Chew on This: New pizza coming to Czech Village, new Mexican food coming to Fairfax

Riley’s closes and reopens under new owners

Nov. 16, 2021 6:00 am

Hospoda, a new restaurant with craft beer and a wood-fired pizza oven, is planning an opening for November 2021 along the Czech Village’s 16th Avenue SW. (Elijah Decious/The Gazette)

Hospoda opening in Czech Village soon

A new pizza restaurant is opening later this month in the Czech Village.

Eric Lennie and Manny Maldonado are planning the opening of the new restaurant at 62 16th Ave. SW in Cedar Rapids, which will offer pizza from a wood-fired oven and craft beers. Lennie told The Gazette that Hospoda is planning to open in the week leading up to Thanksgiving.

The restaurant’s apt name is the Czech word for “pub.”

The former occupant of the space, Aces and Eights Saloon, closed July 12.

Riley’s Cafe locations closed, reopened

All three Riley’s Cafe locations closed at the end of October, according to a news release from the restaurant.

“Riley’s, like so many other businesses, has been hit hard by the COVID-19 restrictions, labor and supply shortages,” the restaurant said in a statement. Ownership of the Riley’s Cafe Corporation was sold in January 2020.

The popular breakfast house was founded by Phil Pankey, with its first location at 836 First Ave. NE in Cedar Rapids. It opened in June 2004 as Diner on First. Another one later opened at 568 Boyson Road NE in Cedar Rapids, as well as on Seventh Avenue in Marion. In August 2012, Riley’s gained the attention of President Barack Obama, who made a surprise visit for breakfast.

The First Avenue location, sold to the owners of Mas Margaritas in Cedar Rapids, will reopen with a Mexican-influenced menu, according to owner Richard Pankey.

The Boyson Road location has reopened as Cruz’s Cafe under the ownership of Jade Luter, who also owns Kingston’s Steakhouse and Daisy’s Garage.