Today I want to share that the owners of El Barco on West 5th Street in Church Row Neighborhood recently announced that they will be closing their doors, effective immediately. This is sad news! However, I recognize that not all neighborhood news is positive, and even though it can be hard, we do try to keep a healthy perspective on all that happens in our partner neighborhoods, including this.

Many Church Row residents and out-of-town visitors have enjoyed the presence of this restaurant right along the West 5th Street business corridor. Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity staff even enjoyed a couple of birthday lunches together at their tables.

El Barco will be greatly missed by the residents and friends of Church Row who attended the monthly Lunch with Neighbors! The group is working to find a new location soon, with hopes to still frequent a local restaurant that offers a variety of healthy food options for anyone who may want to attend.

Today, I am choosing to celebrate the fond memories in the midst of this transition in the neighborhood. I am grateful for every gathering at this restaurant, both large and small, during the past couple of years. I am happy to know some of our neighbors' favorite orders at El Barco and enjoy them together when we were able to. I'm very glad that we did go to El Barco regularly, to help support this local treasure as much as we could.

Please see the owners' message to patrons on Facebook from Saturday:

I am praying for the owners' success of their other location, La Cava on Ridgeway! I also pray that a new restaurant will take the opportunity to open their doors at Eveland Plaza on West 5th Street. May the Lord bless a new, positive business endeavor to thrive in Church Row for many years.