White Star Ale House for sale again

CEDAR RAPIDS — White Star Ale House in downtown Cedar Rapids is on the market for the second time since the beginning of the pandemic.

Owner Aaron Jacob told The Gazette the downtown restaurant and bar would be up for sale as local nonprofit Foundation 2 Crisis Services pursues a $3 million renovation of the historic Witwer building, 305 Second Ave. SE, to serve as its new headquarters.

Although Witwer’s exact renovation plans for tenants are unclear, Jacob said the major changes starting in early October were “exciting,” and that the new building owners have been “very helpful and want to do all they can to assist the restaurant in maintaining its successful past and present.”

Jacob decided to sell the restaurant, which he purchased and reopened in May 2021, to pursue new opportunities in industries he worked in previously.

“I still absolutely believe White Star is a fantastic restaurant, for the right person, and will do extremely well,” Hall said. “White Star has played a key role providing dining and beverage services before and after events in the Powerhouse, Paramount, Theatre Cedar Rapids and other downtown events, as well as hosting social and business gatherings — from wedding rehearsal dinners and strategic planning sessions to anniversary parties and receptions.”

White Star will remain open while it’s for sale.

Rights to White Star’s plans for 3D holographic tables from Las Vegas, where diners can see food come to life before their eyes before the meal is even served, will be transferred to its new owner, if purchased.

Previous owner Andrew Franks closed the restaurant, which first opened in 2011, in November 2020. White Star was closed for six months before Jacob reopened it.

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