CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — A new multicultural sports bar highlighting African cuisine and American soul food is set to open Friday in downtown Cedar Rapids.
The restaurant, located at 411 First St. SE in the former Chop House space, will operate as Fireside under new ownership. The business is scheduled to open at 6 p.m. on Jan. 31.
The concept blends traditional African dishes with classic Southern soul food, celebrating shared cultural roots through food, music and atmosphere. The menu features dishes from several African countries, including cassava leaf with fufu, slow-cooked goat stew marinated in international spices, grilled suya, puff puff and pilau. Soul food offerings include collard greens, cabbage, baked macaroni and cheese, catfish, cornbread and stuffed turkey legs served with sweet potatoes…