My name is Allie Lanham, and I’m the owner and chef behind The Hangry Lady. I’m a Cedar Rapids native, born and raised, and a 2014 graduate of Washington High School. My journey with food began early—after losing 60 pounds in high school, I became deeply interested in the relationship between food, health, and how what we eat impacts how we feel. That experience ultimately led me to discover my passion.

I began my education at Kirkwood Community College, earning a two-year Associate of Science degree in Dietetics before following my heart into Kirkwood’s Culinary Arts Program, where I earned my Culinary Degree in 2019. During culinary school, I competed on the competition team, earning 1st place at the Riverside Culinary Classic and 2nd place at the Iowa Pork Producers Competition, and was honored as the first-ever recipient of the Chef Basil’s Culinary Scholarship.

Following graduation, I stepped into the role of Chef de Cuisine at Caucho, where I was later named one of the “40 Women to Watch” by the Iowa Restaurant Association. I then went on to serve as Executive Chef at Popoli. It was during this time that the idea for The Hangry Lady—a name I dreamed up over five years ago—started to feel like something more than just a dream. When Popoli closed, I decided to take the leap and build something of my own.

The Hangry Lady officially launched in November 2020, opened a stall at NewBo City Market in May 2021, and expanded into our current storefront at 1101 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA in September 2023. Since then, we’ve proudly completed 300+ grazing tables, 150+ weddings, and thousands of charcuterie cups, serving weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings throughout the region.

I’ve been a vegetarian for over 10 years and take great pride in creating food that is both delicious and inclusive—thoughtfully accommodating dietary restrictions while sharing knowledge about how food affects our bodies. Whether you’re seeking something indulgent, health-forward, or somewhere in between, my goal is always the same: to serve food that feels good, looks beautiful, and brings people together.

At the end of the day, I’m here for you. I love bringing joy to others through food, and I’m always happy to connect—big event or small, classic or creative, healthy or not. The Hangry Lady has you covered. 🖤✨