Lakeside’s Cobblestone Honored as Iowa Small Business of the Week

The Cobblestone Ballroom & Event Center in Lakeside is receiving statewide recognition this week. 

On Monday, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, named the Cobblestone her Small Business of the Week for Buena Vista County—honoring both its legacy and its revival.

Founded in 1929, the Cobblestone was once a premier destination for dining, dancing, and live music. At its peak, the ballroom hosted crowds of more than a thousand and welcomed performers ranging from regional favorites to national names like Louis Armstrong.

After a fire in 1945 and eventual closure in 1986, the building sat boarded up for nearly four decades. That changed in 2022, when Jennifer and Chad Hustedt and Natalie and Nathan Schumann purchased the property and began extensive renovations.

Senator Ernst praised their work, saying Cobblestone has “succeeded in bringing people together with delicious food, live events, and beautiful venues.”

Jennifer says their mission has been to honor the building’s history while making it a vibrant space for future generations.

Natalie and Jennifer say that philosophy is visible throughout the venue. Murals uncovered in the “Mermaid Room” now line the walls. Charred wood in the ballroom ceiling remains as a reminder of the fire. And original fixtures—from the tavern’s bar back to the walk‑in cooler—have been repurposed to keep history alive.

Since reopening, the Cobblestone has hosted weddings, reunions, trivia nights, and live music. Jennifer says one of the most powerful moments came during the businesses’ open house, when the Senders—one of the last bands to play before the closure—returned to the stage.

She says those full-circle moments, like a father dancing with his daughter on the same floor where he once danced with his wife, capture the spirit of what they hoped to create.

Looking ahead, Jennifer says they want to keep expanding opportunities for live music and community gatherings—from trivia nights and sing-along brunches to reunions and birthday parties.

For those who haven’t yet visited, Jennifer and Natalie say the experience of walking through the doors is both nostalgic and breathtaking.

Natalie and Jennifer credit community support for making the revival possible.

Sen. Ernst’s recognition underscores that story—a small business blending history and innovation, and once again serving as a cornerstone for Buena Vista County.