Donutland opens second Cedar Rapids location

Donutland returns to original location

CEDAR RAPIDS — After teasing Cedar Rapids for months with a sign over a new location, Donutland has gone back to where it first started in Cedar Rapids. The local doughnut favorite opened a second stand-alone location at 2606 Williams Blvd. SW on May 23.

This shop will remain open along with its Center Point Road NE location.

The Williams Boulevard SW site was previously home to Donutland from 1967 to 2005. The building, which still has its signature orange roof, was more recently housed Cranky Hank’s pizza, which closed in 2014.

In recent years, the only stand-alone Donutland location has been at 4307 Center Point Rd. NE, though you could always get your fix at satellite locations like Lu’s Deli on Third Street SE in NewBo, Press Coffee Company in Coralville and Uptown Coffee Company in Marion.

The brand also expanded recently to Iowa City in March after buying Daylight Donuts at 1682 S. First Ave. Daylight Donuts closed after 11 years in business.

New Smoothie shop opens in downtown Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — Smoothies seem to be getting a lot of attention lately.

After Tropical Smoothie Cafe opened in SW Cedar Rapids in May, NutriSport & Smoothie has announced a third location planned for downtown Cedar Rapids.

The new site aims for an early July opening at 223 Second St. SE, according to KHAK. That will be in addition to the two locations at 1725 Blairs Ferry Rd. in Marion and 2315 Edgewood Rd. SW in Cedar Rapids.

The workout-oriented brand offers smoothies, supplements and light, health-conscious food options like wraps.

Runt’s Munchies moving

CEDAR RAPIDS — Runt’s Munchies will soon be moving to 118 Second St. SE, the former home of The Blue Strawberry, according to social media posts at the end of May. The new location’s opening date has not been announced.

Run’s last day at 529 Fifth Ave. SE was May 25.

The joint known for both sweet and savory treats has been open for almost six years.

Marion BBQ Rendezvous to benefit Miracle League

MARION — This Saturday, you can get some tasty barbecue while supporting Miracle League baseball for kids with disabilities.

The Marion BBQ Rendezvous is set to come back to Lowe Park, 4500 N. 10 St., from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 4. The annual fundraiser is one of the biggest sources of support for the program supported by the Metro Marion Kiwanis.

Admission is free, and attendees can purchase food from vendors including Willie Ray's Q Shack, Sugarfire BBQ, Bob's BBQ Emporium, BamBQ and more.

Live entertainment will include The Janeys at 11 a.m. and The Pastmasters from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Elton John rock tribute band, Dogs of Society, will perform from 6 to 9 p.m.

Cedar Ridge whiskey wins award

SWISHER — Cedar Ridge Distillery has received more top awards for its local whiskey, placing well in the 2022 Ascot Awards.

Cedar Ridge’s Single Barrel Collection, launched in 2021, received a Double Platinum in the single barrel younger than 10 years category. Judges noted that the bourbon was “dangerously smooth” at the high 122 proof, with a rich mouthfeel and notes of peanut butter, roses and candied licorice. The barrel will move on to the next round for a chance to win best of category.

Double Platinum is the highest of three award levels in the international spirits competition, above Platinum and Gold.

“This is one of my favorite projects here at the distillery,” said Murphy Quint, head distiller and director of operations. “When I find a truly special barrel I set it aside for this program as an opportunity for fans to taste my favorite barrels on the property.”

The Single Barrel Collection features hand-selected barrels, bottled at cask strength when Quint sees fit. Since 2021, Cedar Ridge has released four barrels in the collection. Each release is offered through a lottery at the distillery to purchase a limited number of bottles, alongside a small number offered at retailers.

The distillery’s QuintEssential American Single Malt Batch 008 received Platinum in the American single malt category. Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon Release 003 also received Platinum in the small batch up to five years category.

Double Barrel Bourbon Release 001 and Slipknot No. 9 Reserve received Gold in their respective categories.

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