New Eastern Iowa Restaurant Opens Next Week

Back in July, we first told you a restaurant chain with ten locations in central and western Iowa would be opening its first eastern Iowa store in Cedar Rapids. That becomes a reality next week.

Since this summer, we've learned that another location will be opening in Cedar Rapids on the west side. However, the restaurant that will be in the former Taco John's building on 1st Ave. SE (photo from July below), will welcome customers in a matter of days.

The building, which Taco John's vacated when they moved that location to Collins Road in front of Lindale Mall, will be the new home of Abelardo's Mexican Fresh. The company's website says, "We strive to provide you, our guest, with authentic Mexican food, prepared fresh, served fast and full of flavor! You'll also find great Mexican drinks like Horchata, Tamarindo, and your traditional soft drinks. You can always expect a wonderful dining experience in a clean restaurant with courteous service."

Abelardo's menu is an extensive one with more than 25 combination options, as well as breakfast plates, breakfast burritos, burritos, enchiladas, nachos, quesadillas, tacos, tortas, tostadas, taquitos, and more.

Last month, we shared the news that the former DQ building on Wilson Ave. SW will be home to the second Abelardo's in Cedar Rapids. There's no word yet on when that location will open.

There are nearly 50 Abelardo's Mexican Fresh restaurants in six states. The first Iowa location east of Des Moines will be opening on Monday, December 11 at 10 a.m. The exact address for that restaurant is 4401 1st Ave. SE.