2026 is shaping up to be a busy year for local businesses! Here are some of the businesses that have already opened this year, or plan to open in the coming months:
- The Martini Lounge, formerly known as Craft’d After Dark, let customers know in late 2025 they would be making some big moves in the new year! In addition to a new name, they also have a new location at 1202 3rd St SE in Cedar Rapids, right across from NewBo City Market. The Martini Lounge began welcoming customers on January 8th, and they are currently open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Get more details about the business HERE.
- A Marion bookstore that specializes in romance novels has found a new home! HEA Book Boutique recently moved from their shop on 7th Ave to a bigger space at 588 Boyson Rd NE in Cedar Rapids. The grand opening for the locally-owned boutique’s new location was held on January 10th. You can read more about the business HERE.
- Luna’s Tacos has run a popular food cart in Iowa City since 2019, but they plan to move indoors in the very near future! The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that the taco joint is taking over the former Subway at 127 E Washington St near the Ped Mall, and hopes to open by the end of January.
- Deja Brew Coffee House & Bakery isn’t a totally new business, as they already have a popular location in Tiffin, but they’re preparing to expand their services into Cedar Rapids! Deja Brew will open a second location inside of The Pines Pizza and Pub at 4100 River Ridge Dr NE. The Pines will continue operating in the late afternoons and evenings, while Deja Brew will serve coffee and breakfast during the morning hours. Deja Brew’s new spot isn’t open just yet, but you can read more about their expansion into Cedar Rapids HERE
Roasters Coffeehouse has been located inside of NewBo City Market for years, but they’re in the process of moving to a new location… just around the corner! Roasters will open soon at 1120 2nd St SE, the former home of Vinyl Emporium. The latest update from Roasters on social media is from January 13th, and it says that they hope to open this weekend (if all goes as planned).
Which leads us to our next addition…
Taking over the role of NewBo’s coffee supplier will be Uptown Coffee Company, a popular coffee shop located in the heart of Uptown Marion! The NewBo shop will serve as the business’ second location, operating alongside the Marion cafe. They will initially be located in the center of NewBo City Market between the two main aisles, but will eventually relocate to where NewBo Beer & Wine is now. You can read more about the changes for both Uptown Coffee Company AND Roasters Coffeehouse HERE…