Hunter/Lang
12/30-31/22
A report saying Hamburg Inn #2 will close “indefinitely” next week has been refuted by the owner’s attorney.
The manager of the iconic restaurant, Robert Ehl, told the Press-Citizen Friday that January 8th will be its last day serving customers. Ehl told the newspaper that the business isn’t making enough money to pay its bills, and said it’s up to building and business owner Michael Lee whether the closure is temporary or permanent.
However an attorney representing the Hamburg told KCRG TV Saturday that there appears to be confusion with the managers and employees and said the restaurant will remain open, albeit with reduced hours to address plumbing issues. Attorney Kim Baer told the station there are “no plans to close the restaurant.”
Hamburg Inn closed for a couple of months during the COVID pandemic and eventually reopened with a skeleton crew. Ehl said that the business slowly became fully staffed and was able to maintain regular business hours. However, Ehl said that the pandemic has been hard on the business the last two years.
Hamburg Inn #2 was cited for a dozen health code violations after a Johnson County Public Health inspection about eight months ago. The Press-Citizen story also said that a sign in the window of the business on Friday stated that the bathrooms were not available for use by customers due to the plumbing issue.
Hamburg Inn #2 first opened its doors in 1948. The Linn Street restaurant has hosted local, state and national politicians over the years, including Presidents Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.
The original Hamburg Inn #1 on Iowa Avenue closed in 1978. Other Hamburg Inn locations on Rochester Avenue and in Cedar Rapids closed in recent years.