Wendy's making changes to Cedar Rapids locations

The owner of 30 Wendy's restaurants in Eastern Iowa is preparing to open a newly constructed location in northeast Cedar Rapids and launching a replacement for the chain's original store near Coe College.

Jeff Ruppel, president of Parco Ltd. in Dubuque, expects the Wendy's at Center Point Road and 42nd Street NE to open in two weeks. The 3,950-square-foot restaurant replaces a 2,779-square-foot building that housed a Judy's fast-food restaurant when it was built in 1977.

The new Wendy's is positioned parallel to Center Point Road NE, a 90-degree shift from the original structure. Ruppel said the architecture is similar to other Wendy's locations that Parco has constructed in Eastern Iowa in recent years.

With the project at Center Point Road and 42nd Street NE wrapping up, Ruppel said construction will begin as early as next week on a replacement for the chain's first Cedar Rapids location at 1316 First Ave. NE.

"We were able to pick up the building next to us at 1330 First Ave. NE, which will allow us to create a larger lot," Ruppel said. "The new building, which will feature floor to ceiling windows, will be parallel with First Avenue.

"We've been granted access to the alley because of the curb cut that existed with building next door. We will close off the exits near the corner and have our customers exit through the alley."

Demolition will begin Friday on the building at 1330 First Ave. NE. Ruppel said asbestos removal will occur early next week at the restaurant, which will be demolished by the end of the week.

"We plan to have the new building open for business in 90 days," Ruppel said. "The employees will move to our other locations during that time."

Ruppel said he debated whether to keep the First Avenue location.

"We've owned it for a long time, but it's located on a small lot," Ruppel said. "When I was able to get an option on the land next door, we decided to stay there.

"I think the new building, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and modern design, will really complement the new PCI Medical Pavilion and other buildings nearby. We think we will really see an increase in business with everything that's happening in that area."