Sykora Bakery reopens under new ownership

CEDAR RAPIDS — After several weeks of remodeling, Sykora Bakery in the Czech Village has opened under new ownership.

The iconic bakery at 73 16th Ave. SW reopened Sept. 15, following almost two months of closure starting on July 26. The bakery will be open Tuesday through Sunday, adding Monday hours in October.

The bakery has offered free samples of its new lineup of baked goods, including quintessential Czech kolaches, to taste testers at various points over the past several weeks.

“We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you for your patience and support while we've been busy remodeling our beloved bakery,” the bakery posted online.

The bakery’s new owners, whose names have still not been announced, plan to introduce a full coffee menu and take-and-bake traditional Czech dinners, as well as pizzas. And for those who like a discount, rolls are half-off after 4 p.m.

The historic site, built in 1900, began housing various bakeries in 1903. In 1927, Joseph and Clara Sykora started Sykora Bakery, operating it for nearly 40 years.

After Joseph’s death in 1966, the bakery was owned and operated by the couple’s sons, Lumir and Lester, until 1994.

John and Sue Rocarek have operated Sykora Bakery for the past 22 years, weathering the 2008 flood that devastated Czech Village.

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