The Lost Cuban plans return to downtown Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — After a couple of long hiatuses, Lost Cuban Kitchen announced plans to return to Cedar Rapids.

A December social media post told fans, long separated from the brand’s beloved Cuban sandwiches, to watch for a new opening downtown and an appearance on third-party delivery apps “in these coming weeks.” KHAK reported that the restaurant will be opening a “bodega-style concept” in the first quarter of 2024 at 312 Third St. SE, a vacant space that previously served a couple of makeup and beauty shops.

The restaurant by Florida native Jess Streit opened downtown in 2012, getting its start at 209 Third St. SE, where Taco Gato stands today. That iteration of The Lost Cuban closed in 2019.

Streit’s food quickly gained attention for tasty family recipes like his Cuban sandwich, which were passed down as his family emigrated from Cuba to south Florida by way of Venezuela in the 1960s.

In mid-2021, Streit made a second attempt through a short-lived ghost kitchen concept out of Rock Bar American Grill’s space.

In response to one fan’s question, the owner said he was occupied with “some projects on the West Coast” in the interim, but “figured it was about time” to reopen now that he’s back in Cedar Rapids.

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