Rodina closes doors in Czech Village after 5 years

CEDAR RAPIDS — After nearly five years of trailblazing a new category of dining as a high-end eatery in Cedar Rapids, Rodina closed its doors on Oct. 30 in Cedar Rapids.

The restaurant owned by Chef Samuel Charles and his wife, general manager Phoebe Charles, closed about five months after it announced plans to do so in early June.

“When this project began, the stars aligned and allowed us to bring to fruition our dreams, supported by some epically talented and incredible people that we believe will have an impactful and lasting effect on the Iowa food scene,” Rodina said in its June announcement. “Our world has evolved a great deal in the 4.5 years Rodina was opened. Now, in the momentum of our best year yet, a changing wind is blowing, and it seems stars have shifted.”

Over its five-year course in the Czech Village, Chef Samuel Charles made a name for Rodina by pioneering Midwest comfort food as its own distinct category of cuisine. He was named Chef of the Year in 2021 by the Iowa Restaurant Association and earned a semifinalist nod for the 2023 James Beard Award.

In 2022, the restaurant expanded into catering and pivoted with a season of pop-up burger restaurant SureBurger to get through temporary challenges.

The owners have not detailed their future plans.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.