Popular Jones County Restaurant Will Close This Fall

There are very few restaurants in Eastern Iowa filled with the kind of history found at The General Store Pub in Stone City. If you're not from the area, you might need a map or your GPS to find it. Nestled along the Wapsipinicon River, The General Store just feels like stepping back in time. Unfortunately for fans of the restaurant, including my family, your days to enjoy The General Store are coming to an end.

For those unfamiliar with its history, The General Store started off as just that, a general store in Stone City, Iowa. It was built in 1897 and was even featured in Grant Wood's painting 'Stone City Iowa' in 1930, the same year as another well-known project, 'American Gothic.'

Facebook via via Duille

Like many other buildings in Stone City and throughout Jones County, the General Store is constructed from good old Stone City stone. The quarry sits right across the street from the restaurant. According to the Stone City Foundation, the building once served as a post office and a rail depot. It was later known as the Dearborn Store and was operated by Clate Dearborn up until 1959. My dad recently told me a story about him and his cousin ice skating on the Wapsi to the General Store from Anamosa. What a trip that must have been!

Facebook via The General Store Pub

The restaurant that we have all come to know and love made an announcement on Sunday. Many patrons will be sad to learn that according to the General Store's Facebook page, the restaurant will close to the public as of November 1st.

The post says that the General Store will transition to private events like weddings, holidays, and corporate events. We certainly wish the owners the best of luck in their new endeavor.

Until then, we have a few more months to get out to Stone City and enjoy the General Store one more time. Fall is the best time to visit. The trees turn colors. Crisp fall winds follow the Wapsi right up to the outdoor decks of the restaurant. Order a tackle box and a Wapsi-Rita. There was no place quite like the General Store.

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Filed Under: close, fall, general store, nl, restaurant, stone city

Categories: Food and Drink, Local News