Business : Cafe de Klos opens at former Legion site

Gary and Joan Dvorak have turned the ruins of the Legion building into Cafe de Klos.

For the first time since 2005, a new flag waves from the pole above the building that last served as the Vinton American Legion Hall.

Cafe de Klos is open.

Gary and Joan Dvorak have been working on the restaurant and building for the last couple of years, with Gary doing much of the work himself.

The couple welcomed their first customers on Saturday.

"We are open! Cafe de Klos has risen from the ashes, literally, says Joan. "It took us two years to build on the site of the old Legion building in Vinton that burned down in 2005. And we hope that since we built it "they will come!"

The new facility includes a 40-seat sports bar and beautiful, intimate fine dining rooms, where customers have two menus to choose from.

"We have all the classic de Klos favorites like marinated, char-grilled pork loin chops and chicken breast, steaks, grilled fish and fresh-cut fries with our signature seasoning and dipping sauce," says Joan. "We have soon-to-be-new favorites like baby back ribs, chicken wings, burgers and pizza."

For now, hours are from 4-10 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, with happy hour from 4-6 p.m. during the week. The business will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

The Cafe de Klos Facebook page offers photos of the construction as well as comments from clients, many of whom remember eating at the Cafe de Klos in Cedar Rapids.

"We really enjoyed our visit, said Chris Shroyer, one of those former customers. "They offered a family service experience in a gorgeous new building with a grand vintage facade and the great food we've always known and have missed. It was a great day for my wife and 4-year-old son."

Cafe de Klos is located at 417 1st Ave, Vinton, The phone number is 319-472-4440. Joan said dinner reservations are preferred.