Bo Mac’s closes in New Bohemia after nearly 6 years in business

CEDAR RAPIDS — A New Bohemia restaurant closed over last weekend with little notice.

Bo Mac’s, 219 16th Ave. SE, announced its closure on Aug. 22 — just three days before closing on Sunday, Aug. 25.

Though the social media post did not detail reasons for the bar and restaurant’s closure, owner Brett McCormick told Iowa’s News Now in July that ongoing construction at the intersection of 16th Avenue and Third Street SE has been difficult on the business.

“I just don’t see as many people walk through my door," McCormick told the outlet. "I mean, it's a necessary construction, this road is exceptionally old, it needs to, it needs to be updated. It's just, the difficulty of trying to be operational while the construction is taking place."

McCormick bought the previously dilapidated building in 2012 before gutting and renovating the interior. The building is one of the few Victorian Italianate architecturally styled buildings left in the area.

With inspiration from his upbringing in his family’s restaurants, he opened Bo Mac’s in October 2018.

The city’s construction started in April and will continue through November as it paves a new street in the area along with new sidewalks, improved storm drainage, upgraded sewers and other critical infrastructure upgrades. Impacted streets include the 16th Avenue Bridge of Lions, 16th Avenue SE from Second to Fourth Street, and Third Street east of 16th Avenue.

Other businesses in the area like Little Bo’s, The Ideal Theater and Kickstand will remain open, with signage posted for detours and business access.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.