Get Into Grinnell Blog

This year’s Restaurant/Retailer of the Year award recognizes someone on the food and beverage side of the category. This business has been on the scene in Grinnell for almost five years to the day. This entrepreneur was able to marry her passion with a unique and destination business model which has ensured community interest and support. 

From hosting wacky parties and fancy dinners, to political events, trivia and bingo, she supports and builds community in fun and entertaining ways. Her artistic talents are not only on display throughout her establishment, but she recently assisted with a public art endeavor as well.  

 

With a selection of over 150 different wines and beers, you’re guaranteed to find something that will delight your palate. Over the past year, the wine bar saw a transformation to include more of her delicious homemade desserts (and fresh from-the-oven chocolate chip cookies!) as well as freshly concocted flatbreads focusing on fresh, local foods and flavors. 

The last year has been a tough one for her, but she has made such an impact on this commun​​​​​​​ity that her customers and friends stepped up to help this one-woman dynamo keep the business​​​​​​​es’ doors open during a brief leave. Through this, she’s realized how important it is to support others and recently opened the doors of her home to host a fundraiser for the staff of El Molcajete following their recent fire late last year.  

We are sure it’s places like this that contribute to Grinnell’s recent naming as the ‘Most Badass town in the Midwest’ by Matador Network. World-class wine in small-town Iowa. Colleen, we’re glad you chose Grinnell for this adventure.

​​​​​​​Congratulations to this year’s Restaurant of the Year, Solera!