The Box opens upscale sports bar in former Iowa City barbecue restaurant

IOWA CITY — A Fairfield couple have opened an upscale sports bar in downtown Iowa City.

Owners Whitney and Server Kemac opened The Box at 525 S. Gilbert St., on Feb. 17, The Daily Iowan reported.

The couple have opened a few businesses since moving their family from New York City to Iowa in 2019. Both Whitney and Server have prior experience working on cruise lines and various bars and restaurants around Miami and New York, according to The Daily Iowan.

Their first food delivery business in Fairfield focused on healthy and organic options. In September 2020, they opened a live music restaurant concept, Depot House, which closed in Fairfield earlier this year.

Described as “the perfect blend of a sports bar and nightlife” that “fuses athletics and entertainment,” the new concept’s menu includes an eclectic assortment of food for a bar, including Peruvian chicken tacos, Turkish Cigar Rolls and truffle mushroom flatbread.

The Box’s Gilbert Street location was previously home to Mosley’s Barbecue and Provisions, which closed its Iowa City location in August after eight years in business. Its last remaining North Liberty location closed shortly after in October.

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