Weely Market Report – August 1, 2024

Nicole Buntgen, Contributing Writer

The Vault Craft Cocktails, a new speakeasy-themed bar, will open soon inside The Collective and under Regency Landing at 10730 Pacific Street, Suite 020. Hours and opening date have yet to be announced. The bar features original wood detailing in tribute to the former Omaha National Bank.

Betty Rae’s Ice Cream will open its first Nebraska location near Aksarben Village at 6307 Center Street in early September. All of Betty Rae’s 26 core flavors are hand-made and hand-scooped. The award-winning ice cream company has five existing locations all in the Kansas City area.

Burger Detour plans to hold a grand opening Monday, August 5th for its second location southeast of 204th & Pacific Street. The original Burger Detour opened earlier this year at 183rd & West Maple Road. – Nicole Buntgen

Joslyn Art Museum has selected Omaha-based Clean Slate Food Co. as its partner in the on-site Durham Cafe. The museum reopens September 10, following a two-year expansion and renovation. The new dining area features seasonal outdoor seating and a coffee bar serving Archetype Coffee. The café will be open for breakfast and lunch daily. Dinner will be served on the Museum’s late nights.

A new McDonald’s restaurant is under construction in the Gretna Landing development at 195th & Highway 370.

Construction is well underway on the Omaha area’s first Ziggi’s Coffee Drive Thru at 201st & Q Street. The Colorado-based company has locations nationwide including one in Lincoln and one in Fairbury, Neb.

Ruhlman’s Steakhouse has officially opened in Ashland at 603 Highway 6 next to K.C.’s Eastside Saloon. Led by Partner Willy Thiesen and executive chef John Benton, the business is part of the OxBow Crossing development, which also includes Runza and a Bryan Health clinic. Reservations are not being accepted at this time.

La Bo, a new bodega in Dundee, will open soon below Ooh De Lally at 4916 Underwood Avenue. The business will offer small bites, pintxos, wine, and cocktails to-go. A soft opening will begin next week, with a temporary opening this Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., featuring drink and pintxo specials from 5 to 7 p.m. during Benson First Friday.

Nail Nirvana Beauty Spa recently opened in Westwood Plaza at 2720 South 123rd Court, just west of I-680. The salon offers manicures, pedicures, spa treatments, and other beauty services.

Johnny’s Café received a $50,000 national grant from American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Backing Historic Small Restaurants” Grant Program. Known as Omaha’s original steakhouse, Johnny’s was founded in 1922 in South Omaha and is one of 50 restaurants nationwide to receive the grant.

Starting August 6th, Runza will offer 75-cent burgers every Tuesday throughout the month in celebration of its 75th anniversary. The promotion includes a quarter-pound hamburger for 75 cents when purchasing fries and a medium drink.

Vala’s Orchard will host two adult-only events this season at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch: Sunset Orchard Cider Tasting and Vala’s Orchard Farm-to-Table Dinner. The events will include apple picking, guided tastings and a live-fire hog roast, described as “meat theater” by the pumpkin patch on social media.

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

Via Farina Is a Master Class in Carefully Crafted Pizza

Via Farina opened its doors in May of 2016 in Omaha’s Little Italy initially focusing more on handmade pasta than pizza. Today, the menu features an inspired selection of sourdough Neapolitan-ish pizzas – a pivot executive chef John Rea and his team made during the pandemic when restaurants were at significant risk of closing.

Visible from just about any front window is a bright orange wood-fired pizza oven; its glowing red embers and flickering flames beckon you in for a slice.

As you step inside Via Farina, you’re greeted with the warm, comforting aroma of sourdough crisping at high heat. The rustic-yet-modern décor – vibrant and colorful with beams, shelves and tables made of natural wood – lends to a hip vibe that feels comfortable and warm at the same time.

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.

Another Major Development Planned for Highway 370 Corridor in Gretna

The owners of a youth sports and recreation business are planning to develop 34 acres of land at 198th & Highway 370, turning it into Gretna’s next blockbuster development.

Craig and Tiffani Wolf, owners of Cheer Athletics Omaha, plan to move their All-Star cheer, tumbling and dance business to the new development. Plans call for a 70,000 sq. ft. building with high ceilings to allow for training and practice. The building will also have a workout facility, offices and meeting space.

Cheer Athletics Omaha is currently located in a 30,000 sq. ft. space at 14620 Gold Coast Rd in La Vista. In addition to the Omaha gym, Plano, Texas-based Cheer Athletics has 14 other locations in the United States and United Kingdom. The closest location to Omaha’s is in Denver. The Wolfs opened the Omaha gym in 2021.

Craig Wolf said they plan to break ground next summer and open the new building by early 2027. In addition to being more than twice the size of the current space, the new building will have better acoustics and space for public events. As the anchor of the new development, Cheer Athletics is expected to be a bid draw.

“This new development will have 400,000 to 500,000 visits per year, because Cheer Athletics will be there,” Wolf said.

The Omaha Cheer Athletics serves about 500 athletes each week, including their own national and local competitive cheer teams, students taking individual lessons and high school cheerleading squads that use the facility for practices.

Several other businesses will be included in the new development, but they have not yet been identified. Wolf said the businesses will likely focus on entertainment, hospitality and other things that support the athletes who come to Cheer Athletics as well as their families.

The Wolfs are buying the land from the City of Gretna. Mayor Mike Evans said the city is excited about the development because it will serve as a gateway to Gretna and fill in the rapidly developing Highway 370 corridor.

Just to the east of the future Cheer Athletics building is Gretna Landing, which will be anchored by a Fleet Farm superstore. Construction has started on a large apartment complex and multiple retail pad sites. Further east is yet another retail development, which features the largest Hy-Vee store in the country.

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Isaiah Ang, Contributing Writer

The Omaha City Council approved the liquor license application submitted by operators of the anticipated Cham Pang and Ghost Donkey food and entertainment destinations in the Brickline building in the Mercantile District. Both are Flagship Restaurant Group concepts.

Cham Pang first opened in Phoenix and combines duckpin bowling, drinks and small-plate food options. Ghost Donkey, which has locations in Denver, Las Vegas and Phoenix, features a mezcal and tequila-focused cocktail menu accompanied by several food options including tacos and nacho plates. Openings are planned for mid-September.

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development is reviewing an application from an unidentified developer who wants to create a $1.7 billion Good Life District in Papillion that would produce 2,906 jobs, according to the Omaha World-Herald. Good Life Districts are a new state economic development tool designed to create premier developments that attract out-of-state visitors. Such districts have already been approved in Gretna, Bellevue, Grand Island and near 192nd & West Dodge Road in Omaha.

As a follow up to our recent report about a development at 204th & Farnam Street, a building permit was filed this week for a 98-unit apartment building. The project will be called Alcove Apartments. The 170,000 sq. ft. building will have four stories on top of basement-level parking.

Three million people have visited the renovated Riverfront parks since the Gene Leahy Mall reopened a little over two years ago, according to Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority. Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark Landing both reopened about a year ago. The three parks went through a $3 million renovation. Approximately 45,000 people visited the parks over the 4th of July weekend alone.

In July, the Sarpy County Board of Commissioners approved a replatting of Sunset Meadows, a residential subdivision southwest of 204th & Harrison Street. The replat converts 76 single family lots to 134 townhomes. The original plat, completed in 2021, anticipated 449 single family residences. A replat in 2022 changed 64 single family homes to 118 townhomes. After the latest replat, the subdivision will have 309 single family homes and 252 townhomes. Each townhome will have 2-car garages to meet parking requirements. Due to the increased density, an additional park was added to the development.

Open Omaha, the annual city-wide open house of some of the metro’s most prominent venues, will be held this weekend, August 3 and 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Omaha by Design organizes the event, and more than 70 venues will participate, including Benson Theatre, Charles Schwab Field and the Davis Global Center at UNMC. For a full list of the venues, click HERE.

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.

Omaha Car Care “We’ll be along for the ride.”

A 4-story Fairfield Inn by Marriott hotel is scheduled to open April 20th in MH Landing on the northeast corner of 72nd & Grover Street.

Google Fiber will open its first Nebraska office this spring in the Ashton Building at 1229 Millwork Avenue in North Downtown. The 7,000 sq. ft. office will house an undisclosed number of workers.

AMCON Distributing Company, an Omaha-based consumer products company, has closed its previously announced acquisition of Burklund Distributors, Inc., of East Peoria, Ill.

ISG, a leading global technology research and advisory firm based in Connecticut, has recognized Omaha-based FNTS as a “Rising Star” in two categories; Mainframe-as-a-Service and Mainframe Operations in its annual Americas research report.

Authentic Edge Realty has leased 1,664 sq. ft. of office space at 9839 South 168th Avenue, according to Maddie Graeve of NAI NP Dodge, who represented the landlord.

Berkshire Hathaway is planning to sell yen bonds in the global markets, fueling speculation that chairman Warren Buffet is weighing more investments in Japan, according to Bloomberg. Berkshire would be the first major non-financial overseas debt issuer to kick off a yen deal after the Bank of Japan scrapped the world’s last negative interest rate last month.

Haney Shoes has been named as the April 2024 business of the month by the Greater Omaha Chamber. The Benson-area, family-owned retailer was founded in 1942 and operates at 6060 Maple Street.

Cheer Athletics, an all-star cheer gym at 14620 Gold Coast Road in Papillion, will hold an open house Sunday, April 14th at 1 p.m. Interested kids and their parents can meet the owners and coaches and tour the facility.

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

As we advance into the second half of 2024, the qualities that employees value in a boss are evolving, but the essentials of effective leadership—clear communication, compassionate human-centered leadership, and realistic expectations—remain constant. Good bosses excel in these areas, according to Fast Company.

Negative people can destroy your confidence. Because we become like those with whom we spend the most time, it makes sense that if you associate with negative people, you will become negative, says author Mark Hunter: “Personally, I choose to not associate with certain people because of their ongoing negativity. Instead, I intentionally seek out optimists, people with a positive outlook on life.”

Twenty-five percent of Americans say it’s worth going into debt for a good vacation, according to CNN. The majority of those going into debt do so by charging travel expenses on a credit card, with 20 percent saying they would rather skip a credit card payment and put the money toward a vacation.

SALES

How do you know if a prospect is “into” you or not? Sales expert Liz Wendling has an answer: They’re open to sharing information about themselves and their company. Good Sign: When potential customers are willing to answer questions about their needs, wants, pains and struggles, they’re telling you that they have a problem and might need you to fix it. Bad Sign: If they’re unwilling to answer your questions openly and honestly, they may be playing hard to get or just not “into” you.

Sales reps on average spend 21 percent of their day writing emails, according to HubSpot.

The BragBird online sales training program gives you an edge when competing for new business. There are 40 modules, each a different topic with a video and matching workbook. It’s only $79 per month and group discounts are available. You can cancel at any time. If you’re ambitious, click HERE now!

WISDOM

“Hatred corrodes the container it’s carried in.” – President George H.W. Bush

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Did you know there currently are 1,300 employees at the Conagra Brands Omaha campus, making it their largest workforce center in the company?

Did you know Eppley Airfield set all-time monthly passenger records two months in a row this past May and June? June’s passenger count was 514,758, the first time the Omaha airport ever served more than half a million people in a single month.

Did you know Creighton University has an overall 99 percent outcomes rate? That means nearly all graduates are employed, engaged in service or pursuing advanced degrees within six months of graduating.

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.

Art Fluid Open Studio Night on August 2nd: Hot Shops Art Center is hosting another Art Fluid event for free! This happy hour, open studio night focuses on what is most unique about the Hot Shops – experiencing the creative process. Featuring Mixin’ it Up Opening Reception, a cash bar and snacks!

Watermelon Festival from August 3rd-4th & 9th-10th: Visit the Nelson Produce farm, where more than 1 million watermelons are produced yearly, and partake in the deliciousness. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat watermelon buffet, slurp a watermelon slushie, compete for glory in a watermelon-eating or seed-spitting contest and ride on the watermelon bus. There will be live music, face painting, games and more.

Free Coworking Day + Hardy Coffee Pop-Up Cart on August 5th: Join others for a productive and invigorating day at Elevator! They’re hosting a Free Coworking Day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., providing you with the perfect environment to get your work done, network with like-minded professionals and explore new opportunities. Start your day right with a delicious boost from Hardy Coffee’s Pop-Up Cart, serving freshly brewed coffee and tasty treats from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Whether you need a morning jolt or a mid-morning pick-me-up, Hardy Coffee has you covered!

Omaha Startups Summer Party on August 7th: Scale Omaha is hosting their 3rd annual summer party for the startups in our community. Yes, people will be swimming this year! It’s a fun night to network with other startup teams in our community and provide a party for your employees (all organized for you). You’ve helped create a wonderful community this year; now come celebrate again!

Free Coworking Day at Modus on August 8th: Join others for a FREE coworking day on the second Thursday of each month from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. High-speed wifi and office amenities are readily available. Unlimited Amateur coffee and Artemis tea are always ready to go as well! If you have been needing a new spot to make your workday more meaningful, come to Modus and get the experience you are missing!

Late Nights at the Zoo (21+) on August 8th: This summer the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is opening its doors for adults only on Thursday nights! No kids, all fun! Sips, bites and wild sights select Thursday nights all summer long. 21+ only.

This section is sponsored by Eagle Mortgage, a locally owned, full-service mortgage company helping you with Conventional, VA, FHA and USDA loans in both Nebraska and Iowa. Learn how Eagle Mortgage helps people afford the home of their dreams by clicking HERE!

NP Dodge Real Estate has welcomed new residential sales associates including Car’Lika Williams and Josiah Black.

Union Pacific Railroad has appointed Josh Perkes to senior vice president and chief human resources officer, reporting directly to CEO Jim Vena effective August 1. Perkes will be responsible for all human resources and labor relations functions and become a member of the company’s senior leadership team.

Lutz Financial, an SEC-Registered investment advisor and an affiliate of Lutz, recently announced the promotion of Jaime Briganti to principal of Lutz Financial. She oversees the financial division’s client service team and manages its policies and procedures.

Baird Holm has added three new labor and employment attorneys: Chad R. Anderson, Josh R. Baumann and Quinn R. Eaton.

Scoular announced that Roger Huffman has been hired to serve as the company’s first director of special projects and feed nutrition. Huffman will lead Scoular in expanding its feed business and help to evaluate growth opportunities.

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.

Unless you have spent the last 10 days on the planet Melmac (Look that up in your Funk & Wagnalls), you have been constantly bombarded with political misrepresentations and hogwash.To add insult to injury, the financial media has tried to convince you that the current political circus and your financial future are connected at the hip.

Last week, Mr. Market experienced a manic-depressive episode of epic proportions, which the financial media claimed was due to one word uttered by Trump: “tariff.” Investors – internet investors in particular – couldn’t care less about a politician’s undeliverable ramblings. Those who do care are specialists at the Chicago Board of Trade, hedge fund mavens, Wall Street traders, and the large server farms that run on algorithms.

The massive train wreck began on Tuesday around 9:00 p.m. A bunch of guys at the Chicago Board of Trade heard Trump’s words about putting tariffs on technology from China and saw $$$$. By 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning, the market index futures were down 125 basis points. All the guys listed above love volatility. The traders who initiated the futures contracts had no intention of holding their position for more than a few hours. But they knew they could make bucket loads of money by trading them. The critical point is they were not trading stocks – only futures – but that set all the other pool balls in motion.

Promptly at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, the market opened with all the three major indexes down more than 150 basis points. This lit up the high-speed and algorithm trader’s computers. Both were searching for situations where they could buy or sell on one exchange and then nano seconds later reverse their positions at a better price on another exchange. The volume soared to more than five times the normal pace.

Next in line at the feeding trough were the hedge fund guys. I don’t know all of the details, but I do know they were buying, selling and shorting individual stocks, many with borrowed money. They have no intention of holding them long term, and they couldn’t care less about the financial condition of the underlying companies.

All of this went on for a couple of hours, and then about 10:00 a.m., things slowed down and the volume dropped back to normal levels. The major indexes flatlined at about minus-2 percent for the rest of the day. The traders adjourned to the bars and waited for another word salad from the political front.

Moral of the story is that internet investors understand that these types of machinations are transitory, and at the end of the day, the only things that matter are the long-term growth of the mighty and powerful American economic engine.

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.

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