Cafe Allez cancels plans for European-style cafe in Cedar Rapids
CEDAR RAPIDS — A popular pop-up bakery has discontinued its plans to open a cafe along First Avenue. Cafe Allez’s long-term plan, first announced in 2023 , was canceled in a Nov. 4 announcement. “Our lives and families look a lot different today than they did back in 2023 when we started this project, and the timing and financing just isn’t right for us to start a new business today,” the owners said in a social media post. “We’re just so thankful we had the opportunity to make and serve good real food for you all, our friends and neighbors.” The plan for a bakery and espresso bar inspired by the Tour de France and European travels was originally announced for 1271 First Ave. SE. Co-owners Emily and Curtis Stochl, who dreamed up the vision, hoped to open the cafe across from Coe College, where the couple met about 15 years ago. The building, which they purchased and started renovating along with adjacent 111 13th St. SE, was previously home to Brewed Awakenings for eight years before briefly becoming Tee’s Liberian Dish in 2021. The Stochls, both Coe College alumni, met and married on campus during their time there as