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 Dec. 31, 2025 9:29 am53d ago
Yuengling, which claims the title of America’s oldest brewery with a founding in 1829, will soon be for sale in Iowa with its latest advance in territory.
Religion & Belief Dec. 29, 2025 7:49 am55d ago
As the Archdiocese of Dubuque finalizes plans to reduce weekend Mass locations, Catholics consider the implications to churches in rural and urban areas.
Food & Drink Dec. 24, 2025 6:15 am60d ago
A new Asian market may become an oasis in a food desert for the Wellington Heights and Mound View neighborhoods.
People & Places Dec. 24, 2025 7:34 am60d ago
It’s not often that “thinking inside the box,” is lauded as a winning strategy. But for spoken word poet Henry Morray, it won Slamovision’s 2025 international slam poetry competition.
Restaurants Dec. 24, 2025 5:45 am61d ago
A new Mexican option has landed in Marion.
Restaurants Dec. 24, 2025 5:00 am61d ago
A family-owned food stand is growing with a new brick-and-mortar near the Pedestrian Mall.
Restaurants Dec. 23, 2025 7:36 am61d ago
For years, “I’ll meet you there” was the catchphrase that bonded Mary Kay McGrath and her busy family. Now, it’s a cafe and bookstore that will bring others together.
Restaurants Dec. 18, 2025 6:30 am66d ago
A new delivery service has launched in Cedar Rapids after years in the making.
Restaurants Dec. 18, 2025 5:30 am67d ago
An Iowa City favorite is making a comeback.
Restaurants Dec. 17, 2025 10:54 am67d ago
A former Lindale Mall offering is hitting the streets.
Restaurants Dec. 17, 2025 10:55 am67d ago
I’ll Meet You There opens this month in Cedar Rapids after several months of anticipation.
People & Places Dec. 22, 2025 9:08 am62d ago
As the last working Sister at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids retires, their legacy and mission lives on in a new way.
Restaurants Dec. 16, 2025 1:49 pm68d ago
Deja Brew Coffee House & Bakery has returned to Tiffin with an expanded menu of bakery treats, signature drinks and a full menu for breakfast or lunch.
News Dec. 15, 2025 2:38 pm69d ago
Cedar Rapids Public Works Department’s streets superintendent Brian McLeod gives an inside look at the magnitude of planning and labor required to make winter travel safe through snow and ice.
People & Places Dec. 10, 2025 6:58 am74d ago
Here’s how the owner of Razzle Dazzle, a new video and music store, is making old media shine again in his Lindale Mall spot.

Daily Newsletters