Ride (630 Iowa Ave.), the bike-themed restaurant known in part for its brunch menu, burgers and large patio, will close for good on Jan. 1.
The restaurant, just east of downtown, opened on Dec. 11, 2014. It was a venture long in the making between Derek Perez, Keven Perez and Tom “Roc” Kemmerer, all co-owners of Short’s East Side. Derek Perez also owns Banditos; his brother Kevin has a hand in Short’s and Stella.
Prior to opening, the team undertook a substantial interior renovation of the space that formerly housed Lou Henri’s. Ride offered an extensive menu of burgers and updated classics, as well as Iowa-themed cocktails.
Kemmerer confirmed that today will be Ride’s last day of operation.
“We had a small faithful following and we really appreciate their patronage,” he said, noting that the restaurant did not receive enough business to sustain it. “We’d like to thank those who’ve been here.”
That’s too bad. We really liked RIDE. They had delicious food, it was walkable for us, and it had a friendly, neighborhood feel. We need Iowa Citians to patronize such businesses to help keep the town unique and livable. Unfortunately, parking and perceived convenience rules the local restaurant scene, even in a ‘progressive’ town.
Will they honor my “ride” gift certificates at Shorts and Banditos?
I’m curious about this, too. We have a $50 certificate, and we’d be happy to use it for a couple visits to Shorts or or one of the other related restaurants.
On the ride Facebook page it says that we can use them at either Shorts location, Stella’s and Hudson’s.
Won’t honor certificates at Hudson’s. Overpriced garbage anyway. I’ll go to Shorts.