The Eat Shop expands its footprint in Johnson County cafes ahead of new Marion opening

SOLON — The Eat Shop is expanding its footprint in the Corridor in more than one way.

The Solon-based bakery started a new partnership with Coffee Emporium’s North Liberty and Tiffin locations on Sept. 23, with plans to roll out in Coralville and Iowa City over the next several months.

Now, coffee shop customers can get The Eat Shop’s bestselling pastries — cinnamon rolls, pecan rolls, kolaches, cookies, dessert bars and more — without going to Solon.

“Ultimately, our full pastry menu is available to Coffee Emporium, so we encourage people to ask the baristas if they don’t see their favorites,” said Cheryl Maloney, owner of The Eat Shop.

The expansion builds on the bakery’s rapid growth since opening in 2021.

The Eat Shop started offering its products at Sidekick Coffee & Books in 2022. Since then, Maloney has opened a location at the University of Iowa’s College of Law and College of Public Health.

Now, the bakery is focused on building out its new space in Uptown Marion, which is expected to open in February. The new flagship location, the bakery’s largest to date with 3,300 square feet, will offer seating for 32 adjacent to Marion’s Central Plaza.

The new location also will offer patio seating for 24, a fast-casual lunch menu with housemade bread, an espresso bar, and a selection of beer and wine.

The Eat Shop has doubled its production space in Solon by expanding into Briar Ridge Bike Shop’s former storage space, and has nearly doubled its staff to 24 employees since it first opened.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.