CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (April 9, 2025) — Newly-Opened Peppercorn at the Bank in the historic People’s Bank in downtown Cedar Rapids introduces new menu items created by Chef de Cuisine Cole Richards.
Focused on sustainability, seasonality, and local flavors, Richards brings a creative approach to every dish. The latest composed entrée dish is Cornish Game Hen served with parsnip leek purée, bourbon-glazed heirloom carrots, and wild mushroom demi. Wild-caught salmon as an a’ la cart option will join a composed Chilean Sea Bass dish.
In addition to menu anchors such as Prime Filet Mignon and Prime New York Strip, the restaurant will now offer a sixteen-ounce Prime Ribeye to pair with sharing sides such as Bourbon Brûléed Mushrooms, Steakhouse Creamed Corn or Garlic Skin-on Mashed Potatoes. Peppercorn at the Bank distinguishes itself by serving only USDA Prime Beef, which is the highest quality grade assigned by the USDA and characterized by abundant marbling, tenderness and flavor.
New to the Peppercorn Food Company portfolio, the landmark Peppercorn at the Bank restaurant offers fine dining weeknights with elegant semi-private options. The evolving menu infuses modernity with traditional chophouse cuisine featuring USDA Prime beef, fresh seafood, and made-from-scratch pasta. The restaurant glimmers with throwback experiences like Bananas Foster flambéed tableside.
Chili Crisp Shrimp, a new featured appetizer, is served with salsa verde, creamy polenta, and sweet corn. The highly-popular appetizers returning are Pistachio-Crusted Scallops Wrapped in cherrywood-smoked bacon as well as Southwestern Crab Cakes finished with lemon aioli and candied capers.
Added to the established salads such as Artisan Romaine Wedge and Brussel Sprout Caesar is a Burrata Caprese Salad with balsamic marinated cherry tomatoes and arugula, finished with basil oil and fresh basil.
Galena-raised, Richards began his fifteen-year culinary career by first working as a dishwasher at Vinny Vanucci’s in Galena, Illinois. Serving at high-end establishments across the Midwest, he has built a reputation for crafting exceptional dining experiences by blending high-quality ingredients to create innovative dishes that captivate guests.
The historic “jewel box” bank venue was designed by Louis Henry Sullivan and opened as a bank in 1911. The interior features murals by Allen Philbrick, nestled within a mezzanine with stained glass windows. The bank was one of several small "jewel box" banks designed by Sullivan in the midwest between 1907 and 1919. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
The restaurant is one of the newest additions to Peppercorn Food Company that began dedicated to custom catering for weddings and corporate events. To meet the demand in the Dubuque-Galena market, a new catering kitchen will open in downtown Dubuque in April. The food group portfolio also includes the Peppercorn Food Truck, community fundraisers, robust charcuterie program, in-house chef services, and two venue rental options.
Brides and Grooms voted Peppercorn Food Company the best in catering in the 2025 Eastern Iowa Wedding Choice Awards, awarding a “gold” among caterers from Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Waterloo, Dubuque, Davenport, Burlington, and Dyserville.
