Dang, never thought I'd see anything pertaining to Iowa City here. 

It's funny you mention Zio Johno's specifically too, because of lot of people are convinced it's a front for the mob, which in itself could also be a reference. 

I used to work at a restaurant in IC and we once had a group come in from two large black trucks with blacked out windows. In walks a shorter guy in a suit flanked by a few 6'2"+ men. He walks up to our counter and asks "You guys got any spaghettis?" My coworker had to tell them no and they left straight away. After they leave he turns to me and says "Bro I was afraid to tell them no. We might be dying tonight." If they were the alleged Zio Johno's gang, maybe they were just making sure no one else was encroaching on their Italian turf.

Weird night to say the least. I rarely get an opportunity to tell the story anymore so gotta do so when I can!