Uploaded August 2021 | Updated September 2026, 14 hours ago
These three University of Iowa graduates are helping make Iowa City a destination for food and culture. Watch to learn about their unique businesses and footprints in downtown Iowa City.
Chef Benjamin Smart (04BS) studied and worked at several restaurants, including serving as executive sous chef at an upscale eatery located outside of Seattle, before returning to Iowa City in 2013 to help open Big Grove Brewery in Solon, Iowa. From there, he went on to open Pullman Bar & Diner, Big Grove Brewery & Taproom, and St. Burch Tavern―all located in Iowa City. In 2017, he was highlighted by Plate magazine as one of 30 chefs to watch.
Bob Franklin (98BA) is the owner of Elray’s Live & Dive in downtown Iowa City. It is located in the space that was once Blue Moose, and before that, Que. Franklin is an Iowa native who currently lives in Nashville. He is also the CEO and part-owner of a popular live music joint called Tin Roof, which has 18 locations in 12 states.
Lesley Rish (10BA) is the founder of Dumpling Darling, a fast-casual fusion food restaurant inspired by dumplings and street food from around the world. Her creations focus on vegan and locally sourced items. After graduating from the University of Iowa, Rish lived and worked in South Korea where she discovered her love for dumplings. She returned to Iowa and started a farmers market stand in 2014, eventually opening a restaurant in downtown Iowa City in 2017.
Chat from the Old Cap is a series of virtual engagement sessions featuring Iowa alumni and friends sharing stories from their careers, backgrounds, and the university that unites us.
These three University of Iowa graduates are helping make Iowa City a destination for food and culture. Watch to learn about their unique businesses and footprints in downtown Iowa City.
Chef Benjamin Smart (04BS) studied and worked at several restaurants, including serving as executive sous chef at an upscale eatery located outside of Seattle, before returning to Iowa City in 2013 to help open Big Grove Brewery in Solon, Iowa. From there, he went on to open Pullman Bar & Diner, Big Grove Brewery & Taproom, and St. Burch Tavern―all located in Iowa City. In 2017, he was highlighted by Plate magazine as one of 30 chefs to watch.
Bob Franklin (98BA) is the owner of Elray’s Live & Dive in downtown Iowa City. It is located in the space that was once Blue Moose, and before that, Que. Franklin is an Iowa native who currently lives in Nashville. He is also the CEO and part-owner of a popular live music joint called Tin Roof, which has 18 locations in 12 states.
Lesley Rish (10BA) is the founder of Dumpling Darling, a fast-casual fusion food restaurant inspired by dumplings and street food from around the world. Her creations focus on vegan and locally sourced items. After graduating from the University of Iowa, Rish lived and worked in South Korea where she discovered her love for dumplings. She returned to Iowa and started a farmers market stand in 2014, eventually opening a restaurant in downtown Iowa City in 2017.
Chat from the Old Cap is a series of virtual engagement sessions featuring Iowa alumni and friends sharing stories from their careers, backgrounds, and the university that unites us.
