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Business is Good for Flying Wienie, Will It Last?

By Justin Foss, Reporter

By Justin Foss

Story Created: Jul 15, 2008 at 3:44 PM CST

Story Updated: Jul 15, 2008 at 9:56 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS - You may have thought the customers come to the Flying Wienie for the food.

That's partly true.

What's even more true is it's one of the very few places to eat near Downtown.

"Friday, there must have been 150-200 people coming in as I was placing my order," said Paul Schwartz from the Michigan based company Maximum Restoration.

Despite being blocks from the river, the flood waters didn't touch the Flying Wienie. But, the sewer system backed up inside and left an inch or two covering the floor.

A lot of elbow grease later, and the Flying Wienie opened up just a few weeks after the flood.

The constant stream of out-of-town contractors has been great for business, but owner John Martin says he's not taking any comfort in that.

"We are concerned about what's in the future. That's why we're trying to keep everybody here, like our downtown people," said Martin.

When the contractors leave, Martin worries the downtown workers won't be back yet to fill their place. It's certain the contractors won't stay much longer.

"We're going to finish up this week, we're wrapping up the final jobs, and then we're back to Michigan," said Schwartz.

Sure they'll be back to Michigan, but they won't forget this lunch. Schwartz said it's the best dog he's ever had.

Martin hopes others won't forget that.

Email Justin Foss at Justin.Foss@kcrg.com

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