Founder of Iowa-based Diamond Dave's restaurants dies

Warren Cohen, who founded the Iowa-based Diamond Dave's Taco Co.m, died Saturday at his home in Coralville.

A native of Sinton, Texas, Cohen moved to Iowa in the early 1970s after working in the film industry. He founded Diamond Dave's Taco Co., in 1978 in Des Moines.

Cohen later married Leah White and moved to Iowa City, where they opened Diamond Dave's Taco Taco. Co. and expanded the business with 50 new stores.

Cohen, 68, developed other business concepts including Sam the Chicken Man and Timo's Rock & Roll Diner. He authored and published the book Film Fame.

Cohen is survived by two children, Morgan of Iowa City and Tiffyany of Iowa City and Morgantown, W. Va.; former spouse and friend Leah Cohen of Iowa City and sister Sandi Goldsmith of Evergreen, Colo. He is also survived by three nephews, Eric, Brant and Troy Goldreyer. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, with Father Ed Fitzpatrick officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m.