Closed Downtown Cedar Rapids Restaurant Reopens With a Unique New Concept

A newly reopened Downtown Cedar Rapids restaurant is bringing something new to the table! According to the Cedar Rapids Gazette, Fireside Tavern has made some BIG changes in recent weeks, and they're now open for regular business hours!

The Original Fireside Tavern

The first time Fireside Tavern opened its doors to customers was back in February of 2025. The restaurant took over the former home of Chophouse Downtown at 411 1st St SE, which abruptly shut down in August of 2024.

Fireside Tavern's menu originally featured "an Italian twist on the traditional steakhouse," serving a variety of steaks, pasta, and handmade ravioli. Unfortunately, the restaurant didn't stay open long enough for many in the community to give it a chance. The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that owner Mandy Gaud "ended the restaurant side of its operations later last summer to focus on catering." The dining room has sat empty ever since.

The New Fireside Tavern

Cut to January of 2026:

On the last day of the month, Fireside Tavern reopened under new owners with an entirely new concept. Also known as FST Soul Food African Sports Bar, the Gazette says that the multicultural sports bar offers "Pan-African classics and American soul food staples." The restaurant is now owned by Gerald Seals and lead by chefs Cinthia Hatungimana and Cailea Miller. An article from CBS 2 reports that Cinthia was born and raised in Africa, while Cailea has a Southern soul food background.

As far as soul food goes, FST offers all the classics. The menu features catfish fillets, chicken wings, stuffed turkey legs, collard greens, fried okra, baked mac & cheese, dirty rice, and more. The other portion of the menu, titled "Soul of Africa," includes items like goat meat stew, kebabs, cassava leaf, fufu, jollof rice, and beef sambusa.

You can check out Fireside's new menu below:

Fireside Tavern Hours

As of this week, Fireside Tavern is now open for regular business hours, which are listed as:

• Thursday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Friday & Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.
• Sunday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For the latest updates from FST, you can follow the official Facebook page HERE.

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