that long with the drop in sales. She is encouraging Cedar Rapidians to continue to support the Ideal, writing:

"PLEASE, give us a like/follow, tell your friends about The Ideal, and KEEP COMING."

The Ideal Theater & Bar is open Thursday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Happy Hour is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

As far as entertainment goes, the Ideal has a full schedule up on their website that includes live bands, DJs, salsa nights, a murder mystery dinner, open mic nights, and more. You can check out the calendar on the official website HERE. You can also show your support for the Ideal by coming to a press conference that will be held outside of Kickstand at 9 a.m. on Friday (September 20th).