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
Restaurants Mar. 26, 2025 9:18 am265d ago
A temporary closure has become permanent for a former mainstay in Italian dining.
Restaurants Mar. 26, 2025 9:15 am265d ago
A new food truck is bringing fresh Greek food to Linn County for the first time in many years.
Restaurants Mar. 25, 2025 5:09 pm266d ago
Lacayo, a concept featuring cuisine across South America, Central America, Spain and Portugal, will be open through April 11.
Restaurants Mar. 25, 2025 11:32 am266d ago
Coffee Emporium, purchased by North Liberty resident entrepreneur Alex Nelson in July 2024, will have a new name starting March 29: Midnight Coffee. Here’s what’s new.
Pets & Animals Mar. 24, 2025 8:08 am267d ago
AniMeals, whose routes through Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha and Marion have long been dubbed “Meals on Wheels for pets,” is now joining forces with Horizons Family Services -- the local provider of Meals on Wheels for humans for 65 years.
People & Places Mar. 20, 2025 8:36 am271d ago
The Wright House of Fashion, launched in 2022, opened up shop at the former Varsity Cleaners to build an ecosystem for underserved youth in the creative trades. Now, it has launched Iowa’s first graphic design apprenticeship available to the general public.
Restaurants Mar. 20, 2025 6:15 am271d ago
Munchi Mochi, an anime themed café with mochi doughnuts and boba tea, held its grand opening on March 12.
Restaurants Mar. 19, 2025 6:00 am272d ago
A small Wisconsin pizza chain is making its way southwest with a new Czech Village opening — its first restaurant outside of Wisconsin.
Restaurants Mar. 19, 2025 5:15 am272d ago
A drive-thru coffee chain is planning its first Eastern Iowa location near Lindale Mall.
Restaurants Mar. 21, 2025 2:43 pm270d ago
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Pancheros fans can score a week of $1 burritos using code “DOLLARSIDE” in the restaurant’s app, while supplies last. The promotion starts Tuesday, March 18 and will be available for up to 1,000 burritos.
Restaurants Mar. 18, 2025 1:37 pm273d ago
The building was sold on Feb. 24 for $250,000. It was first listed on the market for $990,000 in early 2023, before an apparent foreclosure or forfeiture in May 2024, according to Cedar Rapids City Assessor records.
Restaurants Mar. 18, 2025 9:21 am273d ago
Two Corridor restaurants have made 2025’s list of 10 finalists for Iowa’s Best Burger.
Restaurants Mar. 19, 2025 7:42 pm272d ago
Harold’s Chicken, which opened in February for the first time since it left the Corridor eight years ago, is in a new location on the southwest side. The space, near Wawa Caribbean, was previously home to Highway 30 Diner.
Higher Ed Mar. 17, 2025 8:25 am274d ago
After 10 years at The Eastern Iowa Airport, Marty Lenss is putting a lifetime of diverse aviation experience to work at Coe College’s new aviation management program.
Restaurants Mar. 13, 2025 5:15 pm278d ago
The Old World Irish pub, opened in August 2023, will be transforming into something different after St. Patrick’s Day.

Daily Newsletters