Grow Omaha
News Briefs

Union Pacific’s newest commemorative locomotive is on display in North Downtown Omaha. The Lincoln Locomotive, #1616, honors Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. It’s on display during the College World Series through June 22nd at Union Pacific’s Home Plate just outside Charles Schwab Field. President Lincoln founded Union Pacific in 1862 when he signed the Pacific Railway Act, approving construction of the transcontinental railroad.

Upside Same-Day Dental Crowns, a dental practice designed for uninsured patients, is opening July 14 northeast of 72nd & Grover Street. The practice only offers crowns, veneers, bridges, inlays and onlays. Upside Same-Day Dental Crowns will be on the second floor of the newly expanded New Image Dentistry building. Both practices are owned by four dentists who are all part of the family – Dr. Bernie Dudzinski and his three sons.

Qdoba Mexican Eats plans to open its Elkhorn-area location July 7th in the former Oklahoma Joe’s barbeque space at 1405 South 204th Street. Oklahoma Joe’s closed the restaurant several months ago but continues to operate a store at Aksarben Village. Qdoba has 10 existing Omaha-area locations.

Leela & Lavender, a women’s fashion boutique, plans to open in mid-July at Regency Shopping Mall. The 3,995 sq. ft. store will occupy the former White House Black Market space next to Lululemon and across from Anthropologie. Based in Fargo, N.D., Leela & Lavender has six existing locations in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.

Michaels has acquired JOANN’s private-label brands and intellectual property following the closure of all JOANN stores, including its Omaha location on West Center Road. The 600-plus products—like fabrics, sewing machines and yarn—will appear in Michaels stores and online later this year. - Nicole Buntgen

The State Office Building at 1313 Farnam Street is officially for sale. CBRE listed the property and is seeking potential buyers. In May, Nebraska Examiner reported that the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services was considering selling the property for potential redevelopment. The department acknowledged that it is in an area of high interest along the future streetcar route adjacent to Gene Leahy Mall. The 180,000 sq. ft. building comes with 400-space parking garage just south, across Harney Street. - Isaiah Ang

Primary Coffee Co. will soft open June 10 at 10695 Portal Road, next to Reality Church, which launched the concept. The independently-run shop serves coffee exclusively from local roaster Archetype Coffee. A grand opening is set for June 17, with half-priced drinks offered both weeks. - Nicole Buntgen

Bora Bora Juice plans to open its first Nebraska franchise – and one of the first in America – June 17th at 13110 Birch Drive #140. That’s in Eagle Run Plaza southeast of 132nd & West Maple Road. The quick-serve restaurant serves juice, smoothies, coffee, waffles and crepes. Founded in Kuwait, most Bora Bora Juice locations are in the Middle East. Existing U.S. locations so far are limited to New York and Florida. - Nicole Buntgen

Roll-Em-Up Taquitos will open its first Nebraska or Iowa location at 12448 Southport Parkway in La Vista, between Charred Burger and Dirty Dough. The California-based franchise, launched in 2019, serves street-style taquitos, taco burgers, churro donuts and street corn. - Nicole Buntgen

Heritage Omaha is collaborating with Project for Public Spaces to study the potential for a year-round, public market at The Riverfront. Public markets provide space for community building, entrepreneurship and for residents to access fresh produce and locally produced food, goods and art. Heritage Omaha is a local non-profit that spurred the development of the Riverfront Parks, Kiewit Luminarium, Central Public Library and other venues. Project for Public Spaces is a non-profit that helps communities plan and design public spaces. Heritage is gathering public input at the project's website, www.omahariverfrontmarket.org.

The City of Omaha is improving two parks south of downtown Omaha. The City recently completed Carlentini Plaza at Dahlman Park in the Little Italy neighborhood. The plaza is named after Omaha’s sister city in Italy. Additionally, last week, the City Council approved a $255,000 contract to demolish and rebuild the park’s playground, basketball court and sand volleyball court. Lynch Park, near 20th & Center Street, is undergoing a $2.5 million renovation. Part of that project includes a skate park, which opened Memorial Day weekend. - Isaiah Ang

Sephora, a national make-up and beauty store, is renovating the former Eddie Bauer space at One Pacific Place. The exterior signage was just installed and grand opening is scheduled for June 13. The 5,300 sq. ft. standalone store will be the second of its kind in Omaha – other stores are located within Kohl’s department stores. Sephora’s other standalone store is at Village Pointe.

Sherwin Williams is adding a paint store in the Elkhorn area at 606 North 210th Street. Located just south of the Union Bank and Trust Sports Complex, it will be Sherwin Williams’ 10th Omaha location. - Isaiah Ang

Gen Z has surpassed millennials as the most frequent restaurant-goers in the United States, according to a new Technomic report. Although they make up just 20 percent of the adult population, their strong digital habits and preference for creative beverage programs are driving the shift. Restaurants are encouraged to prioritize digital engagement and unique offerings to attract this group. - Nicole Buntgen

Sprinkle Joy has opened at 9821 Giles Road in La Vista. The locally owned custard shop donates 5 percent of all sales to rotating charities each month. Sprinkle Joy shares its space with Elegant Edge Events catering company.

Godfather’s Pizza plans to build a restaurant in the Coventry neighborhood at 20462 R Street, southwest of 204th & Q Street. The 2,690 sq. ft. restaurant space will have interior improvements worth $600,000, according to the building permit. – Isaiah Ang

The Omaha Streetcar Authority held a special meeting May 23 to approve a contract to purchase $205,461 in specialty rail to be used for transitions and bridge crossing along the route. The authority became aware that the last domestic mill that produces the rail will shut its doors in 30-45 days. The rail is usually a long-lead-time item, but because the mill is clearing out remaining inventory, the authority can procure the rail earlier and at an advantageous price. The authority also held its regular meeting on May 12, where they heard reports of modest delays in the utility work. The Harney Street replacement bridge is on schedule for completion in 2025. – Isaiah Ang

Chipotle Mexican Grill has officially opened at 12251 McDermott Plaza in La Vista’s Southport East development near Hampton Inn and Amigos/Kings Classic. The fast-casual chain now has 13 metro locations across Omaha, Bellevue, Papillion, La Vista and Elkhorn. - Nicole Buntgen

Creighton University plans to remodel a satellite office at the Highlander Accelerator, a mixed-use building that offers business incubation and community development spaces. The remodel provides two new offices and a conference room and will be an extension of the university’s The Educational Opportunity Center, a federally funded program aimed at helping adults who are first-generation college students or low-income, access education, career resources and financial literacy. - Isaiah Ang

Moon Dance Yoga Co. recently opened at Countryside Village near 87th & Pacific Street. Locally owned by Mandee Peterson, the boutique space offers a variety of yoga styles—including Vinyasa, Kundalini, Strength, Yin and Nidra—as well as holistic Ayurvedic wellness services.