The city of Robins, Iowa is suddenly a place worth putting on your travel list. The quaint hamlet of just 3,200 people — often overshadowed by its neighbor to the south, Cedar Rapids — has just made a major move. Lebowski’s Bar & Grill, a “Big Lebowski”-themed restaurant, opened this week and is causing a stir.
“It’s an important step for the city of Robins,” announced Mayor Chuck Hinz. “I think it’s going to be very well received.”
Locals of the town were recently surveyed, and it turns out that having a non-franchised restaurant and bar was something the people really wanted in downtown Robin. So, tax incentives were offered to the best ideas, and local home builder Shawn Bodensteiner, 47, won out with his Lebowski concept.
The restaurant will receive property tax incentives for five years to help offset construction and startup costs – 75 percent the first two years, 50 percent the third and fourth years and 25 percent the fifth year.
After seeing the replica rug hanging in the entryway and quotes from the movie adorning the walls, fans can order the “The Big Lebowski” burger which has beef, four cheeses, bacon, shaved roast beef, barbecue sauce and onion rings, or “The Dude” fries topped with cheese, pulled pork, tomatoes, onions, bacon and barbecue sauce. Along with plenty of other menu ideas spawned from the Coens’ classic.
(via TwinCities.com)
