Starlite Room owners strive to keep status quo

By Dave DeWitte

CEDAR RAPIDS—When you’re the new owners of the Starlite Room, change is not something you undertake lightly.

The local dining establishment at 3300 First Ave. NE was acquired at the beginning of August by Gary Rozek and Sam Aossey. Its previous owner, Jim Aossey, had managed and built the business for 55 years, cultivating a large and loyal following along the way.

Mr. Rozek is the chairman and former CEO of Centro Inc., the growing North Liberty plastics manufacturing company specializing in large components for things like combines and tractors. Sam Aossey, whose sales management career included stints in the printing and transportation industries, has family ties with Jim Aossey and has been lifelong friends with Mr. Rozek

Customers hearing about the transfer of ownership often say they hope it doesn’t mean changes for the Starlite Room, said Mr. Rozek, and the new owners have received the message.

“We’re planning to keep changes to a minimum,” Mr. Rozek said.

The Starlite Room’s success was built on evolutionary change and one man’s vision.

Jim Aossey purchased the Starlite Room in 1959 when it was little more than a dive bar in the community of Kenwood, which was then a significant trolley ride from either Marion or Cedar Rapids. First Avenue was only a two-lane brick road and Lindale Mall was still farmland.

The restaurant succeeded with an emphasis on delicious food, value and customer service. Jim developed more menu items, expanded the restaurant, and even redeveloped the adjacent strip mall. He introduced the “Superburger,” the area’s first half-pound hamburger, and had his personal cell phone number printed on the menus in case a customer had a complaint.

“There was one time when a customer called him to complain because their pickup order was cold,” recalled Sam Aossey. “He came in and redid the order himself, and gave it to them personally.”

Sam had discussed his interest in buying the restaurant with his uncle many times over the years, and is taking over at an age when many people would be contemplating their own retirement. He began working with Jim to learn management of the restaurant more than two months ago.

“It’s a lot of hard work, but I enjoy it,” said Sam, who’s lost about 20 pounds, and seen his workdays stretch to 16 hours at times.

Customers often remind Sam of the history of the Starlite, as they remark that they started first dined at the restaurant with their grandparents, and now bring their own children. Former Cedar Rapids residents returning for a visit often remark that the Starlite is at the top of their list of places to stop while in the city.

Jim, now in his 80s, isn’t about to let things slip. He still comes in regularly to advise and lend a hand. He also retains the real estate, which includes a small strip shopping center in the heart of the Kenwood neighborhood where he grew up.

“I think he’s going to stay busy,” Sam said. “He has more energy than I had when I was 30 years old.”

The Starlite is the second restaurant investment for Gary Rozek, who opened Popoli Ristorante & Sullivan’s bar in April with partner Fred Timko and Brandon Godwin as manager. It’s a completely different restaurant concept than the Starlite Room, with a grand atmosphere in a historic bank building designed by the renowned architect Louis Sullivan. The restaurant features Italian cuisine and large selection of wines and cocktails.

Traffic at Popoli in the first four months has been good, Mr. Rozek said, boding well for the future. Mr. Rozek and Mr. Timko initially planned to redevelop the building and lease the space to a restaurant operator, but went into the restaurant business when they couldn’t find an operator who shred their vision.

“A lot of people told us it feels like Chicago rather than Cedar Rapids,” Mr. Rozek said of the unique restaurant setting.