A Cedar Rapids Restaurant is Celebrating 70 Years in Business

It's a big month for a popular pizza place in the Corridor! Leonardo's Pizza & Restaurant is celebrating 70 years in business this July!

Leonardo's Pizza first opened at 2228 16th Avenue SW back in the mid-1950s. It took over the space previously known as the Star Drive-In Restaurant. Leonardo's was owned by the Naso family for 65 years before being sold to new owners in 2019. It's now owned by Sam Aossey, Gary Rozek, and Todd Schultz, two of which also own the iconic Starlite Room in Cedar Rapids. A 2019 article from KCRG reports that "the previous owners of Leonardo's said their respect for that restaurant's legacy led them to approach the group about a possible sale."

Leonardo's menu features a variety of pizzas, like Bacon Cheeseburger, Taco, Reuben, and Kelsi's Sweet Chili Chicken, but they also have other options. Quesadillas, nachos, burgers, tenderloins, wraps, sandwiches, and salads are on the menu, as are a variety of appetizers, including deep-fried clams, cream cheese wontons, sweet corn nuggets, and bacon cheese waffle fries.

In addition to the food, Leonardo's is also known for its distinct look. The Cedar Rapids city website says:

"It has red and black leather booths, tabletop jukeboxes, and incredibly authentic décor from almost 50 years ago. The exterior “L” neon sign is a classic symbol for Cedar Rapids as well."

It's definitely one-of-a-kind!

Congratulations to Leonardo's on 70 years of success! If you want to check them out, the restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. You can view the menu online HERE.