Iowa City native Bobby Razavi ushers in a new era at BlackStone

Iowa City native Bobby Razavi can easily tie many of life's greatest events to his love for BlackStone.

The City High School graduate has successfully climbed the ranks to become the owner of the popular eastside establishment, which has been serving guests for over 16 years.

Razavi took over as BlackStone's new owner in October, one of Craft Concepts Restaurant Group’s first establishments in Iowa City.

Razavi cut his teeth through the years at BlackStone, starting as a junior at Iowa City High School before continuing his duties while attending the University of Iowa. He worked in nearly every position from food runner to line cook to bartender. He celebrated many of life's biggest milestones at BlackStone as well, growing close with the employees and the regular clientele.

His dedication allowed him to work his way up to an ownership role, which quickly became a passion projet for Razavi, who also runs the operations team for a health tech company.

His positive experience in the food industry inspired him to pursue his interests instead of taking a direct path to success.

“I always thought the goal was to get to a desk job, and then after leaving working at a restaurant, I realized that I would get more satisfaction from working directly with people,” Razavi said.

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Razavi's love for BlackStone allowed him to develop a strong relationship with his first boss, Erik Shewmaker, currently the Integrator for the 30hop Group. The topic of Razavi managing BlackStone was discussed during a lunch with Shewmaker, who expressed his desire for more of an emphasis on the Iowa City location.

Shewmaker knew a transition would be hard personally, but leaving it to Razavu was the obvious call.

“It smacked me in the face that Bobby would be a perfect fit to bring energy and guidance to [the] team, and I asked him if he would be interested in buying BlackStone,” Shewmaker said. “BlackStone has a special place in our hearts because it is the foundation for our Craft Concepts restaurant group. Selling BlackStone is bittersweet. Ultimately, we wouldn’t have entertained selling the restaurant unless we felt the new operator could continue improving the legacy.”

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BlackStone becomes a community anchor

BlackStone opened in 2007 as one of the original commercial projects in the Olde Towne Village, expanding two years later with a second private party room and a prep kitchen. BlackStone’s menu is built upon inventive reinterpretations of classic American dishes, offering a unique twist on traditional favorites. Featuring a family-friendly whiskey bar with an expansive drink menu and over 150 whiskey options, BlackStone is a favorite among the Iowa City community, setting the tone for other restaurants in the area.

Razavi quickly developed a love for the establishment, spending much of his free time enjoying the fruits of his co-worker's labor. His connection never wavered over the years, only growing stronger.

“I had my 21st birthday here," Razavi said. "I had my college graduation here. I met my wife here, and so many important milestones and moments happened at BlackStone; it is a very special place to me."

A new era committed to tradition and innovation

Razavi is dedicated to maintaining the same mission that the restaurant has always followed, though he pledges to find new and exciting ways to elevate the experience. He's leaned on former owners to help guide him through the transition.

“I am stewarding BlackStone into its next evolution,” Razavi said. “Finding new and fun ways to continue being the go-to spot or the neighborhood spot for people to go to before after a football game and delivering the quality of service everyone accustomed to expect.”

BlackStone recently switched to its winter menu. Guests can still expect their favorites for lunch and dinner, including the Bubbly Mac & Cheese and winter pot pies, two of Razavi’s favorite menu items.

BlackStone is about people and community, Shewmaker said, and Razavi embodies that goal.

“It has been surreal to see generations grow up through the eyes of the restaurant," Shewmaker said. "We’ve seen families celebrating their children’s high school graduation, college, marriage, the birth of their grandchildren, and finally, retirement. Our staff has had similar progressions, and Bobby is a great example. [Bobby], you are here because of your integrity, intelligence, and work ethic.”

While early into his second tenure at BlackStone, Razavi has already found his stride in the BlackStone community.

“Matt Swift, Eric Shewmaker, and Brian Flynn, have all been very helpful throughout this whole process and continue to attend meetings, continue to answer my phone calls at 8 p.m. on a Wednesday, and credit to Chef Tracy Tonning, who isn’t a part of the ownership group but has a large played a large part in what Blackstone is today,” Razavi said. “It is the highlight of my week being here at BlackStone it feels like riding a bike; I just jumped right back into it.”

BlackStone is located at 503 Westbury Dr. and is open Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Iowa City's Bobby Razavi begins rein as BlackStone owner