The current owner of White Star Ale House expects the restaurant to undergo a smooth transition as he puts it up for sale just two years after purchasing it.

I still absolutely believe White Star is a fantastic restaurant, for the right person, and will do extremely well.  White Star has played a key role providing dining and beverage services before and after events in the Powerhouse, Paramount, Theatre Cedar Rapids and other downtown events, as well as hosting social and business gatherings — from wedding rehearsal dinners and strategic planning sessions to anniversary parties and receptions

Owner Aaron Jacob told the Cedar Rapids Gazette that the downtown bar and restaurant would be up for sale as the local nonprofit Foundation 2 is looking to undergo renovations to the Witwer Building (where White Star is also located) to serve as its new headquarters. Jacob is selling because he plans to pursue other opportunities in a different industry.

The previous owner, Andrew Franks closed the restaurant, which first opened in 2011, in November 2020. White Star was closed for six months before Jacob reopened it. It will stay open while it's up for sale. Some fancy 3D holographic tables were in the plans, and those plans and the rights to them will potentially be inherited by the next owner.

Other downtown restaurants have made similar changes in recent months. The popular Runt's Munchies left its original location last spring due to construction in the area and is now open at 118 2nd St SE. The former Fresh Deli on the lower level of the Alliant Energy building is now known as Tower Cafe, under new owners.

Popoli Ristorante' and Sullivan's Bar first closed its location at 101 3rd Ave SW on December 20, 2020, then reopened under new owners, then closed again in the fall of 2021, making a total revamp to an event and catering business called "Peppercorn Food Company", now located at 426 1st Ave. NW.

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