Jíbaro Cuisine is getting a fresh start in downtown Muscatine after being forced to close when structural concerns affected its former location on East Second Street.
According to WQAD-TV, owner Ramón Rentas had been seeing strong business at Jíbaro before the closure, with the restaurant reaching a point where it was breaking even and attracting more customers.
The restaurant was among the businesses affected by structural problems in the 200 block of East Second Street. Rentas told WQAD the closure was difficult for him and his employees as they tried to figure out how to keep the business going.
An opportunity came from just a few doors away. Christopher Marsiglio, owner of Capone’s Chicago Style Eatery, offered his restaurant space to Rentas.
Marsiglio told WQAD he had already been considering closing Capone’s and decided to move up that timeline because Jíbaro needed a new home.
Capone’s closed July 2, and Jíbaro has since moved into the space at 211 W. 2nd St. Rentas and his wife have been working to transform the restaurant with bright colors and large plants designed to give customers a feel of Puerto Rico.
Jíbaro Cuisine officially reopened Friday, Aug. 14.
The restaurant’s new hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. The restaurant is closed Monday and Tuesday.
Rentas told WQAD he is grateful for the support he has received from the Muscatine community, city officials and Marsiglio as he begins this new chapter.
Jíbaro Cuisine is located at 211 W. 2nd St. in downtown Muscatine.
