Rawlicious plans to close in New Bohemia District

Feb. 15, 2023 5:30 am, Updated: Feb. 16, 2023 4:00 pm

Jessica LaFayette, owner of Rawlicious in Cedar Rapids, pours a cold-pressed collard greens juice into bottles. Her cafe plans to close in April at the request of the building’s owner. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)

CEDAR RAPIDS — Rawlicious, a health-focused restaurant with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, will be closing its Third Street SE location soon in the New Bohemia District — on less than amicable terms.

In a Sunday social media post, owners Jessica and Tony LaFayette said they will close in 60 days.* Until then, they’ll be operating extended hours from Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. — two hours later than their usual closing time — and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m

The LaFayettes said they are being forced to close by the building’s owners, the nonprofit arts organization CSPS, which shares the same building with ground-level retailers.

Despite the rare raw vegan restaurant’s desire to stay and have sustainable sales, the post said CSPS has asked them to leave to find a more “bustling business” for the space. The post urged customers to contact members of the nonprofit’s board.

“We (love) you all and count it a blessing to have served you,” the owners said to their followers.

The restaurant, where nothing is ever cooked above 115 degrees, opened in July 2017.

*Update: After publication, Rawlicious owner Jessica LaFayette told The Gazette that Rawlicious plans to serve customers through April 30.

Comments: (319) 398-8340; elijah.decious@thegazette.com