CR Midnight Smoker BBQ opens at new stand-alone location in northwest Cedar Rapids
- Brian Stoll
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Het folks did you see we were featured in the Gazette?
Tobacco use may be on the decline, but smoking is bigger than ever at Cedar Rapids' latest barbecue opening.
Two and a half years after his opening at NewBo City Market , a humble brisket smoker turned restaurateur has taken a big step outside of the small business incubator into a freestanding space for CR Midnight Smoker BBQ.
With seating for 90, live entertainment and an address in an up-and-coming area, the barbecue staple is no longer just a food option.
"We're already starting to become a destination for people," said owner Greg Stoll. "This area is ripe for development."
If you go:
Address: 301 F Ave NW, Cedar Rapids, IA
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. or until sold out - which happens regularly - Thursday through Saturday. Hours on Sunday and Wednesday planned for the future.
Phone: (319) 200-0060
Website: crmidnightsmokerbbq.com
Details: Find a diverse array of styles representing America's best barbecue cities in ribs, brisket, pulled pork, Boudin sausage and chicken alongside Iowa beers, smokehouse sides and a growing selection of appetizers and desserts. Live entertainment featured on weekends.
Rapid growth
Many restaurants find their greatest challenges in their first few years. When Stoll moved into NewBo in October 2022, he entered with a 3-5 year plan.
Had everything gone perfectly, he figured he could move out after 3 years. But before the second year was even up, they were already looking for a new home.
"The most difficult thing I've had is just trying to keep up," Stoll said. "It's kind of overwhelming."
At NewBo, the meat sold out quickly, and there wasn't enough kitchen and storage space to stay open four days a week - let alone room for more smokers.
The restaurant has gone from one smoker to three, if you include the mobile smoker.
Stoll can't quite pinpoint why their growth has been so dramatic, but notes that Cedar Rapids has about half the barbecue restaurants per capita that Iowa City and Des Moines have.
"Barbecue should be fun. We enjoy our work here, and we try to have our customers feel that energy," he said.