116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401

Elijah Decious
The first time I learned how to ask good questions was at age 5, when I learned Santa Claus was not real. “Whose lap have I been sitting on all these years?!” was the first question I asked, according to my mother.
I’m a features reporter for The Gazette, which means I have the opportunity to get to know folks on a more personal level, show people the best parts of life and demonstrate how daily news affects members of the community. In addition to covering restaurants and food news, I serve on The Gazette’s Fact Checker team and have a particular passion for human interest pieces as well as stories focusing on marginalized communities.
Sometimes, taking a moment to listen to others and reflect on what they say — even those who might not think they have much of a story to tell — really puts things in perspective.
When I’m not reporting, I like to travel, go bird watching, search for new items to add to my Peanuts collection and keep my cat from scaring away the cardinals on my balcony.
Sign up for the weekly Chew on This newsletter here to keep up with all the latest food and local restaurant news.
Latest Articles by Elijah Decious
Things To Do Jan. 21, 2025 9:19 am249d ago
Beat the Bitter, the annual North Liberty winter festival started in 2016, was sparked by a simple recognition: Iowa doesn’t do winter very well. Here’s how to fix that.
News Jan. 20, 2025 10:13 am250d ago
During Charlie’s time as CEO, the camp for people with disabilities has grown from a few hundred campers to nearly 10,000.
People & Places Jan. 20, 2025 9:39 am250d ago
Ever since she bought the former Chicago Milwaukee Railroad right-of-way in 1994, Karla Sibert has had the idea for “A Lil’ R&R.” Now, 30 years later, it’s a reality.
Restaurants Jan. 16, 2025 6:30 am254d ago
An online auction from Backes Auctioneers, which goes live at 10 a.m. on Jan. 20 will give buyers the chance to bid on a rotisserie smoker, deck pizza ovens, pizza making tables, dining tables and other commercial kitchen essentials.
Restaurants Jan. 17, 2025 3:15 pm252d ago
In a city with about 30 Mexican options, Mi Lindo Vallarta offers a less common variety of flavor from south of the border.
Restaurants Jan. 15, 2025 9:51 am255d ago
The restaurant announced Saturday plans to serve its legendary barbecue soon at a new location on the southwest side.
Restaurants Jan. 14, 2025 10:56 am256d ago
The last remaining Maid-Rite in Cedar Rapids, dubbed the city’s oldest sandwich shop, will close on Jan. 15.
News Jan. 13, 2025 10:05 am257d ago
This month, the stadium now called the ImOn Ice Arena hits a big milestone. Here’s how it all started, and how you can celebrate.
People & Places Jan. 13, 2025 1:32 pm256d ago
Kathy Good has won an award for her leadership in aging and dementia care at the DeWolf Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia. Here’s how she does it.
Restaurants Jan. 9, 2025 6:30 am261d ago
The restaurant known for its vegan and vegetarian rice bowls made from scratch left its spot at NewBo City Market on Dec. 29. But it won’t be gone long.
Restaurants Jan. 10, 2025 2:16 pm259d ago
The space at 405 S. Gilbert St. was known for its intimate performances and literary events as well as its pizza, burgers and wide selection of beers on tap.
Small Business News Jan. 9, 2025 7:17 am261d ago
Fareway Stores Inc. has announced the acquisition of Brothers Market locations in Lisbon and Denver, Iowa. The transaction is expected to close in March.
Restaurants Jan. 8, 2025 9:21 am262d ago
In a move of growth building on K.C. Cakes’ rapid success, owners Krystan Proctor and Alex Cooley spiced it up with a reopening this month as K.C. Cakes and Cajun.
Restaurants Jan. 8, 2025 6:30 am262d ago
Signs are pointing in a new direction for the former Mezcal Tequila Cocina space that closed abruptly in August.
People & Places Jan. 8, 2025 11:56 am262d ago
Producer Kristian Day, an Ely native, and director Dylan Sires, a Waterloo native, navigate interviews with Chiefs superfans through an unusual question: “Does America love a bank robber?”