Weekly Market Report

The Brunch Box at 1308 Jackson Street is expanding into the former BurgerIM space along 12th Street on the west side of The Capitol District. The restaurant plans to continue operating the current Jackson Street location until that lease expires about a year from now.

P&C’s Popcorn & Cocktails plans to open this spring in the Old Market at 1108 Howard Street once the current tenant, Table Coffee Co., moves a couple doors to the west (into the former Stokes space). P&C’s will specialize in upscale, gourmet popcorn and premium cocktails.

Heirloom Fine Foods Market & Café has opened inside the Ashton Building at 1210 Nicholas Street in Millwork Commons. The business, which sells locally sourced & organic food, previously focused only on catering. The new café opened last week.

Cinnaholic Gourmet Cinnamin Rolls plans to open soon in the former Cookie Co. space at 11922 Standing Stone Drive in Gretna. The 100-percent, plant-based bakery specializes in custom gourmet cinnamon rolls, brownies and cookies. Cinnaholic has franchised locations across the country. The closest existing stores are in Chicago, Tulsa, Okla., and Des Moines, Iowa.

Wingstop will hold a ribbon cutting April 22nd for its new Papillion store at 8650 South 71st Plaza in The Shoppes at Market Point. The Texas-based restaurant chain now has seven Omaha-area locations.

Construction continues on the rebuild of Scooter’s Coffee at 30th & Ames Avenue, according to WOWT. The shop has been closed since a truck ran into the coffee shop back in September, knocking out a wall and destroying the drive-thru. The shop’s owner plans to reopen by late May or early June.

Christian Brothers Automotive has opened an automotive repair and maintenance shop at 11319 Cumberland Drive in Papillion. Christian Brothers has 285 locations nationwide, including one at 173rd & West Maple Road. Another location is scheduled to open in Gretna in May.

Applebee’s Grill + Bar at 3350 South 143rd Plaza near Oakview Mall has closed permanently.

The number of restaurants offering 24-hour service fell 18 percent from 2020 to 2024, according to CNN. You can blame the staffing shortage for part of it but apparently, people just aren’t staying out as late as they once did.

The “Restaurant & Retail Updates” section is sponsored by Anderson Convenience Market, featuring Quality AMOCO Fuels and serving Omaha since 1952, and proud to announce the return of Quality Amoco Fuels. Look for changes this Summer at Anderson Convenience Market – 8 Omaha area locations!

Learn more about Anderson Convenience market at www.Anderson1952.com

Omaha Company Is One of the Nation’s Fastest Growing Brands

Omaha-based Scooter’s Coffee, one of the nation’s fastest growing drive-thru coffee franchise companies, was ranked first among coffee companies—nearly 30 spots ahead of any other coffee company—and second overall on Yelp’s 2024 rankings of the Top 50 Fastest Growing Brands.

Yelp’s data noted a 50 percent increase in consumer interest nationwide. The rankings mention that Scooter’s saw a 53 percent jump in net new locations, the largest such growth among any of the 50 companies ranked.

Among the brands ranked, Scooter’s experienced the top growth in six states including Arkansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Texas, and Wisconsin. Scooter’s Coffee was the top growing brand in the Midwest region and among the top five in the west and south regions.

“Our tremendous growth as a company is due to the efforts of our amazing team, our franchisees who truly believe in our mission, our baristas who serve up smiles, and our customers who decide to make us part of their day,” said Joe Thornton, CEO of Scooter’s.

In its announcement of the rankings, Yelp’s Kadecia Ber, advertising trends expert and director of enterprise solutions, mentioned that coffee house challengers such as Scooter’s are “redefining the category, with a focus on creating a great customer experience both through convenient drive-thrus and upbeat and friendly employee interactions with customers.”

Yelp’s rankings draw on data surrounding net new business openings, consumer interest based on Yelp user interactions, and a brand’s share of total searches within a category on Yelp’s platform. All data is based on 2022-2023.

Isaiah Ang, Contributing Writer

The University of Nebraska Medical Center seeks approval from the NU Board of Regents this week for a new $65 million residential facility to accommodate 300 residents. Located near 39th & Dewey Street, the site currently consists of a surface parking lot and several low-density apartment buildings currently used as UNMC student housing.

The plan would entail demolishing the existing residential buildings and a portion of the existing surface parking lot to make way for the 6-story apartment building. UNMC notes that the identified project site has potential for future expansion.

The Omaha City Council approved a contract with the developer of the Catalyst project, the redevelopment of the Omaha Steel Castings factory on the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s new west campus, to build a 750-stall parking garage. Upon completion, the city will purchase the garage for $30 million. UNMC will agree to lease no more than 256 stalls to serve faculty and staff.

Despite not getting new funding from the state of Nebraska this year, developers of the 45-acre Prairie Hill Farm development in Bellevue are moving forward, according to Nebraska Examiner. Plans call for a 200,000 sq. ft. cybersecurity building that would support nearby Offutt Air Force Base as well as hundreds of millions of dollars in additional development. Construction could start by the end of this year.

The Omaha City Council approved a Planned Unit Development for a 33-unit, standalone apartment building over a 33-stall parking garage. The project will be built on the northeast corner of the existing 90-unit Latvian Apartments complex at 3002 Paddock Road.

In its first year of operation, the Kiewit Luminarium has welcomed 260,000 visitors, according to the Omaha World-Herald. The $107 million science museum is located on Lewis & Clark Landing downtown and is celebrating its first anniversary this week.

Creighton University plans to demolish Kiewit Hall next month. The 58-year-old, 9-story residence hall is located in the southwest corner of campus near the along Interstate 480 & North Freeway interchange.

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners approved plans to move the Douglas County Community Mental Health facility, currently located in the Douglas County Health Center, to a yet-to-be-constructed standalone building. The plan involves demolishing the vacant 1101 South 42nd Street building. ARPA funds would be used to construct the $22 million project.

Washington County Partners, a partnership to build affordable homes in Washington County, is breaking ground today on two houses at 24th & Nebraska Street in Blair. It’s part of a five-year, 10-house commitment in the West Valley subdivision, according to Habitat for Humanity of Omaha.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha will rename the ice rink at Baxter Arena as “Mike Kemp Ice Rink.” Kemp is the founding coach of UNO’s hockey team and a long-time athletics administrator, who has been with the program since 1996. He is retiring next month.

The Omaha Streetcar Authority is not meeting this month. However, the City of Council Bluffs has recently started a Planning and Environmental Linkages study in connection to determining alternative routes of the planned multi-modal bridge over the Missouri River, which would serve an extension of Omaha’s initial modern streetcar route. This type of study is a requirement when applying for federal funding and will take 15-18 months to complete.

Grow Omaha Snippets are brought to you by Omaha Car Care with four metro area locations – 131st & Dodge, 58th & Center, 85th & L and 144th & Harrison.

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Changes are in the works for 12 acres of undeveloped land near the Walgreens store southeast of 180th & Burke Street just west of Village Pointe. Plans call for a yet-to-be-announced car dealership and car wash on 9.67 acres as well as a national restaurant or retail brand in a building to be constructed on 2.36 acres right along Burke Street. Construction on the retailer/restaurant building would most likely start before the dealership.

Werner Enterprises, Inc. has been designated as a VETS Indexes 5 Star Employer in the 2024 VETS Indexes Employer Awards. The award recognizes Werner’s commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, developing and supporting veterans and the military-connected community. Werner earned designation as a VETS Indexes 4 Star Employer for the past three years, with 2024 marking the first year in the 5 Star category.

Valmont Industries, Inc. will host its first quarter 2024 earnings conference call on Thursday, May 2, 2024, beginning at 8:00 a.m. Central.

MCL Construction recently demolished a smokestack next to KETV’s offices/studios. Originally constructed in 1898, the smokestack has been a symbol of Omaha’s industrial past. After KETV purchased and renovated the Burlington Station building, maintaining the smokestack became financially impractical. The decision was made to remove it.

Fastwyre Broadband will host a grand opening event Saturday, April 20th from 12 to 3 p.m. in its new retail store at 2012 Cornhusker Road. Fastwyre provides high-speed internet service and continues to expand its fiber-optic network in Bellevue.

WoodmenLife has awarded a total of $347,500 in Focus Forward Scholarships to 578 recent high school graduates from across the country. To qualify, students had to submit applications showcasing their academic achievements and community involvement and an essay on patriotism. Three students received the top scholarship of $10,000.

Executives of U.S. Western utilities owned by Omaha-based Berkshire Hathaway Inc. are saying more natural gas power plants will be needed to supply unprecedented demand growth on their systems, according to Bloomberg. NV Energy Inc. sees natural gas generators playing a critical role in meeting the Nevada utility’s rapidly growing electricity demand, which is expected to more than double this decade.

Global Business News – Research data shows Samsung has outpaced Apple to reclaim the global smartphone market share throne, according to The Hustle. Apple ascended to top phone-maker status in December, but iPhone shipments dropped 10 percent in the first quarter.

At Top Gun Painting, we pride ourselves on quality, craftsmanship and knowledge of the trade. For 39 years, we have committed ourselves to top-notch quality in the commercial/residential painting industry. There’s no job we can’t handle and assure satisfaction. We have an exceptional trade name and dedication to each and every client. We look forward to helping shape the future of Omaha and put color in lives… Let us serve you!

Accessory Dwelling Units in Omaha

By Joe Finlay

An ordinance approved by the Omaha City Council last month changes the Omaha zoning regulations to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) throughout the city. An accessory dwelling unit is an additional small house or apartment on a single-family residential property.

ADUs are nothing new for Omaha. Carriage houses and apartments above garages are scattered throughout town. The new zoning changes make it easier for homeowners in dense areas of the city to gain approval without consent from their neighbors.

In addition to providing an option for a growing – or aging – family, ADUs address a critical need for more affordable housing. The code will only allow one ADU per residential lot. They can be rented, but not sold separately from the primary residence. They will have to conform to city regulations, including setback and height, and can’t be larger than 750 sq. ft.

Bottom Line

Accessory Dwelling Units will provide an opportunity for homeowners to increase the value of their property and potentially gain rental income. If you’re interested in hearing more about the new ordinance, let’s connect.

Grow Omaha Residential is developed and sponsored by Joe Finlay, REALTOR with NP Dodge Real Estate.

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

Warren Buffett once said there is something that is far more valuable than the greatest business idea in the world, according to Benzinga. It’s the ability to continually learn and adapt that sets successful people apart.

Say NO to Nepotism – Mark Smucker, 5th generation CEO of J.M. Smucker Co., says family members aren’t given a free ride in the company. To earn their spot, family members are strongly encouraged to get extensive work experience outside the company, with some time abroad, and obtain a graduate degree, according to Fortune.

One in three workers in a recent survey admitted to napping on the clock, according to Fortune. Fifty-two percent of male employees, said they nap at least a few times a year during work hours, compared to 38 percent of females. Younger workers are twice as likely to nap on the job than those over 55.

The share of employed adults who say they’ve used ChatGPT for tasks at work jumped from 8 percent in March 2023 to 20 percent in February 2024 — with an 8 percent spike since July, according to The Hustle.

SALES

If you want to get a busy prospect to talk with you when you call them, you help them re-examine their status quo, says sales expert Kendra Lee. “By not pushing prospects into a change with your first call, you’re freeing them up to rethink their status quo. Your conversation of suggestions and possibilities allows them to take time out and think for a moment about what could be.”

Sales expert Colleen Stanley shares three reasons why prospecting efforts often fail: 1. Discipline – The prospecting step of the sales process is all about delayed gratification; 2. Targeting – Too many sales pros aren’t crystal clear on who their ideal clients are; 3. Take the initiative – You don’t have to like it, you just have to do it.

WISDOM

“Leaders grasp nettles.” – David Ogilvy

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Did you know the National Counterterrorism, Innovation, Technology and Education Center is based at the University of Nebraska at Omaha?

Did you know that CHI Health Center Omaha has hosted four USA Swimming summer Olympic trials?

Did you know that Omaha-based Godfather’s Pizza has 445 locations? At its peak, in the 1980s, Godfather’s had nearly a thousand locations.

This section is sponsored by Lockbox Storage, an affiliate of Omaha-based McGregor Interests Inc. We provide storage solutions for all of your storage needs. Our facilities have full-time managers and bright lighting to provide superior security for your belongings. In addition to space for rent, we also provide packing supplies, protection plans and locks along with complimentary handcarts and dollies. Visit LockBox Storage and let us help you with all your storage needs.

Night Light: Adults Only Happening on Thursdays: Thursday evenings at the Kiewit Luminarium are reserved exclusively for adults! Delve into our engaging exhibits and stimulating events designed to broaden your mind and ignite delight. Adult drinks will be available for your enjoyment all night long! Whether you come with a companion, a date or by yourself, it’s the perfect setting for an adults-only experience.

Earth Day on April 20th: Come join others in the greenhouse as they kick off the season and celebrate the planet – with live music from local singer-songwriter Andre Vander Velde. Enjoy sandwiches and salads from Kitchen Table* and juices from The Grove Juicery. Plus, their friends at Coneflower Creamery will be there with their farm-to-cone ice cream. Spend the afternoon in the Greenhouse with some terrific community partners and find out how fun it is to care for our Earth.

Party for The Planet on April 20th: Celebrate Earth Day at the Zoo during Party for the Planet on Saturday, April 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. As part of their senior capstone project, this year’s event is presented by the Zoo’s own Zoo Academy high school students! Each event element from logo design to the day of activities is led by these conservation-loving students. This event will feature vendor booths, presentations, art and more!

Benson Theatre’s Jazz Appreciation Month Celebration on April 24th: Experience the soulful rhythm of Benson Theatre’s “In the Pocket with Tim Clark Presents: Jazz Appreciation Month Celebration!” Delve into the heart of jazz with seasoned local musicians in an electrifying showcase. Join them as they kick off a recurring program, igniting a passion for jazz in the community. Get ready to groove and celebrate the timeless artistry of jazz at its finest!

Under 40 Singles Mixer – Omaha on April 25th: Join a singles mixer for people 40 and under at Beach House Bar for Music Bingo!! Bar snacks will be provided with your ticket purchase. Event begins at 6:30 p.m. and bingo begins at 7 p.m. This event is open to all, embracing all ages and backgrounds in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with no strict ratios – just the opportunity to meet and enjoy each other’s company. Pre-registration is required!

This Upcoming Events section is sponsored by Eagle Mortgage Company, is a locally owned and full-service mortgage company in Omaha.

Eagle Mortgage can help you realize your dream of owning a home.

Cobalt Credit Union has promoted Allison Malone to Chief Human Resources Officer and Erin Maloney to vice president of culture development. Malone has been with the Papillion-based credit union for 14 years and Maloney for six years.

College of Saint Mary has named Andrea Butler as assistant vice president of enrollment services. She comes to College of St. Mary from Colorado State University’s Global Campus, where she served as assistant vice president of digital learning.

Lamp Rynearson, an Omaha-based civil engineering firm, has promoted three professionals: Mike McIntosh to Omaha office leader and design group leader; Joe Flaxbeard to design group private practice lead; and Caleb Synder as public practice lead, overseeing municipal projects.

The Greater Omaha Chamber is a catalyst and connector, advocating for businesses small and large. Learn, share and grow with more than 12,000 professionals from 3,000 member businesses across Greater Omaha. Click HERE to see our latest events.

Last week was an excellent example of Mr. Market at his manic/depressive finest.

Just before the start of the business week, I went to Yahoo finance, and the first article I saw was titled, “Stocks Rise as Investors Await Inflation Numbers.”

Mid-morning, I returned to the same page and there in the same spot, with the same picture was an article with the headline, “Stocks Lower as Investors Await Inflation Numbers.” I went back to Yahoo Finance after the market closed and the above aforementioned article read, “Stocks Steady as Investors Await Inflation Numbers.”

Last week, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission, there were 32.5 billion trades made on one of 30-something electronic stock exchanges. For each trade, there were 2 participants, a buyer on a seller. That means that last week there were 66 billion trading decisions.

Jim Cramer lives in a gated community on Long Island. During the business week, he resides in an apartment in Manhattan. Every business day at 4:30 a.m., a driver picks him up from his glitzy apartment complex and delivers him to the front door of the New York Stock Exchange at 11 Wall Street. He then spends two hours telling the nation what investors are thinking. How in the hell does Jim Cramer know what the people who placed those 66 billion trade orders were thinking?

The best circumstantial evidence indicates that of the 32.5 billion trades made this week, 80 percent were completed by computers whose decision criteria was to buy or sell on one exchange and do the opposite at a different exchange. Another couple of billion trades were made by computers programed to trade based upon some trip wire word from the news feeds. There is a good chance that those shares were sold the same day. The big three discount brokers hold 85 percent of Main Street’s assets. They executed 125 million trades for the week. That’s .0033 percent of the total volume.

At the end of the week, after all this hoopla and uproar, the market was up .2 percent, and the guys with the big-ass computers made several bucket loads of money. So, what should mom and pop take away from all of this? Maybe it is time to question Wall Street’s story line about who those “INVESTORS” are and what they’re really thinking!

This section is brought to you by All Makes and Allsteel. For more than a century, All Makes has remained family-owned and committed to supplying businesses with workplace solutions, specifically furniture and technology. To learn more, visit one of our showrooms in Omaha, Lincoln, Des Moines, Columbus, Kearney, or North Platte.

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The Grow Omaha radio show broadcasts live every Saturday morning at 9:00, but now you can watch videos of each episode instead of just listening.

Grow Omaha’s brand-new website features video footage shot inside the radio studio during each week’s show!

Videos include News of the Week, Lightning Round, guest interviews, and “Grow Omaha Uncut,” a behind-the-scenes look at what happens during commercial breaks.

Support the Grow “O” Mission

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