Hibachi food truck plans first brick-and-mortar opening in Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — A hibachi and sushi food truck is moving into its first permanent location after nearly a year in business.

Until now, Coyle’s Hibachi Chef has mostly stuck to its regular spot at 3221 Center Point Rd. NE, down the street from the Blind Pig. Now, it will be in a well-trafficked location on Cedar Rapids’ First Avenue thoroughfare.

Coyle’s first permanent location, 3847 First Ave. SE, recently started sporting some new signs and will be opening soon.

The building, vacant for a couple years, was previously home to Winifred’s Restaurant & Bar. After a one-two punch with the pandemic and derecho damage in 2020, Winifred’s did not reopen. It has continued with its catering and event planning.

With the damage repaired and confidence in its new tenant’s success so far, Skogman Realtor Scott E. Olson said Coyle’s Hibachi Chef has signed a one-year lease on the building.

Last week, the food truck parked at its new address to serve for a day. Owner Jeff Coyle told The Gazette that the permanent location will tentatively open in November.

The food truck will remain open at its regular Center Point Road location, effectively giving the restaurant two locations. In addition to dine-in, customers can continue to take advantage of their catering service through the new location.

Their menu includes a wide variety of hibachi options, including less common meats like scallops, salmon and lobster, alongside fried rice, Asian appetizers, traditional sushi rolls and fried sushi options.

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