Birria King closing in NewBo City Market

If you want a bit from the self-proclaimed Birria King, act now.

The restaurant in NewBo City Market from Lord Stephen Range announced on June 27 that it will close “in the next two to four weeks.”

The early player in the birria competition of Cedar Rapids helped refine the increasingly popular item now available at several Mexican restaurants. The owner, who previously worked with a figure known as “Taco God” in Cedar Rapids, set out on his own with a cloud kitchen concept in 2021.

“We took a Mexican dish and we just added a couple more different spices that really appeal to the American taste buds,” Range said. “It’s more of a soul food flavor.”

In a social media post, Range said the closure was due to an illness that has forced him to move closer to family.

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