The last remaining Maid-Rite in Cedar Rapids, dubbed the city’s oldest sandwich shop, is closing this week after about 82 years in business.
The last day open for Maid-Rite West, 621 First Ave. SW, is Jan. 15.
The restaurant was the last remaining in the Corridor of the iconic Iowa brand known for its loose meat sandwiches, and is one of the last remaining in Eastern Iowa. It first opened in 1942, according to historical records.
“Owning and operating this iconic piece of Cedar Rapids history since 2020 has been an incredible honor,” the restaurant’s current owners said in a statement. “We’ve cherished serving you, hearing your stories, and being part of your traditions. This shop is special in so many ways, and we are deeply grateful to have been its caretakers over the past few years.”
The owners said many factors, unspecified in the statement, impacted the decision as they decided where to focus their energy and resources to meet long-term goals. But the closure may not be permanent.
The location’s manager of over 20 years has expressed interest in “carrying on the tradition,” to continue the Maid-Rite West’s legacy. The owners are working closely with the manager to explore possibilities and said they are “optimistic about what the future holds.”
Maid-Rite will have 14 locations remaining in Iowa after the Cedar Rapids closure. The chain also has five locations in Illinois, two in Minnesota, three in Missouri and one in Ohio.
Remaining Eastern Iowa restaurants serving Maid-Rite sandwiches include Davenport, Dubuque, Waterloo and West Burlington.
Before Maid-Rite West, the Cedar Rapids restaurant’s address on First Ave. SW was known as Gundling Restaurant.
A Maid-Rite on Cedar Rapids’ east side was open from 1930 to 1997. Another location at 728 First St. SW was open from 1944 to 1963.
www.thegazette.com
The last day open for Maid-Rite West, 621 First Ave. SW, is Jan. 15.
The restaurant was the last remaining in the Corridor of the iconic Iowa brand known for its loose meat sandwiches, and is one of the last remaining in Eastern Iowa. It first opened in 1942, according to historical records.
“Owning and operating this iconic piece of Cedar Rapids history since 2020 has been an incredible honor,” the restaurant’s current owners said in a statement. “We’ve cherished serving you, hearing your stories, and being part of your traditions. This shop is special in so many ways, and we are deeply grateful to have been its caretakers over the past few years.”
The owners said many factors, unspecified in the statement, impacted the decision as they decided where to focus their energy and resources to meet long-term goals. But the closure may not be permanent.
The location’s manager of over 20 years has expressed interest in “carrying on the tradition,” to continue the Maid-Rite West’s legacy. The owners are working closely with the manager to explore possibilities and said they are “optimistic about what the future holds.”
Maid-Rite will have 14 locations remaining in Iowa after the Cedar Rapids closure. The chain also has five locations in Illinois, two in Minnesota, three in Missouri and one in Ohio.
Remaining Eastern Iowa restaurants serving Maid-Rite sandwiches include Davenport, Dubuque, Waterloo and West Burlington.
Before Maid-Rite West, the Cedar Rapids restaurant’s address on First Ave. SW was known as Gundling Restaurant.
A Maid-Rite on Cedar Rapids’ east side was open from 1930 to 1997. Another location at 728 First St. SW was open from 1944 to 1963.
The last Maid-Rite in Cedar Rapids is closing this week, after 82 years
The last remaining Maid-Rite in Cedar Rapids, dubbed the city’s oldest sandwich shop, will close on Jan. 15.
www.thegazette.com
