Grow Omaha
News Briefs
Taqueria Ed Rey Taking Over Former Wendy’s
Taqueria El Rey is taking over a former Wendy’s restaurant at 4161 South 84th Street. Renovations are currently underway. The original Taqueria El Rey is at 5201 South 24th Street and serves a wide range of Mexican food including breakfast. The business also operates food trucks around town.
Corn Coast Brewing Expanding to Omaha Metro
Corn Coast Brewing, a Lincoln-based brewery, plans to open a taproom at 10717 Virginia Plaza in La Vista. That’s next to HOTWORX and near both Kros Strain and Pint Nine breweries. Corn Coast focuses on small-batch brews, including “aggressively hoppy” IPAs, “crushable session” beers and seltzers. – Nicole Buntgen
Iowa Food Truck Business Coming to Omaha
Tikka Talk, an Indian street-food truck, will open a Nebraska location on March 29. The Iowa-based concept serves authentic Indian dishes like crispy samosas, butter chicken, Chettinad curry and fragrant chai. – Nicole Buntgen
Guitars & Cadillacs Is Coming Back to Omaha
Guitars & Cadillacs is reopening in Omaha after closing more than 20 years ago. The country-music dance club will open in the newly renovated Miracle Hills Shopping Center northwest of 114th & West Dodge Road. Perkins-Critser Construction will begin interior build-out soon. Opening is planned for late spring or early summer. Omaha’s original Guitars & Cadillacs was located in Old Mill South and closed in 2003.
Animania Returns to Westroads Mall
Animania has returned to Westroads Mall with two units in the building. One is a regular retailer, while the other also sells shaved ice, hot tea, ice cream and other concessions. ANIMANIA is a local retailer that sells east Asian items. The store had been in Westroads before moving downtown in June 2023. The downtown store appears to be closed.
National Trade Publication Highlights Nebraska Business Incentives
Site Selection, a national publication that covers the economic development profession, published an article about Nebraska’s ImagiNE Nebraska tax incentive program. Passed in 2020, the program has helped 50 copies invest a total of $1.55 billion and create 2,500 new jobs in the state.
Bowlero Rebranding as Lucky Strike
After buying the Lucky Strike brand last year, Bowlero has decided to rebrand its entire company as Lucky Strike Entertainment, according to the Wall Street Journal. Richmond, Virginia-based Bowlero operates 75 locations, including one in Omaha at 20902 Cumberland Drive and one in Council Bluffs at 1900 Madison Avenue. All locations will be rebranded over the next two years.
Torrid Opens at Shadow Lake Towne Center
Torrid has opened at Shadow Lake Towne Center in a 3,470 sq. ft. space near Skin Experts and Bath & Body Works, according to ACCESS Commercial. Torid is a chain of plus-size women’s fashion and accessory stores. The brand has an existing store at Oakview Mall.
Legendary Businessman Howard Hawks Dies at Age 89
Omaha businessman and philanthropist Howard Hawks has died at age 89. Hawks co-founded Omaha-based Tenaska in 1987 and served as its chairman & CEO until 2010. He was elected to the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, serving from 2003 to 2021. Together with his wife, Rhonda, he made countless donations to the University of Nebraska system and other causes. In a written statement, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert said: “I offer my sympathy to Rhonda and thanks to my friend Howard for his lifetime of service that will have long lasting benefits to our city and state.”
Streetcar Authority to Vote on Bridge Replacements
The Omaha Streetcar Authority will vote next week to approve a contract with Hawkins Construction for the $20 million Farnam and Harney Street Bridge Improvements project, part of the modern streetcar project. The bridge project will consist of multiple phases to account for utility and mainline work. Both bridges over I-480 will be demolished and rebuilt to accommodate the modern streetcar. The Harney Street bridge will be the first. The Farnam Street bridge will also have space for the dedicated bike lane project. The authority expects each bridge will take one year to complete, two years total. – Isaiah Ang
Milk Tea Lounge Opens on West Center Road
Milk Tea Lounge, a boba tea and snack lounge, has opened at 14533 West Center Road. The locally owned shop includes boba tea, Açaí bowls, organic fruit sorbet, desserts and smoothies. – Nicole Buntgen
Creighton University Renovating Original Building
Creighton University plans to renovate Creighton Hall, the original building on the Jesuit university campus. In 2020, the Heider Family Foundation helped provide the 146-year-old building with new lighting, its first update in 90 years. Plans include updating electrical, water and fire suppression systems as well as renovating and creating meeting spaces. Prairie Construction Company filed the permit. The $8 million project is funded by sales of other properties, including the Wareham Building, and a gift from The Ahmanson Foundation. Completion is scheduled for 2026. – Isaiah Ang
Orsi’s Expands Its Shop in Little Italy
Orsi’s Italian Bakery & Pizzeria, a local bakery in Omaha’s Little Italy district at 621 Pacific Street, recently added a dining area, accommodating 36 people, to the west side of its building. Founded in 1919, Orsi’s is known for its handmade Italian twist bread and hearty Sicilian-style pizza. – Nicole Buntgen
Southwest Airlines Changes Cabin Service Procedures
Southwest Airlines is wrapping up in-flight cabin service earlier, according to Associated Press. As of this week, flight attendants now prepare the cabin for landing at an altitude of 18,000 feet instead of 10,000 feet. The change in procedure is designed to “reduce the risk of in-flight turbulence injuries” for crew members and passengers. Southwest currently controls 37 percent of the passenger traffic at Eppley Airfield.
Three New Businesses Open at Westroads
Three food-and-beverage establishments are opening at Westroads Mall. Crazy for Candies, a bulk candy kiosk is now open. King Kone and Doughmaha are both scheduled to open December 15th. Locally owned Doughmaha is a specialty food merchant that specializes in cookie dough, ice cream and other concessions. King Kone is a local specialized food merchant that has a unique take on calzones and drinks.
Gluten-Free Bakery Opens in La Vista
Rebel Rise, a gluten free scratch kitchen and bakery, recently opened at 10717 Virginia Plaza in La Vista inside M Salon Studios. The bakery features sweet and savory treats created in a gluten-free home cottage kitchen. Rebel Rise’s mission is to provide high-quality, allergen-friendly treats for all to enjoy. – Nicole Buntgen
Carquest Auto Parts Store Closing in February
The Carquest Auto Parts store at 10801 Blondo Street plans to close permanently this winter, most likely in mid-February. The 18,720 sq. ft. building is listed for sale. Carquest is owned and operated by Advance Auto Parts, Inc.
Lincoln-Based Developer Plans Apartments in Council Bluffs
Hoppe Development of Lincoln plans to build an 89-unit apartment project northwest of 2nd Avenue & 28th Street in Council Bluffs along the First Avenue Trail. The $17 million project will have several buildings, but more than half the apartments will be in one, 47-unit building. At least half of the units will be for low-income residents. Hoppe plans to complete the project by April 2027. – Isaiah Ang
Omaha Natives Return Home to Start Event-Planning Business
The Gemini, an event-planning business, has officially launched in Omaha. The company was founded by two Omaha natives – Amy Jacobberger and Cydney Rule Weigand – who met in New York, while working on large-scale events for major companies and global brands. With more than 20 years of combined experience, the two have returned to Omaha to plan events in their hometown.
Soldier Valley Spirits Closes Permanently
Patriarch Distillers and Soldier Valley Spirits has closed permanently after 12 years in business. The small-batch distillery had operated at 12251 Cary Circle in La Vista.
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Creighton Manufacturing Index Falls Below Growth Neutral
For the sixth time in 2024, the Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, an economic indicator for the nine-state region stretching from Minnesota to Arkansas, sank below the 50.0 growth neutral threshold. The index slumped to 49.6 from 51.1 in October. This represents the 11th time in 2024 that the index has drifted slightly above and below growth neutral.
Rathskeller Plans Grand Reopening January 10th
Rathskeller Bier Haus, a German-inspired restaurant located at 4524 Farnam Street, is reopening under new ownership after closing in October 2023. The grand reopening celebration will take place January 10th from noon to midnight. A post on the restaurant's Facebook page says, “We've got cold German brews, mouthwatering schnitzels, hearty pretzels and all the gemütlichkeit you’ve been missing.”
Nebraska & Omaha Tourism Numbers Continue to Grow
Data from Visit Nebraska shows visitor spending grew from $3.5 billion in 2019 to a record $4.6 billion in 2023, according to WOWT. Overnight stays are driving the increase. Those are up 311,000 year-over-year with 76 percent of those visits from out-of-state guests. Since 2022, Omaha has seen 14.2 million visitors, 36 percent of whom are coming from meetings and conventions.
October Residential Real Estate Numbers
The median sale price for Omaha existing homes in October was $295,00, up 7.3 percent year over year, according to Jill Anderson president of NP Dodge Residential Sales. But existing home sales slipped 1 percent year over year. Inventories are up for both existing houses (1.8 months) and new-construction houses (6.9 months).
Blue Sushi Reopens in the Shops of Legacy
Baby Blue has reopened as Blue Sushi Sake Grill at 16939 Wright Plaza after undergoing a major renovation and expansion. The popular restaurant in the Shops of Legacy took over the 2,000 sq. ft. bay next door. Blue is one of many concepts from Omaha-based Flagship Restaurant Group.
New Pizza Hut Building Opens at 49th & L
Pizza Hut has opened at 4925 L Street. The location, which opened on November 22, includes a drive-thru and pick-up window and new menu items like sandwiches, apple pies, fried cheese sticks and more. The franchise operates 70 locations across Nebraska, nearly 20 of which are in the Omaha metro. - Nicole Buntgen
Warren Buffett Donates Stock to Family Foundations
Berkshire Hathaway chairman & CEO Warren E. Buffett this week converted 1,600 A shares into 2,400,000 B shares in order to give the B shares to four family foundations: 1,500,000 shares to The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation and 300,000 shares to each of The Sherwood Foundation, The Howard G. Buffett Foundation and NoVo Foundation.
Thai Restaurant Opening in Papillion
Red Lotus Thai Express, a restaurant specializing in Thai and Asian fusion cuisine, is expected to open in mid-December at 1449 Papillion Drive in Papillion. The restaurant promises a mix of traditional and innovative flavors with menu items like Crispy Chicken, Yum Zaap and Chicken and Beef Biryani. - Nicole Buntgen
Proposed 17-Story Building Goes Before Planning Board Next Week
The Omaha Planning Board next week will review NuStyle Development’s TIF application for The Beam project. The residential building will be built on the lot east of the future Children’s Museum along the north side of Heartland of America Park. The 17-story high rise will have 12 floors of residential apartments with mass timber construction on top of a 5-story parking garage. The project will bring 261 market-rate apartments to downtown including five penthouse units. An outdoor swimming pool will be built atop the parking garage. The total project cost is $87 million, and the estimated completion date is March 2028. – Isaiah Ang
Bond Rating Agency Declares Omaha a “Premier Economic Center”
The City of Omaha’s bond rating will remain at one of the highest ratings from Moody’s Investors Services and S & P Global. Following the annual review of the city’s 2023 financial condition, S & P assigned its AA+ rating with a stable outlook. Moody’s assigned its rating of Aa2 with a stable outlook on the city’s general obligation bonds. The city’s cash reserve funds total $70.5 million, which is up from $11 million when Mayor Jean Stothert was first elected. S & P called Omaha “a premier economic center with continued positive momentum.”
Ground Floor Guitar Moving to North Downtown
Ground Floor Guitar is moving from 4009 Farnam Street in the Blackstone District to 1715 Cuming St in North Downtown. Ground Floor Guitar is joining spaces inside the Automatic Printing Co. building's west bay with Forged Woodworks. The new space opens Saturday. The business will continue to offer guitar retail and repair but will include handmade furniture by Peyton Maas of Forged Woodworks. Future plans include collaborating to build guitars, amplifiers and accessories.
California Coffee Chain Open Second Omaha Location Downtown
Con Azúcar Café, a California-based franchise, has opened its second Nebraska location at 1213 Harney Street in the Old Market. Its other location is inside Isla Del Mar at 2502 South 133rd Plaza in west Omaha, which opened in July. Other locations are in San José and Bakersfield, Calif. – Nicole Buntgen
New Tenant Coming to the Waterford Building
R&R Realty will welcome a new tenant at their Waterford Building located at 18881 West Dodge Road. There is a permit for new buildout for IAMS Wealth Management. The financial advisement firm is currently located at 14507 California Street. – Isaiah Ang
Spirit World Closing After 50 Years in Business
After 50 years in business, Spirit World will close its Aksarben location at 6680 Center Street in early 2025. The family-owned wine and spirits store will continue serving customers through mid-January. Spirit World's bar will remain open until further notice, and loyalty points must be redeemed by December 24. Gift cards will expire after the closure. – Nicole Buntgen
Google Invests Nearly $1 Billion in Nebraska This Year
Google has invested $930 million in Nebraska in 2024. That large capital investment has gone towards projects such as the under-construction Lincoln data center and a new Omaha-area data center near 120th & State Street. The latter is operational. During Monday’s announcement, Google also revealed that it provided a $250,000 grant to the University of Nebraska system for artificial intelligence research. Google has made similar grants to Creighton University and Lincoln Public Schools. - Isaiah Ang
Gambino’s Pizza Opening in Old Lo Sole Mio Banquet Hall
Gambino’s Pizza plans to open a restaurant in the former Lo Sole Mio banquet hall at 3018 South 32nd Avenue. The building has been divided into a handful of spaces since Lo Sole Mio closed. Before moving to North Downtown, Ellie’s Chinchorro Caribbean Bistro had operated in the building. Gambino’s is also working on a new location in Gretna. Gambino’s has 44 locations in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma. Existing Nebraska locations are in Fremont, Kearney and North Bend.
Lockwood Development Plans Council Bluffs Apartment Complex
Lockwood Development of Omaha plans to build a $58 million apartment complex on a 6.45-acre site at 30th Street and 2nd Avenue in Council Bluffs. Plans call for 264 apartments in four, 4-story buildings done in three phases. The entire project is scheduled for completion in December 2027. – Isaiah Ang
New Occupant at Former Saddle Creek Breakfast Club
Blue Line Coffee will open Green Line Cafe, a new concept at 1540 North Saddle Creek Road in the former Saddle Creek Breakfast Club location. The eatery will serve breakfast, lunch and grab-and-go items. An opening date has yet to be announced. Blue Line’s existing location is in Dundee at 4924 Underwood Avenue. - Nicole Buntgen
Jersey Mike’s Taking Over Former Tide Dry Cleaner Space
Jersey Mike’s Subs is taking over the former Tide Dry Cleaners’ space at 12327 West Center Road, according to Perkins-Critser Construction, which is renovating the space. Interior build-out will begin soon. Tide Dry Cleaners has moved next door.
King of Kings Church Expands to Fremont with Merger
King of Kings, a Lutheran church in southwest Omaha, will merge with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fremont. Starting this spring, Good Shepherd will officially re-launch as King of Kings Fremont. Founded in 1962, King of King’s main location is at 11615 I Street and has a northwest Omaha campus at 15656 Fort Street. The congregation has more than 3,000 members.
