MY BIZ: Sag Wagon Deli & Brew not just for cyclists (although cyclists are sure welcome)

Sag Wagon Deli & Brew, an indoor/outdoor bar and grill, has become a popular hang out for cyclists.

Located on Shaver Road NE, just feet from Cedar Lake, it is conveniently connected to the bike trail,

But Manager Julie Kristjanson said that you don't have to arrive on two wheels to enjoy the Sag Wagon.

'Some people don't realize you don't have to ride your bike to come here,” she said. 'The number of people who ride their bike in is higher on the weekends and when the weather is nice, but our lunch crowd drives in.”

Sag Wagon offers a full menu of paninis, subs, flatbreads, salads and pizzas.

'Nothing is fried here so we offer some healthier options,” Kristjanson said.

She started working at the Sag Wagon when it first opened in July of 2013.

'This place is something I thought Cedar Rapids needed for a long time,” she said. 'But if you are just driving by it is deceiving. You have to stop in sometime to see what it is all about.”

While business picks up during the warmer weather months, Kristjanson said that many people don't realize the Sag Wagon is open year round.

'It is really picturesque down here in the winter,” she said. 'And it's kind of electric inside when it's so cold out.”

The Sag Wagon is expanding its patio to include a volleyball court, fire pit and more outdoor seating. And with the addition of more parking, Kristjanson said she envisions outdoor music and larger events being held at the Sag Wagon.

'It's very communal here,” she said. 'I'm still not sure how we will keep the volleyballs out of the lake.”

Kristjanson got her start in the food service industry 20 years ago while attending the Art Institute of Seattle for Video Production.

'I was working at a restaurant to help support myself through school,” she said. 'I still enjoy every day on the job. I enjoy working with the public and you just never going to know who will walk through the door. Every day is different and I find that very exciting.”

'It's really satisfying to provide a great dining experience for people whether I know them or not,” she added. 'I know that when I dine out, I look forward to having a good experience with my family. I feel the same way about providing that good experience for our Sag Wagon customers. I'm a people person and I enjoy what I do not just because it's my job but because it is personally rewarding.”

Kristjanson said she usually gets into work early to prep for the day ahead. 'If you prepare the right away the day goes off without a hitch,” she said. 'During the summertime there is so much to get ready because our patio is so vast. We want to make sure it looks like a good time out there.”

She handles all the scheduling - of the 10 to 24 employees depending on the time year - which she noted is a particularly challenge in spring and summer.

'The Sag Wagon patronage can quadruple in size when it's a sunny, balmy afternoon,” she said. 'That really makes anticipating the weather when scheduling a prime factor. I always leave myself as a back up to fill in if need be.”

AT A GLANCE

' Name:

Julie Kristjanson

' Title:

Manager

' Company:

Sag Wagon Deli & Brew

' Address:

827 Shaver Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids

' Phone:

(319) 366-3265

' Website: www.sagwagoncr.com