The Salsa Guy Cafe, which opened its first brick-and-mortar location in August 2024 after nearly two decades of selling salsa, burritos and other items at the Downtown Farmers Market, is now expanding to a second location.
Cafe owner Tim Palmer announced on the Salsa Guy Cafe’s Facebook page June 24 that he will open his new location at the former Wendy’s at 3925 Blairs Ferry Road NE, a location that’s been vacant for nearly four years.
Mr. Palmer told The Gazette he hopes to have the second location open by Labor Day.
The new location will feature a larger seating area, a drive-through, and alcoholic beverage options.
The current location, at 2874 Mount Vernon Road SE, opened in August 2024 and will remain open.
The Salsa Guy Cafe has established a dedicated following among Cedar Rapids residents for various menu options, including the “Alfalfa’s Experience,” a deli sandwich paying tribute to the original Alfalfa’s Deli, which was operated for several years in Cedar Rapids by Elijah Wood’s parents in the lower level of Lindale Mall before closing around 1990.
Another menu offering, the “Conquistador” burger, featuring both ground beef and beef brisket, was a top 10 finalist in this year’s Best Burger in Iowa contest, sponsored by the Iowa Beef Industry Council.
