Grow Omaha
News Briefs
North Italia Now Hiring for Village Pointe Restaurant
North Italia has started hiring for its new restaurant at Village Pointe and is hosting an on-going, on-site job fair each day through November 2nd. North Italia will open its first Nebraska location November 19th in a 9,000 sq. ft. space formerly occupied by Bravo Cucina Italiana. The restaurant serves handmade pasta, pizza and other dishes. North Italia has 39 locations in 13 states. The closest existing ones are in Kansas City and Denver.
HDR Provides Design Services for Pittsburgh International Airport
Omaha-based HDR was part of the design team for Pittsburgh International Airport’s $1.7 billion terminal expansion. HDR joined Gensler, in association with luis vidal + architects, to form the architectural and engineering design team. HDR led the surface access, site, airfield and infrastructure design. The design features additional space for concessions, an expanded TSA checkpoint and separate levels for departing and arriving passengers. More than 6,000 additional parking spaces, featuring a 3,300-space garage and a 2,700-space surface lot, were added.
Cabinet IQ Plans Grand Opening in November
Cabinet IQ of Omaha will hold a grand opening celebration Thursday, November 20th from 5 to 7 p.m. at 9825 Giles Road, Suite E in La Vista. The company specializes in designing and selling custom cabinets and countertops for kitchens and more. Based in Austin, Texas, Cabinet IQ has 52 locations nationwide.
Elite Learning Academy & Preschool Plans Fourth Location
Elite Learning Academy & Preschool plans to open its fourth location this coming winter at 2205 North 181st Street. Founded in 2019 by Allison and Greg Acero, Elite Learning Academy has three existing locations Omaha and Gretna. The organization serves infants through pre-kindergarten children.
Piezon’s Pizzeria to Stay Open After Owner’s Death
Piezon’s Pizzeria announced that it will remain open despite the recent and unexpected death of owner Matt Vrzal. The pizzeria is located at 15605 West Center Road. Vrzal was a former Husker offensive lineman, a high school football coach and a popular personality on local radio.
BeautyFirst Opening Papillion Store This Month
BeautyFirst will open a Papillion store at 8540 South 71st Street in The Shoppes at Market Pointe in late October. Locally owned BeautyFirst was founded in 1989 has three existing stores in Omaha and two in Lincoln. The stores offer professional haircare, skincare and cosmetic products.
Frontier Airlines Begins Nonstops to Atlanta
Frontier Airlines’ inaugural nonstop flight between Omaha’s Eppley Airfield and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport took off last week. The nonstop service operates twice per week. Frontier joins Delta Airlines, which offers five nonstops per day from Omaha to Atlanta. Frontier also offers nonstops from Omaha to Denver and Orlando.
The Anastasia Co Opening in Waterloo
The Anastasia Co will hold a grand opening and ribbon cutting on October 24 for its first-ever storefront at 23913 Southwest Street in Waterloo, Neb. Founded in Omaha in 2013, the family-owned stationery, apparel and gift brand now serves more than 2,000 retailers worldwide. – Nicole Buntgen
Council Bluffs Moves Forward with Manawa-Area Housing
The Council Bluffs City Council chose R. Perry Construction of Sioux City for the East Manawa Phase 1 housing project, which includes 40 units in 10 four-unit buildings. The city plans to build more than 900 residential units on 93 acres northeast of Lake Manawa. Phase 1 is partially funded by a $6.8 million grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority and will be reserved for low-to-moderate-income households. Phase I should be complete by the end of 2026. – Isaiah Ang
Little King at 86th & Dodge Now Serves Breakfast
The Little King deli and sub-sandwich shop at 8602 Dodge Street now serves breakfast. At least for now, no other locations are offering the breakfast menu. Breakfast hours are from 6 to 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 to 10 a.m. Sundays.
Massage Business Plans to Open in Eagle Run
A massage business will open in the retail strip at 13110 Birch Drive in Eagle Run. According to a building permit for installation of new walls for massage rooms, the business will be called A Zen Message. It replaces a dentist office, Heartland Dental, next to Athletico Northwest. – Isaiah Ang
Major Renovation Planned for 114th & Dodge Dairy Queen
The Dairy Queen store at 404 North 114 Street is receiving a major refresh. A building permit was filed for removing the second floor/roof, essentially transforming the building from the iconic barn-style to a more conventional single-story, fast-food restaurant. In addition to the structural change, the façade will be updated along with mechanical, electrical and plumbing. – Isaiah Ang
Outdoor Event Venue Opens in Blackstone District
Blackstone Business Improvement District leaders and Omaha Mayor John Ewing cut the ribbon earlier this week for an outdoor event space near 39th & Farnam Street. The Blackstone Alley is literally and alleyway during the day, but it becomes an illuminated event space at night. The $760,000 project was paid for with ARPA funds, TIF Contribution Funding, a Douglas County Visitor Improvement Fund Grant and the Blackstone BID.
City Seeks Public Input Regarding Abbott Drive “String of Pearls”
The City of Omaha Parks and Recreation Department is seeking public input regarding one of Omaha’s most unique features: the globe lights that line Abbott Drive between Eppley Airfield and downtown. To gather feedback, the city is asking residents to complete a short survey. You can respond any time before October 20th by going HERE
Construction Starts on “The Bay” in Benson
The Bay held a groundbreaking ceremony last week for its 40,000 sq. ft. youth center at 6120 Military Avenue in Benson. The $20 million project will convert a former indoor parking garage into a cultural hub for youth. The Benson facility is a second location of a Lincoln organization of the same name. When it is complete in early 2027, The Bay, will have classrooms, music venue, creative labs, esports arena and indoor skatepark for all skill levels. – Mark Champion
Degree Wellness Plans to Open First Nebraska Location
Degree Wellness is opening in Whispering Ridges near 172nd & West Maple Road. According to a building permit for tenant build-out, the business will open in a retail strip at 17229 Evans Street. The 2,000 sq. ft. space will offer access to sauna and cold plunge therapies among other health and wellness services. Degree Wellness has locations in nearly 20 states, but will the first in our region with no current locations in neighboring states. – Isaiah Ang
7 Brew Coffee Getting Closer to Opening on West Maple
7 Brew Coffee’s first Omaha-area stand has been delivered near 182nd & West Maple Road. The Arkansas-based drive-thru coffee chain has three locations in Lincoln and others coming soon to Fremont and Council Bluffs. – Nicole Buntgen
Arizona-Based Restaurant Plans to Open First Nebraska Location
Culinary Dropout, a popular restaurant chain from Scottsdale, Arizona, plans to open its first Nebraska location at Village Pointe Shopping Center. According to a City of Omaha building permit, Culinary Dropout will renovate the former Local Beer Patio & Kitchen space on the shopping center’s west end. The space was originally home to Cheeseburger in Paradise. No opening date has been announced. Culinary Dropout has 15 locations in nine states. The closest existing locations are in Denver and Indianapolis.
City of Omaha Celebrates Completion of EDGE District Parking Garage
Park Omaha is holding a ribbon cutting ceremony today for its recently completed parking garage at 4605 Farnam Street in the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s EDGE District. The 7-level, city-owned garage has 753stalls, including four electric vehicle charging stations. The EDGE District is also home to the Catalyst building, which opened earlier this year.
Porky Butts BBQ Reopens After Flood Repairs
Porky Butts BBQ at 15475 Ruggles Street has officially reopened after shutting down in August due to flood damage. The locally owned restaurant is back to its regular hours, Tuesday–Sunday 11 a.m.–8 p.m. – Nicole Buntgen
At Core Bank, we believe in the power of community banking. As a dedicated partner for businesses, we’re committed to fostering growth and making a meaningful difference.
Our focus is simple: to empower businesses to thrive and strengthen the communities we serve. Through tailored financial solutions, personalized service, and active involvement in community initiatives, we deliver more than banking—we deliver impact.
With Core Bank, you’ll find a partner who understands your unique needs and shares your vision for a brighter tomorrow.
Subscribe
To our newsletter
Gluten-Free Bakery Holds Ribbon Cutting in Rockbrook Village
Rebel Rise GF Bistro & Bakery will hold a ribbon cutting Tuesday, October 7th for its shop at 11039 Elm Street in Rockbrook Village. The business sells gluten-free baked goods.
Upscale Cocktail Bar Opens in Downtown Dundee
The Hollows, an upscale wine and cocktail bar opened last month at 5019 Underwood Avenue in Dundee. Located in Pitch Pizzeria’s former party room space, The Hollows features a working fireplace and a meeting room able to accommodate 12 people. The business is operated by Nick Joerz, Shawna Blair and Julius Nero. Hours are 3 p.m. to close on weekdays and 12 noon to close on weekends.
Construction Starts on Sarpy County Warehouse Building
R&R Realty Group has broken ground on its fourth warehouse building at R&R Commerce Park South, a Class-A industrial development near 156th & Schram Road in Papillion. The 286,000 sq. ft. building will feature clear heights up to 36 feet, multiple dock and drive-in doors. Completion is scheduled for September 2026.
Frosty’s Ice Cream to Close Permanently October 15
Frosty’s Ice Cream & More plans to permanently close its store at 17220 West Center Road on October 15. It could close earlier if inventory runs out faster than anticipated. In a social media post, the ownership cited economic challenges over the past few years as a reason for the closure.
Developers Plan Two Missing-Middle Projects
“Missing middle” housing projects are in the works in the Blackstone Neighborhood and north Omaha. A developer plans to convert the building at 521 South 38th Avenue into a fourplex apartment building. Each unit is a 1-bedroom apartment. Previously, it was used as office space by UNMC. Near the southwest corner of 25th & Grant Street, BBTB Investment Club plans to build a stacked duplex on a vacant 4,800 sq. ft. lot. Each unit will be approximately 1,600 sq. ft. and have two bedrooms and two bathrooms. – Isaiah Ang
AIM Fitness & Nutrition Opens in Gretna
AIM Fitness & Nutrition, a private personal training studio, has opened its first Omaha-area location at 11922 Standing Stone Drive in Gretna. Founded in 2018, AIM also operates a Lincoln location focused on nutrition. AIM strives to help clients “gain energy and feel confident in their skin.” – Nicole Buntgen
Sonesta Suites to Be Converted to Apartments
The Sonesta ES Suites at 6990 Dodge Street may be converted into a multifamily apartment complex. The Omaha Planning Department approved a request to rezone the property to TOD-2-MX. The conversion would result in 80 residential units, including 60 efficiency units and 20 two-bedroom units. - Isaiah Ang
FNBO Acquires Kansas City-Based Bank
FNBO this week closed on its acquisition of Country Club Bank of Kansas City. Announced in May, the acquisition brings together two privately held, family-led banks with deep regional roots. Omaha-based FNBO, founded in 1857, is one of the nation’s largest privately owned banks with more than 100 branch locations across eight states, including 10 branches currently in Kansas City. Country Club Bank was founded more than 70 years ago. With the acquisition, FNBO now has 30 Kansas City-area locations.
Brewery Plans to Open in Downtown Ralston
Lovely Brewing plans to open in mid-October at 7628 Main Street in Ralston. The local brewery recently offered a sneak peek during an Oktoberfest event last weekend.
Girls Inc. Breaks Ground on Expanded South Omaha Center
Girls Inc. broke ground on its highly anticipated South Omaha Center construction project at 2108 L Street, behind South High School. Girls Inc. also announced a campaign to raise the final $2.7 million of the $35 million project. The new facility will continue to be known as the Emma Lozier Center. At 36,000 sq. ft., the updated center will be nearly five times larger than the current building and will accommodate 300 girls.
Hiro 88 Old Market Undergoing Extensive Renovations
Hiro 88 has temporarily closed its Old Market location at 1308 Jackson Street for a major renovation. The project started earlier this week and is expected to take two months. Hiro 88 has other locations at 3655 North 129th Street and 17664 Welch Plaza.
Development Planned Along Field Club Trail
The Omaha Planning Board approved a developer's Tax Increment Financing application to develop a surface parking lot east of 40th & Pacific Street, a narrow strip abutting the Field Club Trail. The developer has a 50-year ground lease with the University of Nebraska, which owns the property. The $11.1 million project consists of 31 townhome apartment units, ranging from one-to-three bedrooms with attached garages. Unit rents would range from $2,150 to $3,125 per month. Construction is set to begin this fall with a completion date of February 2027. - Isaiah Ang
Varsity Sports Café Sells to New Owners
The owners of Varsity Sports Café & Roman Coin Pizza announced in a Facebook post that they have sold the business. The new owners were not identified, but the post indicated that business would continue in a similar manner. Varsity has locations at 9735 Q Street and 3504 Samson Way in Bellevue.
North Italia Plans to Open November 19 at Village Pointe
We now have an opening date for North Italia’s first Nebraska location: November 19th. The restaurant is under construction in the former Bravo Cucina Italiana space at Village Pointe. North Italia is a national chain under The Cheesecake Factory umbrella of restaurant brands and serves handmade pasta, pizza and other Italian inspired dishes. North Italia has 39 locations in 13 states. The closest existing ones are in Kansas City and Denver.
Nebraska Brewing Company to Close Permanently
After 18 years in business, Nebraska Brewing Company plans to go out of business. Owners Paul and Kim Kavulak made the closure announcement today on their company Facebook page. The actual last day has not yet been determined. Nebraska Brewing Company’s brewery and tap room are located at 6950 South 108th Street in La Vista.
Company From India to Buy Sojern, Inc.
RateGain Travel Technologies plans to purchase Sojern, Inc. for $250 million. San Francisco-based Sojern was founded in Omaha in 2007. Sojern offers an AI-driven marketing and engagement platform for travel and hospitality companies. The firm reported $172.2 million in revenue in 2024. The deal is expected to close within 45 to 90 days of signing, subject to government approval. RateGain is based in Noida, India.
Flagship Restaurant Group Named to Top 200
Omaha-based Flagship Restaurant Group has been ranked among the nation’s 200 largest multi-concept groups by Nation’s Restaurant News. The list is based on number of operating units. Flagship operates nearly 50 locations of concepts like Blue Sushi, Clio and Ghost Donkey. - Nicole Buntgen
Parking Restrictions Scale Back QMetro Project in South O
The QMetro mixed-use project near the MCC South Campus was revisited by the Omaha Planning Department this week. Originally, the $25 million project consisted of a 5-story, 72-unit apartment building with 18,000 sq. ft. of ground-floor commercial space. Based on issues with required parking, the project is currently a 4-story, 57-unit apartment building, with 15,000 sq. ft. of commercial space. The most recent rendering shows a drive-thru lane for a potential coffee shop. - Isaiah Ang
Kathy’s Bar & Grill Opens in Gretna
Brag N Rights in Gretna, formerly known as Wagon Wheel, has reopened under new ownership as Kathy’s Bar & Grill at 115 North McKenna Avenue. The kitchen has not yet opened, though the business teased smash burgers on its menu. - Nicole Buntgen
Cornhusker Auto Wash & Express Lube Breaks Ground on New Facility
Cornhusker Auto Wash & Express Lube started construction this week on a four-bay Express Oil Change facility at 25th & Cornhusker Road in Bellevue. Completion is scheduled for next June. The company was founded in 1986 and has existing locations in Bellevue and Fremont.
