Seafood restaurant coming soon to former Vivian’s Soul Food building in Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — A new Mexican seafood restaurant is being planned for the building formerly home to Vivian’s Soul Food.

Signs on site and a social media presence recently popped up for Acapulco Seafood & Grill. A social media page for the new restaurant at 2925 Williams Pkwy. SW says an opening is planned “very soon.”

Vivian’s Soul Food, which offered classic southern favorites for several years, closed all of its locations in December 2022, citing the “residual impacts” of the economy in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Jerome and Briana Smallwood opened Vivian’s Soul Food on 16th Avenue SW in July 2017 with a menu focusing on soul food like fried catfish, fried chicken and smothered pork chops, with a range of sides. In January 2020, they moved to 2925 Williams Pkwy. SW with a bigger menu.

The space on Williams Parkway SW has been vacant since Vivian’s departure.

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