Iowa River Power Restaurant set to close, cites owner's plans to renovate

Editor's Note: A previous version of this story said Randy Ward still owns Randy's Flooring. Employees of the company bought it from Ward in 2016.

The Iowa River Power Restaurant, a locally-owned Coralville staple known for picturesque views and an extensive brunch menu, will close its doors in November, citing pressure from its landlord.

A long-time restaurant employee told the Press-Citizen the business is being forced out by the building's owner, Randy Ward. Danise and David Petsel have owned and operated Iowa River Power for more than 20 years.

Located on the banks of the Iowa River along First Avenue, the property has been home to some type of restaurant for 46 years.

While planned renovations will provide room for a new tenant, Ward told the Press-Citizen on Friday isn't sure what will fill it with upon completion.

Ward's Randy’s Flooring company, which bears his name, was purchased by employees in 2016. He said the building that houses IRP is in dire need of repairs.

Structural safety is a major concern.

“The fact is that place could implode tomorrow,” Ward said. “It is so tired and worn out that it just needs to be remodeled. I'm embarrassed to say I own it.”

The Iowa River Power restaurant is set to close just after Thanksgiving.

The sudden news has forced the restaurant, which often hosts various events, including weddings, to cancel gatherings as far out as two years.

The Press-Citizen did not receive immediate comment from restaurant ownership despite multiple attempts to contact them.

Building headed for ‘complete overhaul’ once IRP restaurant vacates, building owner says

Ward said renovations will drastically alter the interior of the current Iowa River Power restaurant.

“We're not going to salvage anything,” Ward said.

Architects have visited the restaurant frequently, another reason employees believe construction was imminent. Ward said the renovations will begin once the restaurant is vacated by Jan. 7, 2024.

Travis Heck has worked with the Petsels at Iowa River Power for 16 years. He said the November closing date gives Danise Petsel time to sell items at auction, including tables and chairs. Closing a little more than a month early also prevents the need to renew a liquor license.

Ward said he plans to fill the building with a new tenant, though he did indicate what that would entail.

Long-time employee speaks highly of IRP ownership

Heck began his tenure at Iowa River Power in the late 2000s as a 20-year-old busboy, working his way through the ranks.

He referred to Danise Petsel multiple times as a second mother in his interview Friday. He said he’s seen her routinely provide employees with financial assistance, even helping pay an employee's rent. Danise Petsel bought Heck shoes when he was a busboy to replace the beaten-up sneakers he wore.

Danise's incredible work ethic and mentorship, Heck said, have helped him grow in the restaurant industry, inspiring him one day to open his own business.

"She was really warm and welcoming when I came in and it really made me fall in love with the service industry," Heck said.

But he doesn't want to go yet. Heck wants the restaurant to fight back.

"Give the staff a year or two to prepare and make plans and say our goodbyes," Heck told the Press-Citizen. "Some of the regular customers that come in, they're like my family, and I'm scared. I might never see some of these people again. It's just hard."

Danise Petsel has missed just one Sunday brunch in Heck's 16 years. The restaurant serves about 500 people on a typical Sunday morning, offering mimosas while serving food carefully curated by the co-owner.

“I would say most of the employees at Iowa River Power would be happy to stay with Danise for another decade if they could,” Heck said. “We all knew she wanted to retire in five years. We all knew that when that happened, nobody could take over the business and make it successful. Danise worked miracles around that place.”

Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on Twitter @ryanhansen01.

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Iowa River Power's 45-year run coming to an end in November