When Will Fire-Damaged Wishbone Restaurant Reopen In Waterloo?

Nearly 14 months have passed since an arson fire heavily damaged a popular Waterloo restaurant that's been part of the city's landscape for more than 60 years.

On Wednesday, owners of The Wishbone announced on Facebook that the landmark business has permanently closed. In the post, Randy and Cindy Hellman of Waterloo thanked patrons and employees for their loyalty. They said the decision to not reopen was a difficult one to make.

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In April, authorities charged 29-year-old Kevin Cruz Soliveras of Evansdale with second-degree arson for his alleged role in the March 5th, 2020, fire that gutted the restaurant. According to police, video evidence shows Cruz and another man intentionally set the fire after breaking into the restaurant in an attempt to steal money. The early morning fire caused extensive damage to the building.

Cruz is currently in police custody. He’s also accused of committing other crimes in the area, including a February 4th, 2020, arson fire that severely damaged Maple Lanes in Waterloo and the attempted robbery of an armored vehicle outside a Waterloo bank on March 11, 2020, which involved a shootout with security guards that left one man dead.

The Wishbone has been a fixture in Waterloo since the 1960s. The Hellmans bought the restaurant in 2010.