Monica’s taking over former Sluggers

The former location of Sluggers in Coralville will house a new restaurant, Monica's, after a makeover expected to be completed this week.

Monica's restaurant plans to expand from its location on Mormon Trek Boulevard in Iowa City to the space at 303 Second St., Coralville.

Monica's will have about 40 percent more space and an expanded menu after the move, according to owner Randy Larson.

Larson said the restaurant will keep its Italian specialty but expand its selection of American favorites to take up about half of the menu - meat loaf, stuffed pork chops, braised short ribs and noodles.

The main room of the new restaurant will feature a bar and eight big-screen televisions. The front dining room, separated by glass, will be a quieter alternative.

Sluggers gave up its lease after the flood, moving to 405 N. Dubuque St., North Liberty, the former location of Rookie's Sports Bar & Grill.

Monica's started out in 2002 as Bob's Your Uncle, a business started by Larson after he sold his 50 percent interest in the Airliner in Iowa City to his partner. Shortly after opening a second Bob's Your Uncle on North Dodge Street, Larson converted the original location to Monica's Italian Bistro and Pizzeria, featuring Italian specialties such as lobster fettuccine, crab-stuffed tilapia and baked ziti with chicken.

The name will be shorted at the new location to Monica's.