New Corridor Businesses That Have Opened or Plan to Open in 2026 [LIST]

2026 is shaping up to be a busy year for local businesses! Here are some of the businesses that have already opened this year, or plan to open in the coming months:

The Martini Lounge

• The Martini Lounge, formerly known as Craft'd After Dark, let customers know in late 2025 they would be making some big moves in the new year! In addition to a new name, they also have a new location at 1202 3rd St SE in Cedar Rapids, right across from NewBo City Market. The Martini Lounge began welcoming customers on January 8th, and they are currently open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Get more details about the business HERE.

HEA Book Boutique

• A Marion bookstore that specializes in romance novels has found a new home! HEA Book Boutique recently moved from their shop on 7th Ave to a bigger space at 588 Boyson Rd NE in Cedar Rapids. The grand opening for the locally-owned boutique's new location was held on January 10th. You can read more about the business HERE.

Luna's Tacos

• Luna's Tacos has run a popular food cart in Iowa City since 2019, but they plan to move indoors in the very near future! The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that the taco joint is taking over the former Subway at 127 E Washington St near the Ped Mall, and hopes to open by the end of January.

Deja Brew Coffee House & Bakery

• Deja Brew Coffee House & Bakery isn't a totally new business, as they already have a popular location in Tiffin, but they're preparing to expand their services into Cedar Rapids! Deja Brew will open a second location inside of The Pines Pizza and Pub at 4100 River Ridge Dr NE. The Pines will continue operating in the late afternoons and evenings, while Deja Brew will serve coffee and breakfast during the morning hours. Deja Brew's new spot isn't open just yet, but you can read more about their expansion into Cedar Rapids HERE

Roasters NewBo

Roasters Coffeehouse has been located inside of NewBo City Market for years, but they're in the process of moving to a new location... just around the corner! Roasters will open soon at 1120 2nd St SE, the former home of Vinyl Emporium. The latest update from Roasters on social media is from January 13th, and it says that they hope to open this weekend (if all goes as planned).

Which leads us to our next addition...

Uptown Coffee Company

Taking over the role of NewBo's coffee supplier will be Uptown Coffee Company, a popular coffee shop located in the heart of Uptown Marion! The NewBo shop will serve as the business' second location, operating alongside the Marion cafe. They will initially be located in the center of NewBo City Market between the two main aisles, but will eventually relocate to where NewBo Beer & Wine is now. You can read more about the changes for both Uptown Coffee Company AND Roasters Coffeehouse HERE.

The Union Bar & Grill

After the success of the new Fieldhouse Bar in Iowa City, another classic Iowa City bar is set to return to the Ped Mall this year! The Union Bar is making a comeback in 2026, but at a new location: 118 S Clinton St. We don't know much yet about the new Union, including an estimated opening date, but you can check out the Facebook page for the latest updates! Read more about The Union Bar's history in Iowa City HERE

The Eat Shop

• The Corridor just can't get enough of The Eat Shop! The popular bakery got its start in Solon almost five years ago, and is now preparing to open a fifth Corridor location, this time in Coralville. The new shop is coming to the Iowa River Landing at 104 E 7th St, and will seat double the amount of customers as their Marion location. The expected opening date is May of this year. You can read more about the bakery's expansion from the Cedar Rapids Gazette HERE.

Rhapsody

• Last year, it was announced that TWO new businesses would be taking over the former Chrome Horse Saloon in the NewBo District. The first was a breakfast and lunch spot called Mercury Diner & Drinks (initially named Odd Mama's Cafe), which opened last fall. The other is Rhapsody, which will be Mercury's counter-part, offering dinner, drinks, and live entertainment on the huge outdoor patio. Rhapsody is expected to open early this spring.

Sugar Belle & Crispy Boy Taproom

• Much like Mercury and Rhapsody, Sugar Belle and Crispy Boy Taproom are two businesses moving into one building. That building is the former Pizza Ranch at 505 E Oak Street in Monticello, and it's owned by Jamie and Eric Miller. Sugar Belle is set to open first, and it's a coffee shop that will offer "fun coffee, matcha & gluten-free donuts- Sweetness with a healthy twist & a vacay vibe in every sip!" Plus, there's a drive-thru! The other part of the building will feature a taproom for the owners' locally-brewed beer brand Crispy Boy, as well as an event space. The Crispy Boy Taproom is expected to open sometime in late spring, with the event space opening to follow shortly after. You can check out details on both businesses HERE.

Ellis House

• Ellis House is a new business set to open inside of the former MirrorBox Theatre at 1200 Ellis Blvd NW in Cedar Rapids. New owner Robert De Corah will use the back of the building for his video production company, as well as local gathering space for live music, watch parties, and other fun events. The plan is to have some sort of coffee shop take over the front portion of the building, but the space is still undergoing renovations. You can read more about the plans for the new Ellis House HERE!

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