Legacy Businesses

During the national Small Business Month in May, the Iowa City Downtown District is introducing a new initiative honoring the long-standing, locally owned businesses that make our downtown truly special; Legacy Business Month. 

Legacy Business Month is designed to recognize, provide support, and acknowledge the seasoned shops, eateries, and service providers that have built trust over decades, welcomed generations of loyal customers, and enriched our cultural and economic story. These beloved establishments are the familiar faces and cornerstones of Downtown Iowa City—the places where tradition meets expertise, where every storefront holds a story, and every handshake carries history.

What is a Legacy Business?

A Legacy Business has been classified as a long-standing business that has been operating continuously for at least 20 years, enduring the test of time while shaping the economic and cultural identity of Downtown Iowa City.

Legacy Business Registry

From family-run favorites to iconic institutions, our downtown is home to over 75 Legacy Businesses that continue to make this place unique. Explore the registry and discover the local gems that have stood the test of time.

Legacy Arts & Culture Venues in Downtown Iowa City

Gabes: 330 E Washington St | 1974
Lasansky Corporation Gallery: 216 E Washington St | 1981
Public Space One: 229 N Gilbert St & 538 S Gilbert St | 2002
Riverside Theatre: 119 E College St | 1981
Studio 13: 13 S Linn St | 2000
The Englert Theatre: 221 E Washington St | 2004

Legacy Bars & Restaurants in Downtown Iowa City

Legacy Services in Downtown Iowa City

Legacy Shops in Downtown Iowa City

Arts & Culture

Legacy Arts & Culture Venues in Downtown Iowa City

Gabes: 330 E Washington St | 1974
Lasansky Corporation Gallery: 216 E Washington St | 1981
Public Space One: 229 N Gilbert St & 538 S Gilbert St | 2002
Riverside Theatre: 119 E College St | 1981
Studio 13: 13 S Linn St | 2000
The Englert Theatre: 221 E Washington St | 2004

Bars & Restaurants

Legacy Bars & Restaurants in Downtown Iowa City

Services

Legacy Services in Downtown Iowa City

Shops

Legacy Shops in Downtown Iowa City

Legacy Business Month Happenings

Legacy
Passport

Celebrate Iowa City’s culinary icons with the Legacy Business Passport, a tasty way to support our Legacy bars and restaurants during the month of May.

  • Dine at participating Legacy Business restaurants or bars during the month of May and collect a sticker at each stop when you receive your bill.
  • Once you’ve visited five locations and submitted a photo of your passport, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a $200 ICDD Gift Card plus exclusive Legacy Business memorabilia.
  • Snap a photo of your completed passport and upload it via our Google Form.

Pick up your passport starting May 6th at any of the following locations:

Retail Legacy
Bounceback

Legacy Business Month will host a shopping Bounceback Campaign—a special promotion designed to celebrate and support our incredible retail Legacy Businesses.

  • From May 19–28, when you spend $200 or more in-store at participating downtown retail Legacy Businesses, you’ll receive a free $40 bounceback to use during your next shopping trip.
  • The $40 bounceback can be redeemed June 9–14 at any participating retail Legacy Business. It’s our way of saying thank you for shopping local and supporting the long-standing businesses that make Iowa City unique.

Legacy Lunches & Happy Hours

Legacy Lunches: Gather your office and friends to support and dine at one of the many Legacy lunch spots in Downtown. Introducing Legacy Lunches—an initiative encouraging you to enjoy a meal at your favorite Legacy Business restaurant every Tuesday in May. See the full list of Legacy Lunch locations here.

Legacy Happy Hour: Join us every Thursday, in May from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. for a relaxed, happy hour at participating Legacy bars. Grab some Legacy Business Month swag while raising a glass to our long-standing downtown watering holes.

  • May 8: Micky’s Irish Pub
  • May 15: Donnelly’s Pub
  • May 22: George’s Buffet
  • May 29: Bo James

Are you a Legacy Business in Downtown Iowa City or know of one that should be recognized?

We want to make sure every long-standing local gem gets the spotlight it deserves. If your business—or one you love—has been part of the community for 20+ years and isn’t on this list, let us know!

Email us at info@downtowniowacity.com to get connected and added to the Legacy Business Program.