Rodina closing in Cedar Rapids in November

CEDAR RAPIDS — Rodina, a restaurant in Czech Village that has specialized in Midwest comfort food for the past four years, announced on Friday it would close in November.

“Now, in the momentum of our best year yet, a changing wind is blowing, and it seems stars have shifted,” the restaurant owners posted on Facebook and Instagram.

“Join us with the time we have left, not by filling it with why’s and what-if’s, but rather heartfelt hellos, joyous meetings and nostalgic gatherings,” the announcement stated.

“Until the end of our last service, we will proudly share our passion for hospitality, food and the experience you’ve grown to love at Rodina. Let us celebrate these final moments in our brightest fashion.”

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The owners — chef Samuel Charles and his wife, Phoebe, the restaurant’s general manager — declined to comment on the closing at this time.

Samuel Charles was named Iowa’s Chef of the Year in 2021 and was a semifinalist for the 2023 James Beard Award.

Last year, Rodina expanded into the catering business, bringing aboard chef Marcus Eng.

“For the last two years, the narrative (in the restaurant industry) has been to survive and persevere,” Samuel Charles said in a 2022 interview with The Gazette. “For us, the narrative has been different — it has been to thrive. To bring someone in like this feels like it’s bringing us back to that path.”

Patrons of the restaurant lamented the closing on social media and wished the owners the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Samuel and Phoebe Charles did not announce what comes next for them, but in their social media posts thanked the farmers and ranchers who supplied the restaurant with fresh ingredients.

“We thank all of you for your patronage, it has meant the world to us,” the post stated. “To our Rodina family, your ongoing support and ability to bring our dreams to life made all the difference.”

Comments: jami.martin-trainor@thegazette.com