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News Briefs
Air Methods Opens Largest Aeromedical Dispatch Center in America
Air Methods will officially celebrate the opening of its new AirCom building – the largest aeromedical dispatch center in the nation – on May 14th at 4010 South 148th Street in Omaha. The company moved in earlier this year and has space for 225 employees. In 2024, AirCom supported 81,757 patient transports nationwide and handled more than 550,000 phone calls per month, generating an average of 20,000 flight requests each month.
Mayoral Candidates to Discuss Urban Design & Policy Tonight
Omaha by Design will host a mayoral candidate forum tonight that will focus on urban design, transportation, infrastructure, sustainability, housing affordability, land use and neighborhood investment. The forum starts at 7 p.m. at Creighton University’s Mike & Josie Harper Center in the Hixon-Lied Auditorium. The free event is open to the public, with registration required due to limited seating: https://2025mayoralforum.eventbrite.com
Vic’s Corn Popper Expands Retail Presence Downtown
Vic’s Corn Popper has partnered with Godega Market at 423 South 11th Street to sell its products at the downtown coffee shop and convenience store. In addition to online retail, Vic’s operates three Omaha locations and sells at Cup & Cone in Bennington, Common Grounds Coffee and Millwork Commons. The family-owned business is celebrating 45 years in operation. – Nicole Buntgen
Rotella’s Italian Bakery Earns Top Workplace Award
Rotella’s Italian Bakery has been recognized as one of the best places to work in Omaha for 2025, according to a survey by Baird Holm LLP and sponsored by the Greater Omaha Chamber. The family-owned bakery received first place in the category of companies with more than 200 employees. The survey measured levels of employee engagement, including workplace morale, environment, management and co-worker relations. – Nicole Buntgen
Former Applebee’s Converting to Mexican Restaurant
The former Applebee’s restaurant at 3350 South 143rd Plaza near Oak View Mall will become Clase Código Cocina & Tequila. Interior renovations are now under way, but the opening date is yet to be announced. According to Clase Código’s Facebook page, the restaurant is “rooted in heritage and craftsmanship” and “brings a modern spirit to Mexican cuisine, where every detail reflects tradition, warmth and vibrant spirit.”
Dog Grooming Business Opening Near 108th & Q
Spaw Collective plans to open Thursday, May 1st at 5094 South 108th Street in the Empire Park Shopping Center northwest of 108th & Q Street. Owned by long-time groomers Erin Laney and Lindsey Blum, Spaw Collective will offer traditional grooming, coloring options and a small retail area with dog-related products. Spaw Collective will start with three groomers but will have space for a couple additional independent groomers.
Bridal Boutique Relocates from Regency Court to Shops of Legacy
For The One Bridal has moved from its Regency Court location at 120 Regency Parkway to 2909 South 169th Plaza in the Shops of Legacy near 168th & West Center Road. The designer bridal boutique had occupied its previous 1,700 sq. ft. Regency space between Lovesac and Garbo’s Salon since late 2021. – Nicole Buntgen
Former Rivera’s Owner to Open Santoro Restaurant Tuesday
Santoro Restaurant will open Tuesday, April 29th at 4 p.m. at 8601 West Dodge Road, Suite 101. Santoro is a new concept from Jesus Rivera, who owned the former Rivera’s restaurant near 120th & Blondo Street. Santoro is on the far east side of the building, in a sunken space that was once the building’s boiler room. Santoro also has a concealed outdoor patio on the east end.
Early Bird Opens Monday at Village Pointe
Early Bird will open its Village Pointe location tomorrow at 6:30 a.m. in the former Paradise Bakery & Café space. The breakfast-and-lunch restaurant has eight locations in Omaha, Lincoln and Des Moines, Iowa. The original location is in the Blackstone District. Early Bird opened a restaurant at 173rd & West Center Road this past fall. Paradise Bakery moved to Nebraska Crossing in Gretna.
HDR Ranked as Number-6 Top Design Firm
HDR is the Number-6 top design firm, according to annual rankings by Engineering News-Record. The list classifies the 500 largest U.S.-based design firms, both publicly and privately held, based on design-specific revenue. It marks the 11th consecutive year the Omaha-based architecture and engineering company has placed in the Top 10. HDR’s 2024 design revenue was reported at $3.4 billion.
Wine & Cocktail Lounge Coming to Dundee
Elleon, an upscale wine and cocktail lounge, will open this summer at 4915 Underwood Avenue in Dundee. Under the same ownership as A Foreign Taste, which closed in July 2024, the lounge will offer “a sophisticated yet welcoming space for wine lovers, cocktail enthusiasts and anyone looking to enjoy life’s finer moments.” Offerings include imported wines, craft cocktails, small plates, sommelier‑led wine sessions and monthly wine‑pairing dinners and tasting events. – Nicole Buntgen
Omaha Casino Opens Expanded Facility
The Warhorse Casino Omaha officially opened its new expansion this week. The project includes 400 additional slot machines and a smoker’s room. Two restaurants opened, including Nebraska Ale House which serves casual dining classics like burgers and sandwiches and features Omaha Steaks angus ribeye and prime rib. The casino employed 350 people already but hired an additional 130 as part of the expansion. – Isaiah Ang
Gretna Restaurant Rebrands Again
5 Thirty-One, a Gretna restaurant that not too long ago was known as Lansky’s, has yet another new name – and new owners. Located on the southwest corner of 168th & Highway 370, the space is now home to Basil’s Italian and Ice Cream. The new restaurant debuted this week.
Betty Rae’s Ice Cream Opens Second Omaha Location
Betty Rae’s Ice Cream will open a second Omaha location tomorrow – April 26th at 595 North 155th Plaza in Pepperwood Village. Local franchisee Zach Molacek has an existing store at 6307 Center Street near Aksarben Village. Kansas City-based Betty Rae’s serves 26 core flavors of hand-made and hand-scooped ice cream plus monthly rotating “creative” flavors.
Barnes & Noble Making a Comeback Nationwide
The Barnes & Noble store that just opened in Papillion’s Shadow Lake Towne Center is one of four the company is opening this month. B&N plans to open 60 new locations this year after opening 57 last year.
Machine Shed No Longer Plans Burger Concept at West Maple Site
Last year, we reported that Machine Shed, LLC, an Illinois-based restaurant company purchased a 2-acre site at 182nd & West Maple Road. The plan was to open a concept called Burger Shed. Those plans have changed, and the lot is now listed for sale. Burger Shed has two locations in Altoona, Iowa and Olathe, Kan.
Major National Retailers Coming to Council Bluffs
The ACCESS Companies have started renovating the vacant Toys R Us and Gordman’s buildings at Lake Manawa Centre in Council Bluffs. Ross Dress for Less, HomeGoods and Sierra Trading Post will all occupy the two empty buildings, which are being combined into one retail center. The project site is adjacent to Home Depot, Sam’s Club and Walmart. Montage Builders, LLC, is the general contractor.
Council Bluffs Seeks Multi-Family Developer for East Manawa
The Council Bluffs City Council is issuing a Request for Proposal for a portion of its East Manawa development project. In 2022, the city purchased 93 acres northeast of Lake Manawa for a mixed-use development designed for around 900 residential units. Phase 1 is already underway. The city partnered with local developer, Turn the Paige Homes, to build 40 single-family houses next to Mohawk Road. The RFP approved this week is for an 8.5-acre site, east of Lakeshore Golf Course along East Manawa Drive. The city is seeking a multi-family apartment project with approximately 180 units. The city plans to discuss the received proposals a public hearing on July 14. – Isaiah Ang
Local Nonprofits and UNL College of Architecture Break Ground for Innovative Houses
Livable Omaha and Holy Name Housing are collaborating with FACT, an architect-led UNL design studio to create innovative, small houses aimed at buyers, builders and emerging developers. Two of these home designs are coming to life on a 4,770 sq. ft. residential lot at 5804 Corby St. in the heart of Omaha’s Benson neighborhood. The groundbreaking for these two homes—called Benson House and Corby House—will take place on Monday, June 2, at 10 a.m. – Mark Champion
Scissors & Scotch Opens Third Omaha Location
Scissors & Scotch has opened its third Omaha location at 17211 Evans Street. The barbershop invites customers to stay for a drink in the shop’s signature lounge after getting a haircut or a beard trim. The existing Omaha locations are in Aksarben Village and the Shops of Legacy.
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From personal and mortgage banking to business banking, we provide clear guidance and the ability to move quickly when it matters most. Whether someone is buying a home, managing personal finances, or growing a business, our team focuses on making banking efficient, straightforward, and personal.
Rooted in Omaha, ACCESSbank is committed to supporting the communities we serve through active involvement, volunteer efforts, and long standing local partnerships. This focus on people and place is central to how we operate and why clients continue to view ACCESSbank as a trusted financial partner.
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Sugared Ledge Bakery Reopens in Elkhorn Following Renovations
Sugared Ledge Bakery officially reopened on April 11 at 920 North 204th Avenue in the Elkhorn area. The local bakery temporarily closed in February to refresh its interior, expand its menu, and “enhance operations.” Temporary hours for April are Friday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Extended hours and online ordering are set to resume in early May. - Nicole Buntgen
Pancake Café Opening Inside Agave Azteca
Pancake Café by Agave Azteca is planning to open soon at 5170 South 72nd Street in Ralston. Located inside an existing restaurant, the Pancake Cafe will allow Agave Azteca Mexican Bar & Grill to offer breakfast entrees. The family owned restaurant’s slogan is “The SHORTCUT to Mexico.”
Shadow Lake Collision Center Opening Second Location
Shadow Lake Collision Center is opening a second location at 4040 South 84th Street. That’s the former Kia auto dealership on the northwest corner of 84th & F Street. Opening is planned for this spring. Shadow Lake Collision started in 1975 as AA Collision Repair and adopted its current name in 2012. The existing location is at 1215 Applewood Drive in Papillion.
All American Burger to Open in Former Untamed Kitchen Space Downtown
All American Burger, a smash burger concept that debuted at Inner Rail Food Hall in January, will soon open in the former Untamed Kitchen space at 1421 Farnam Street, which closed in October 2024. Dubbed “an homage to the classic American hamburger,” both concepts are under the same ownership. An official opening date has yet to be announced. – Nicole Buntgen
Architecture Firm Relocates from Downtown to Regency
Emergent Architecture has moved from its downtown office at 950 South 10th Street to 10404 Essex Court inside White Lotus Group’s office. The building is southeast of Interstate 680 & West Dodge Road. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on June 27. The Iowa-based firm has existing offices in Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids, Iowa as well as in Denver. - Nicole Buntgen
Harmony Med Spa Expanding to West Omaha
Harmony Med Spa will open its second location on May 1 at 16920 Wright Plaza inside the recently opened OPAL Salon Suites in the Shops of Legacy. The med spa recently celebrated its third anniversary and currently operates at 6750 Mercy Road in Aksarben. – Nicole Buntgen
Artisan Boards of Omaha Hosts Grand Opening This Week
Artisan Boards of Omaha will host a grand opening event April 23 for its new brick-and-mortar location at 16920 Wright Plaza in the Shops of Legacy. The local business launched in 2019 as a catering company and will offer grab-and-go charcuterie boards, sandwiches, wine, free samples and a selection of honey and candles for purchase at its event. – Nicole Buntgen
Non-Profit Celebrates Ribbon Cutting
Native American nonprofit, Healing Ribbons, celebrated the opening of their new home at 5017 Leavenworth Street, with a ribbon cutting ceremony last Friday. The intergenerational Indigenous women and 2-Spirit nonprofit organization promotes holistic wellbeing, healing, positive cultural identity and cultural revitalization. – Mark Champion
Bawarchi Indian Cuisine Changes Name & Remodels
Bawarchi Indian Cuisine at 17903 Pierce Plaza has changed its name to Biryaniwala. The ownership remains the same. The new name is coming with menu additions, renovated dining room and a patio add-on. The restaurant is located in the Spring Ridge Shopping Center near 180th & Pacific Street.
New Horizon Academy Breaks Ground for Omaha School
New Horizon Academy broke ground last week on a free-standing, childhood learning and daycare building in the Fountain Ridge Office Park southeast of 192nd & West Dodge Expressway. The building will go up just south of R&R Realty’s Waterford office building. Based in Plymouth, Minn., New Horizon Academy has more than 100 schools in Minnesota, Idaho, Iowa, Colorado and Kansas.
Upscale Cocktail Bar Opening in Dundee
The Hollows, an upscale wine and cocktail bar, will soon open in Dundee at 5019 Underwood Avenue next to Pitch Pizzeria in its former party room space. A tentative opening date is set for June 15, according to the City Clerk’s Office. - Nicole Buntgen
Eileen’s Cookies Replacing Former Omaha Bakery Space
Eileen’s Cookies will replace the former Omaha Bakery at 725 North 210th Street in the Elkhorn area. The space is east of UBT sports complex and south of Bowlero. Opening is planned for June 28th. The franchisees also own the Eileen’s Cookies store at 74th & Pacific Street.
Creighton University Report Shows Weakness in Rural Economy
For the 19th time in the past 20 months, Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Index sank below the 50.0 growth reading in April, according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and energy. The region’s overall reading for April fell to 40.0 from March’s 41.1. The survey also revealed that three-fourths of rural bankers support President Trump’s increase in tariffs on imports from China.
Lincoln Brewery Opening La Vista Taproom Today
Corn Coast Brewing, a Lincoln-based brewery, officially opens its Omaha taproom today – April 19 – at 10717 Virginia Plaza in La Vista next to HOTWORX and near both Kros Strain and Pint Nine breweries. The grand opening features a food truck and the release of four new beers, which will debut simultaneously in Lincoln. - Nicole Buntgen
Abandoned Convent Converting to Affordable Housing
Spark CDI, a non-profit focused on addressing housing needs and revitalizing disinvested neighborhoods, is working to turn an abandoned convent into an affordable, multi-family housing complex. Formerly Lutheran Service Corps, the building is located at 6220 N 30th St, across the street from Miller Park. The project is part of Spark’s coDA (co-Devolpment Apprenticeship) program and is led by local women. - Mark Champion
Cajun Seafood Restaurant Taking Former Outback Steakhouse
A company by the name of Unity Seafood Cajun Grill & Bar has filed for a liquor license with the City of Omaha for a new concept at 7605 Cass Street in the former Outback Steakhouse space near 76th & Cass. - Nicole Buntgen
Brazilian Steakhouse Opening May 29th
Terra Gaucha, a Florida-based Brazilian steakhouse, plans to open on May 29 in the former Charleston’s building near 137th & West Dodge Expressway north of Boys Town. The restaurant promises the “Ultimate Churrasco Experience” with fire-roasted premium cuts carved tableside, a Gourmet Hot and Cold Table, velvety desserts, and a private events space. - Nicole Buntgen
Christian Brothers Automotive Hosts West Omaha Grand Opening
Christian Brothers Automotive will hold a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on April 23 for its newest location at 20111 P Street near Ziggi’s Coffee. The west Omaha auto repair shop opened March 9 and joins three existing locations near 168th & West Maple Road, in Gretna near 180th & Highway 370, and in Papillion near 114th & Highway 370. – Nicole Buntgen
Junk King Franchise Opening in Omaha
Junk King will open its first Omaha-area franchise this spring at 24406 Highway 275 in Waterloo, according to franchisee Joe Wherry, a retired police officer, who also owns Mathnasium of Elkhorn. The targeted opening date is May 19. Junk King is a bulky item and junk removal business. The company’s signature red trucks are “specially designed to hold 20 percent more volume than the competition.” Junk King strives to donate, repurpose or recycle up to 60 percent of the items it hauls.
Nebraska Ranks as 21st Best State for Older Workers
Nebraska is a middle-of-the-road state for older workers, according to Seniorly’s analysis of the best states for workers over 65 based on six data categories. Nebraska tied with Delaware for 21st place. The best states were Washington, New Hampshire and Alaska. The worst state was Mississippi. A record 11.2 million Americans 65 and over are in the workforce. That number will climb to 14.8 million by 2033.
