Cedar Rapids is preparing to welcome a second Salsa Guy Cafe location, an exciting development for fans of the beloved eatery. The new restaurant, located at 3925 Blairs Ferry Road NE, will officially open its doors this Thursday, September 4th, at 7:30 a.m.
From Farmers Market Favorite to Local Staple
Before opening its first brick-and-mortar location, Salsa Guy Cafe was simply known as "The Salsa Guy", a popular vendor at the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market for over a decade. Known for its fresh salsas, dressings, and breakfast burritos, the business quickly became a community favorite.
In August 2024, owner Tim Palmer opened the first Salsa Guy Cafe at 2874 Mt. Vernon Road SE. The restaurant introduced a new menu item that captured widespread attention: The Conquistador Burger. This creation earned a spot as one of ten finalists in the Iowa Beef Industry Council and Iowa Cattlemen's Association's 2025 Best Burger competition - a significant accolade for the young restaurant.
The original Mt. Vernon Road location operates Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., continuing to draw devoted patrons.
A Larger Space and a New Chapter
The opening of the new location on Blairs Ferry Road brings exciting changes. Housed in a former Wendy’s next to Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh, this second location is significantly larger than the original and features a drive-thru for added convenience.
Earlier this year, Tim Palmer announced both good and disappointing news to fans. While the restaurant's popular breakfast burritos would no longer be available at this year's Downtown Farmers Market, it was for a good reason - the team was focused on opening the second restaurant.
In a Facebook post on Labor Day, Palmer confirmed the opening date and time, explaining that the choice of 7:30 a.m. was a nod to the hours of the Farmers Market where the business began. The post read:
"So of course, we open at 7:30 in the morning to offer you freshly brewed coffee and YES: An AMAZING AUTHENTIC DOWNTOWN BREAKFAST BURRITO that made us who we are today!"
The Facebook post also added a playful detail: a "dancing breakfast burrito" will be part of the festivities on opening day, signifying a new chapter for the restaurant.
Hours of Operation Set for New Location
Starting September 4th, the Blairs Ferry Salsa Guy Cafe location will operate Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fans eager for the latest updates can follow the restaurant’s official Facebook page for more information.
With a larger space, expanded hours, and the much-anticipated return of its iconic breakfast burritos, the second Salsa Guy Cafe is poised to continue its legacy as a local favorite in Cedar Rapids. Residents can look forward to enjoying familiar flavors at a brand-new location.
