The Lindale Mall Maid-Rite Has Closed for Good

Hungry shoppers will have one less lunch option here in Cedar Rapids. According to a new article from the Cedar Rapids Gazette, the Maid-Rite at Lindale Mall has closed its doors for good.

News of the closure came on August 26th on the official Maid-Rite Lindale Mall Facebook page. The post reads:

"It’s been a GREAT 50 years, we are sad to say that this Friday, August 28 will be our final day of business. Thank you for all the business and support through the years!”

The article says that Kenneth Cook, the owner, first opened up a caramel corn stand at the mall 50 years ago, but then he opened up the Maid-Rite around 1980. I'm sure mall-goers will be sad to see it go!

The good news is that there are plenty of other Maid-Rite locations here in Eastern Iowa. That includes the one at 621 1st Ave. SW. in Cedar Rapids, Taylor's Maid-Rite in Marshalltown, and the locations in Davenport, Dubuque, Cedar Falls, Waterloo, and Muscatine. Plus, that new Maid-Rite restaurant in Marion is set to open this year (hopefully by December)! It'll be called City Square Maid-Rite and will be located at 1000 Seventh Ave. You can read more about that HERE.

Unfortunately, the Lindale Mall Maid-Rite isn't the only business shutting their doors. The Gazette article also notes that Smoke’n BBQ Pitts at NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids is going to close later this month. The Facebook post from owner Jim Pitts says that Sunday, September 27th will be their last day in business, and he lists COVID-19 and the recent derecho as contributing factors. You can get more details on that closure HERE.

In the midst of all these closures, it's a relief to see that some restaurants are able to open. For example, I just stopped at the new Riley's Cafe in Marion for breakfast on Sunday and it was DELICIOUS! Read more and see photos from my visit HERE.