Disclosure: We are frequently asked about where to shop and support small and local in Cedar Rapids. We are thrilled to provide this one-stop guide to small businesses in the Cedar Rapids area, brought to you by our sponsors!
Local Goods + Specialty Stores
Swamp Fox Bookstore
Swamp Fox Bookstore & Swamp Fox Kids is the tiny shop with a big heart. Located near the Uptown District in Marion, Iowa, it opened in 2020 and is co-owned by three women, Amanda Zhorne, Ursla Lanphear and Terri M. LeBlanc, who are avid readers and book lovers. Swamp Fox Bookstore & Swamp Fox Kids prides itself matching readers with just the right and helping readers to discover exciting new books.
10% off one regular-priced item. Offer valid on in-store purchases made before December 31, 2021. Special orders must be prepaid. One coupon per customer. Sales tax does not qualify for discount. This offer is not redeemable for cash or gift cards, nor is it valid toward previous purchases. Offer may not be combined with any other coupons, discounts, offers or promotions. Void if altered, copied, transferred, auctioned or sold. No rain checks issued. Other restrictions may apply.
Moms Droppin’ Bombs
Gourmet hot beverage bombs with explosive flavor. These beverage bombs make the perfect gift for any occasion. Warm up with a hot gourmet beverage in the comfort of your own home!
Design Studio
Jessi’s energetic approach to design means using all available resources for her clients- including the finest materials, latest techniques, colors, and textures- to create a dream space for her clients. She instinctively knows how to coordinate a stylish space that her clients will love to live and work in. In addition to her excellent client service and down-to-earth personality, clients and colleagues can count on Jessi to get the job done right. She has the ability to immediately bond with people, and you quickly sense her integrity, warmth enthusiasm. Having grown up in the construction industry, Jessi brings solid experience, knowledge, and an appreciation for her profession that is apparent in her work.
At The Design Studio, we have a unique and personal approach to each project we undertake. We work closely with our customers from conception to completion; encouraging open communication and discussion at all times, to ensure they are entirely satisfied with our services. We aim to design a living space that not only reflects your personality but also compliments your lifestyle, as well as (most importantly) your budget.
We are able to tailor our services to meet your individual needs; however large or small your project. We work with home-owners & builders; providing a level of service that is exceptional. You can select the level of service which best suits your needs; from full project management, to simply purchasing products to allow you to test your home improvement skills!
Carselli Sweets
Hi! My name is Ciara McAlpine. Carselli Sweets is a local home bakery out of NE Cedar Rapids, specializing in custom cookies and other sweet treats. I started decorating cookies as a hobby in 2020 to pass some free time after my 9-5, doing so after many, many years in a retail bakery decorating cakes. I love doing custom cookies and am always looking for fun new ideas and new things to cookies.
The Marion Chocolate Shop
Root & Flowers Boutique
Pretty Lane
NutriSport & Smoothie
Her Creations
Local Restaurants
Frydae
Frydae is becoming a staple for Uptown Marion visitors and residents, alike! Located on 10th street in Marion, off the Uptown Art Way, Frydae serves up unique fry and ice cream flavor combinations. There is something for everyone at Frydae! Join us this holiday season for one of our seasonally inspired menu items – updated photos and descriptions can be found on our Facebook page.
Mr. B’s & Sam’s Pizza
Located in the heart of SW Cedar Rapids, Mr. B’s & Sam’s Pizza is a great place to gather with friends and family and enjoy the best beer and pizza in Cedar Rapids! Plus, we have your favorite Chicago-style pizza. In-house delivery every day at 4:00 pm!
Vito’s on 42nd
Whether it’s a great atmosphere or exceptional American-Italian food, Vito’s on 42nd Street is the place to be. With a new menu and excellent staff, we’re here to make sure your dining experience exceeds your expectations.
We also have space for your bridal & baby showers, holiday parties, birthday parties!
Mention “Cedar Rapids Moms” and receive $5 off your bill, when you spend $25, excluding alcohol. Offer valid for dine-in only, between 11/27/21-02/28/22.
Stadium Bar and Grill
A great place to meet for drinks and food! Located near the Cedar Rapids Kernels and Roughriders!
Shuey’s Restaurant & Lounge
Known as the “Cheers” of Shueyville, we are a place worth visiting! With great food and great fun, we’d love to have you and your family stop in!
Mulligan’s Pub
Mulligan’s Pub is your neighborhood sports bar offering American food, handmade wontons, a large outdoor patio, lunch specials, pudding shots, and more; where everyone is welcome.
We specialize in American food and offer a lighter fare featuring delicious fresh salads and wraps.
With over 20 TVs, the NFL Sunday ticket, we are your local go-to spot for game day! From cheering on your favorite college team to professional, we have you covered.
Featuring happy hour from 3-6:00 pm, Monday through Friday; Beat the Clock Pizza on Mondays starting at 6:00 pm, open pool on Tuesdays, and buckets of beer Saturdays and Sundays!
Mullie’s is a fun place to hang out, eat, and spend quality time with family and friends!
Mention “Cedar Rapids Moms” and receive $5 off your bill, when you spend $25, excluding alcohol. Offer valid for dine-in only, between 11/27/21-02/28/22.
Mandarin Spice Asian Grill
At Mandarin Spice Asian Grill we offer meals of excellent quality and invite you to try our delicious food.
The key to our success is simple: providing quality consistent food that tastes great every single time. We pride ourselves on serving our customers delicious genuine dishes like Asian, Sushi, Chinese
Eat delicious food. Grab a drink. But most of all, relax! We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your continued support.
Local Activities + Things To Do
Board and Brush Creative Studio Hiawatha
Lancer Lanes
Lancer Lanes has 24 bowling lanes with a newly remodeled bar, fun music, great food & drink options where you can join a league, have a party, and bowl for fun! Come see us!
Orchestra Iowa School
The Shell, Indoor Play Space
Looking for a place to play and gather when the weather’s not so nice. Our Indoor Play Space offers over 12,000 square feet of open play and equipment for ages 1-6 years old. Reservations available Monay – Friday from 9:30 am-12:30 pm (must make a reservation)
Brush & Barrel
Local Services
Sisters Marketing + Co
We are a full-service marketing company, based in the midwest-serving clients nationwide. Rooted in passion with expertise in all areas of marketing, we are here to make small businesses stand out, by gaining more brand awareness and increase revenue through marketing, advertising, and design.
Sellers and Seekers
We are a local small business real estate company owned by 2 fabulous ladies providing professional service with a personal touch to all of our clients! Our clients matter and are our #1 priority!
Mathnasium of Cedar Rapids
We help kids in grades 1-10 understand math by teaching the way that makes sense to them. When math makes sense, kids leap way ahead – whether they started out far behind or already ahead in math.
CHOMP Delivery
CHOMP is the Iowa Corridor’s locally owned and operated delivery service. Ordering through CHOMP means supporting local restaurants and businesses, ultimately keeping the revenue from each sale local. Keeping the funds local allows us to provide better rates for restaurants participating on our platform, support our passion for donating to local nonprofits and organizations, and sustain our business consisting of 10 local staff and 120 local drivers.
monroe+co
Hi, I’m Jess. I’m super well-versed in grilled cheese making and photo-documenting. I’m also decent at Mommy-ing and Wife-ing. I’m CRAZY passionate about creating art and self-expression. Photography allows me to express myself and create something while giving someone a wonderful gift at the same time. I’m able to show my clients their lives, their kids, their experiences through my eyes, from my heart. It’s pretty incredible.
Photography is my therapy, my baby, my best friend, my outlet… I’d be totally lost without it. I specialize in emotive photography + photographic content creation.
Let’s create some art together, and tell your story.
monroe+co also specializes in senior photography. Check out Monroe Seniors to learn more.
Monroe Seniors
Couture Senior Photography // Providing a creative mixture of portraiture + expressive editorial style photography to high school seniors in Iowa + The Midwest.
Sarah Fridono Photography
Hello! I’m Sarah, a work-at-home mom of three. My husband, Elliot, is my biggest supporter, always encouraging me to pursue my dream of running my own business. My photography journey started back in 2013 after the birth of my second child. The oldest and I snuck out at nap time and bought our first “fancy” camera. I wasn’t sure where it would take me, but at least I’d have nice pictures of my babies. That camera was the beginning of something wonderful! It provided a hobby I was passionate about that turned into more than I could have imagined as a business, providing a way to stay at home with my growing family. I have seen so many other families grow and change through the lens of my camera and it brings me so much joy to create something so meaningful and memorable for people. To tell your stories is a great honor and privilege.
Rebekah Stewart Photography
There are a lot of important decisions to make when you’re having a baby, and choosing your maternity and newborn photographer is one of them! You can take comfort in knowing I have specialized and trained in newborn photography and safety since 2013. I am also a licensed elementary school teacher and a mom of three. Rest assured, your baby will always be in safe and patient hands at my studio.
Eastbank Venue
Located in the iconic Smulekoff’s building in downtown Cedar Rapids, Eastbank is unlike any other urban venue throughout Eastern Iowa. This space uniquely integrates a modern sophistication while taking full advantage of the timeless classic elements only found in historical preservation.
Nexgen Pressure Washing
Helping keep things clean for those that may not be able to due to age, health, knowledge, or time, Nexgen Pressure Washing is a commercial, residential, agricultural pressure washing business located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. With the dedication to go above and beyond, Nexgen will exceed your expectations!
The Family Room
Event Planner and Small Party Venue specializing in Kid’s Birthday Parties, and Micro Weddings! Use our space, or rent our packages for your own space!
Health + Wellness
Reflections Counseling
Are you lost and frustrated and need help taking back control over your life? Do you feel alone in your pain and need someone to help guide you through this challenging time? Would you benefit from being able to approach your life in a different way? Will you benefit from a safe and confidential space to process your life pain and learn skills to live a more resilient and happy life? Contact me today, to set up an appointment!
Revive Aesthetics
From chemical peels to microneedling, from cosmetic injectables to hair restoration, from teeth whitening to massage therapy, at Revive Aesthetics, our expert skincare and wellness professionals will find solutions to whatever issues you’re experiencing, and help to prevent future damage.
Be sure to check out our line of high quality skincare products, including our own private label and the Revision skin care line, and ask us what blend will work just right with your skin.
Revive Family Chiropractic
Destini Skin and Spa
Breathe.
Breathe. Physical Therapy provides hope & inspiration so women can live the energetic, vibrant & active life they deserve. Breathe. offers two metro locations and a clinic in North Liberty, Iowa, serving women of Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and everything in between!
Vella Yoga
Our instructors deeply believe yoga is for everyBODY! No matter where you’re at in your practice know we have a class level for you and our teachers are always ready to help modify a pose or a flow to help meet you where you are.
Check out our beautiful yoga studio located at 871 10th street in the historic Uptown Marion District. There is plenty of parking in the big lot south of the building (corner of 10th St. & 8th Ave.), 8 spaces in the back of the house, and plenty of FREE street parking.
Therapy Kneads
Hello, I’m Shannon! Helping people thrive in life has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I’ve since been blessed to become part of the faculty at Carlson College as a Reflexology instructor. Most recently I completed my health coach certification and look forward to further assisting clients’ with their health goals.
Out of all my job titles, becoming a Mom to my 2 beautiful boys has been the hardest most rewarding job yet! This mama runs on caffeine, Target, and Amazon Prime.
Your health and well-being matter to me and it should matter to you too! You are so worth it to thrive-it’s not just about living your best day. It’s about living your best life! I look forward to chatting with each of you about your therapy and wellness needs so don’t hesitate to reach out.
Hannah Anderson, DC, CACCP, Back In Line Family Chiropractic and Wellness
