Wisconsin pizzeria plans first Iowa restaurant in Cedar Rapids at Lion Bridge Brewing

CEDAR RAPIDS — A small Wisconsin pizza chain is making its way southwest with a new Czech Village opening — its first restaurant outside of Wisconsin.

Ian’s Pizza, known for its inventive pies in Madison and Milwaukee, will soon have a location at Lion Bridge Brewing, 59 16th Ave. SW. The Cedar Rapids location, set to open later this spring, will be its seventh restaurant.

Lion Bridge, which closed its kitchen earlier this year for renovations, will soon offer an entire new menu of pizzas, salads and more from Ian’s in lieu of its former menu.

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“We’ve always been committed to creating community over great beer, and now we’re taking that experience to the next level by offering some of the best pizza in the Midwest,” said Quinton McClain, owner of Lion Bridge Brewing. “We’re thrilled to team up with the team of Ian’s Pizza, whose dedication to quality and creativity matches our passion for great food and drink.”

The new collaboration is tentatively set to start later this spring, pending kitchen renovations. The new offering will include vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well as delivery and pickup options to expand the taproom experience.

The Wisconsin brand, which has been serving pizza varieties like Mac N’ Cheese, Drunken Ravioli and Maui-Wowie since 2001, is making good on an Iowa connection with its latest move — Ian’s Pizza General Manager Dave Spooner is from the Hawkeye state.

“Partnering with Lion Bridge Brewing is an exciting opportunity for us,” he said. “As a native of Iowa, I’m thrilled for the chance to bring Ian’s into this community, and collaborate with a brewery that shares our values of community building and love for quality and craftsmanship.”

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

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