In 1927, a now anonymous someone established a small five seat hamburger restaurant in Ottumwa, Iowa and called it the “Canteen.” Its featured item was a sandwich consisting of finely ground beef on a bun. The Canteen was moved in 1936 to its present location in an alley and expanded to sixteen stools around a horseshoe-shaped counter.

In June of 2019, former Ottumwans Norm and Sandy Wilkerson, both of whom had eaten many times at the Canteen while growing up, remodeled a small house on 32nd street in Cedar Rapids and, using the Canteen as inspiration and with the help of daughters Courtney and Paige and granddaughter Olyvia, opened Loosies restaurant.

For nearly five years our small restaurant has been family owned and operated, serving customers at Loosies, from our Loosies' food truck, and providing food catering services. At our 32nd street store we provide delicious loose-meat sandwiches, hand trimmed tenderloins, hot dogs, chili dogs, and other sandwich options, complimented by Sandy's amazing homemade soups, chili, and side dishes with dine-in or takeout options.

Our goal is to consistently provide great service and quality, affordable food in a friendly, pleasant atmosphere. With some luck and much hard work, we hope to deserve our customer's approval, and obtain the same type of longevity and acceptance as the Canteen. Stop in and see us, talk to us or the person on the next stool. No one is a stranger at Loosies.