In August 2016, the Cedar Rapids pub Moose McDuffy’s was shut down by a fire. Although the pub was closed for 12 months, this tragic event led to new beginnings. It was time for a rebrand and remodel.
While closed, the pub owners considered the fact that their location was in the MedQuarter Regional Medical District. That sparked an idea. Grey’s Pub opened in September 2017, inspired by ABC’s widely popular medical show, “Grey’s Anatomy.”
“It is a show that has gone through all generations. When we talked to different generations, we found that people were still watching ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ — past and new episodes,” said Terra Heaton, co-owner of Grey’s Pub.
Concept Receives a Warm Welcome
After the fire, Grey’s Pub added a kitchen and now serves a full lunch and dinner menu. Many items are named after the television show’s notable characters or icons, such as Meredith’s Loaded Tators, Lexie’s Caesar Salad, the O’Malley Burger and Seattle Club Sandwich.
Reactions have been nothing but positive. Terra says the pub has a different dynamic than before and is seeing more traffic. MedQ employees come in for lunch or happy hour. So do family and friends visiting loved ones at one of the MedQ’s two hospitals.
And anyone who works in the medical community, not just the MedQ, enjoys a 10% discount on dine-in meals and drinks. Just show your badge.
Glad to be a Part of the MedQ
“I think the best part about being located in the MedQuarter is the other employees that are involved in the MedQ. They are great people. We enjoy being able to give them lunch, dinner or a drink for happy hour after they have spent their day helping other people and being able to give them a clean, nice environment to get away for a while, whether it be for families or employees,” Terra says.
Terra said they appreciated that the MedQ supported and assisted them in their rebuild through the Façade Improvement Program, making sure the storefront looked nice and was updated. Terra is also excited to see the MedQ parkway improvements along 1st Avenue in the spring.
