A New Brunch Spot Has Opened in a Former Johnson County Arby’s
A new restaurant that specializes in brunch is now open in Johnson County! Butter & Jam Café began welcoming customers this weekend inside of a former Arby's location in Coralville.
About Butter & Jam Café
According to the business' Facebook page, Butter & Jam Café is located at 801 1st Ave in Coralville. The building was originally home to an Arby's, but the fast food joint closed back in the fall of 2023. Until Butter & Jam Café moved in earlier this summer, the space remained empty.
As you can see from the above photo, Butter & Jam Café has totally reinvented the former Arby's location. It's almost unrecognizable! The caption of the photo reads:
"We took a familiar building and completely transformed it into an elevated brunch experience that feels warm, modern, and inviting. From the design and atmosphere to every plate and drink that leaves our kitchen, so much thought, hard work, and love went into bringing this vision to life."
The restaurant hasn't posted a menu online yet, but items mentioned in reviews include omelettes, specialty pancakes, breakfast skillets, stuffed beignets, sandwiches, breakfast tacos, crepes, chicken fried steak, mimosas, and espresso martinis.
Early Reviews
Butter & Jam Café began welcoming customers last Wednesday, August 19th, and a Sunday Facebook post from the restaurant indicated that they has a successful first few days! The post reads:
"Thank you for your patience, your feedback, your kind words, and most importantly, for giving us a chance. The amount of support we’ve received from Coralville, Iowa City, and the surrounding communities has meant more to us than we can say. We appreciate every single person who has walked through our doors, and we hope to see you all again very soon!"
In the comments on the post, some of the new restaurant's first customers have left reviews of their experience, and they're overwhelmingly positive! Facebook user Brittnee Henry wrote:
"Wonderful experience and wonderful food! Sat at the bar and G was great! The drink menu was fun and delicious! And the specialty pancakes - WOW! We will be back on the regular!"
Another comment from Melissa Steapp reads:
"Hands down--- The best part was the customer service. Being greeted as soon as you enter without any hesitation. Every single employee within earshot saying hello or 'have a great day' when leaving truly makes a difference and makes a customer want to come back! Oh and of course the food was bomb."
Butter & Jam Café has also accumulated 28 Google Reviews over the past few days, and currently has a 5-star rating. VERY impressive for a brand new restaurant!
Hours
Butter & Jam Café's Facebook page says that they are now open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can follow the Facebook page HERE for more updates from the new restaurant.
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