Sykora Bakery under new ownership

CEDAR RAPIDS — A longtime Czech Village staple has temporarily closed under new ownership.

Sykora Bakery, 73 16th Ave. SW, announced its new ownership on July 26.

“Get ready to relive the cherished memories of your childhood spot for delightful Czech pastries,” the new owners said. “But that’s not all! We’re taking it up a notch by introducing a full coffee menu and serving up delectable take-and-bake traditional Czech dinners alongside our signature pizzas!”

The new coffee menu teased online reveals a full choice of espresso-based drinks, drip coffee, frozen coffee beverages and signature options.

The new owners, so far unnamed, took over management on Friday. They noted plans on social media to hold a large re-opening event soon.

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In the mean time, the bakery’s owners are looking for “new passionate bakers” and working with old bakers to “rekindle the old Sykora flavors” as the interior is given a fresh look.

The historic site, built in 1900, started housing various bakeries starting 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.

The bakery’s Hubbard Oven, installed in the 1920s and operational until the flood, was returned to service in 2010 as an educational centerpiece.

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