Weekly Market Report – October 5, 2023

Tupelo Honey Café plans to open this month in the Brickline at The Mercantile, a mixed-use project at 10th & Harney Street. The southern-style restaurant chain is based in Asheville, N.C.

PepperJax has opened a new location northeast of 204th & West Maple Road in a newly constructed building it shares with Good Evans restaurant. Omaha-based PepperJax has 30 locations in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and South Dakota.

Omaha-based Scooter’s Coffee just opened its 700th location in Elkhart, Ind. Scooter’s was founded in 1998 by Don and Linda Eckles in Bellevue and now has stores in 29 states. The fast-growing company hopes to have more than 1,000 stores by the end of 2024.

Status Preloved Luxury Handbags & Accessories in Aksarben Village has moved from the east side (back of the building near Inner Rail Food Hall) to the southwest corner of the HDR headquarters building.

Marco’s Pizza has opened its fifth metro area store at 8124 South 84th Street in La Vista next to existing Subway and Wendy’s locations.

Renovations are underway at 1205 Harney Street for Plant’d Farma Wellness Boutique’s space in the Old Market.

Five Guys and Little Caesars are taking the final spaces at the Cornhusker Pointe retail building at Fort Crook Road & Cornhusker Road in Bellevue, according to The Lerner Company. The two new restaurants join T-Mobile, Panera Bread and Shopko Optical.

Closings – Sofra Creperie has closed at the Inner Rail Food Hall in Aksarben Village. Its sister restaurant, Sofra Kitchen, will remain open at 220 S 31st Avenue in Midtown. In Gretna, Cookie Co. has closed at 11922 Standing Stone Drive.

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

Review: At the family-owned and operated Mootz, pizza has a new home in Countryside

By Sarah Baker Hansen

The first person you’re likely to see when you walk into the new brick-and-mortar location of Mootz Pizza, on the back edge of Countryside Village, is Brent Adkisson, Mootz pizza chef Collin Adkisson’s dad, working at the cash register.

Look around and you’ll also probably spot Ruth Adkisson, his mother, prepping in the back of the kitchen, or clearing tables in the dining room.

Collin Adkisson himself is right there, too, preparing the pop-up turned food truck turned dining room’s signature thin crust, wood fired pies.

To say Mootz, an opening I’ve been anticipating since 2021, is a family affair is kind of an understatement. It’s unusual these days to walk into a restaurant and see an entire household hard at work to deliver an experience; the good news is, Collin and his family know what’s what, and Mootz, I am happy to say, does not disappoint.

During two recent visits, we tried a selection of the regular pizzas on the petite Mootz menu, along with three of Collin’s daily special pies, which he told me after my visits, he sometimes literally comes up with on the fly.

For example, on our second visit, I got the pizza to-go (a popular option) and originally ordered hamburger, but then learned the menu that day included a Philly pie, so went for that one instead. Collin said he’d realized the kitchen had everything to make it (hamburger, green peppers, black olives) and he’d grabbed a jar of Lawry’s seasoned salt on the way out the door that morning to complete it.

Though conceptualized in the moment, you wouldn’t have guessed it after tasting the Philly pie, which Matthew and I both thought of as an upscale take on the Nebraska hamburger pie, with more flavor and a clear commitment to good ingredients. It was, in two words, surprisingly refined. (Yeah, I know, kinda funny. But true!)

I thought the same when I tried his take on a Buffalo Chicken pizza, if you can believe that. Juicy chicken from Western Iowa’s Flavor Country Farms gets torn into hunks and scattered on top of a calabrian chili Buffalo sauce and two cheeses: Fior de latte, which is a pure cow’s milk mozzarella, and Grana Padano. The whole thing gets a handful of “micro celery,” pretty green wisps that bring both color and subtle flavor.

This is a pizza that could have been drowned in sauce but isn’t. It’s balanced and well-composed.

A note on the crust, before we move on: I think exactly the same thing now as I did when I first wrote about Mootz. The naturally leavened, wood-fired crust has that lovely crisp-chewy base with a bubbly, airy edge. Collin keeps toppings light, which means that it’s never soggy, and holds its integrity, even when driven from 87th and Pacific to 10th and Dodge (though it cooled off, naturally, it still tasted good when I got home.)

Collin said so far, things have been going great at the new location.

“I love this neighborhood,” he said. “Everyone is so nice around here.”

He said between the nearby Westside High School and Christ the King school and church, plenty of young people (and plenty of their parents) are stopping in. He said evenings, in particular, have been busy.

“I worked in restaurants downtown for most of my career, so it’s really nice to be in the neighborhood,” he said.

Mootz sells pizza by both the slice and the whole pie — likely part of that neighborhood appeal — though the daily specials are available as a whole pie only. One night, we tried four different slices, which Collin serves as a whole pie and said he likes to call the “Tour de Italy.”

The core menu covers what I’d call all the “classic” pizzas: pepperoni, Margherita, cheese, hamburger and sausage, along with three specialty pies that Collin said are based on the Pizza Hut menu: meat lover, supreme and veggie.

I really enjoyed a slice of the sausage, which had fennel-heavy meat crumbled on top of tangy red sauce and nicely melted cheese. It appears again on the supreme, along with pepperoni, hamburger, mushroom, green olives, onion and black olives. Speaking of pepperoni, it’s great, the cup-and-char kind that settles into little, delicious, crisp bowls.

In a controversial — at least in the pizza world — move, Collin recently ran a Hawaiian pizza on special after several customer requests, but he did it the Mootz way, with fresh cut pineapple instead of canned and the best quality Canadian bacon he could find. That quality was clear a couple of bites in, as the ham had a pleasantly crisp edge and the small chunks of pineapple, applied with restraint, weren’t watery. Collin said Hawaiian pizza isn’t really his thing — it’s not mine, either — but I liked what he created.

The biggest change in moving from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar, he said, has been volume: he has more space, a bigger oven, and it’s easier to get his hands on special ingredients, like the 00 flour he uses.

I did notice one change, and that’s that the crust at Mootz, which used to be exceptionally thick, has gotten a bit thinner, a choice I think most diners will appreciate, as it makes more room for toppings.

I have no doubt that Collin will continue to create interesting, unusual and likely delicious pizzas — I can’t wait to try his bacon, egg and cheese breakfast pizza, for example.

“One of my favorite things about pizza,” Collin said, “Is that one ingredient can totally alter the whole pizza.”

He’s right, and that’s great. And how fun for the city of Omaha: we get to be the ones to see what the comes up with next.

Mootz
https://www.mootzomaha.com/
(531) 283-5335
8725 Shamrock Rd., in Countryside Village

Hours:
Tues – Sat: 11a – 9p
Sun & Mon: CLOSED

To-go orders are available for pickup and need to be ordered over the phone.

The Mootz food truck is available to rent for special events, and details are on the website.

A New Name at Children’s Hospital

To celebrate its 75th anniversary, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center has announced a new name and brand identity: Children’s Nebraska. The pediatric medical campus is located at 84th & West Dodge Road.

Since 1948, Children’s has continuously expanded its footprint and services to meet the growing needs of children as Nebraska’s only full-service hospital dedicated to pediatrics. The new brand identity is Children’s next evolution as a pediatric health care leader in our community, region and beyond.

Children’s Nebraska expands the definition of what the organization is—beyond a hospital and medical center—better reflecting the full scope of its mission: To improve the life of every child through exceptional care, advocacy, research and education. Children’s Nebraska is also more distinct and geographically descriptive, as Children’s continues to elevate its national reputation and expand its reach.

“We’re proud of the legacy Children’s has built over the last 75 years and, while our name may be changing, our dedication to our mission, vision and values remains steadfast,” says Chanda Chacón, MPH, FACHE, Children’s President & Chief Executive Officer. “We’re excited for this next chapter, and an evolution that will allow us to remain nimble and forward-looking as we continue to grow and innovate for the children and families we serve.”

Children’s Nebraska is the only full-service, pediatric health care center in Nebraska, providing expertise in primary care and more than 50 pediatric specialty services to children across a five-state region and beyond. Children’s is home to Nebraska’s only Level IV regional Newborn Intensive Care Unit and the state’s only Level II Pediatric Trauma Center.

The Omaha City Council this week approved a redevelopment plan for The Nook, a proposed apartment project planned by Bluestone Development at the former Grace University campus near 8th & Pine Street, according to the Omaha World-Herald. Plans call for 250 apartment units in 10 buildings to be constructed around the new Pine Elementary School. This week’s council vote will likely lead to final approval for the project, including a request for $6.1 million in tax-increment financing.

The Skyline Woods Golf Course at 217th & West Center Road has been closed since 2005, but it may be getting new life, according to KMTV. Local businessman Dennis Circo has purchased the 110-acre course and plans to turn it into a country club. Circo is waiting for city approval but hopes to start construction by late 2024 or early 2025.

Construction has started on a new Hyundai dealership just behind the existing Toyota dealership northwest of 180th & West Dodge Road.

The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge over the Missouri River will close Monday, October 9th for the maintenance and safety inspection that is required every five years, according to Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert. The inspection is expected to be completed by October 18th, weather permitting.

Peterson Park and Manawa City Park, both in Council Bluffs, are getting makeovers. The old equipment is being removed this week, and the new playgrounds should be ready before the end of the year. Peterson Park is at 2500 South 8th Street. Manawa City Park is at Navajo & Mohawk Street by Lake Manawa.

Among the 70 largest U.S. industrial real estate markets, Omaha’s availability rate of 3.5 percent at the end of September is the second lowest, trailing only Grand Rapids, Mich., according to CoStar. The market’s historical average is 5.2 percent. The national average is 8.1 percent. Space is especially tight in properties less than 100,000 sq. ft. (2.7 percent vacancy).

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.”

Warren Buffett has overseen a more than 4,000,000 percent increase in the value of Berkshire Hathaway stock since becoming CEO in 1965. One of his early shareholders just made Forbes’ annual rundown of the 400 wealthiest Americans, largely because he owns Berkshire stock, according to Business Insider. Stewart Horejsi and his family are worth an estimated $3 billion, ranking them 379th on the latest Forbes 400 list published this week.

After two straight months of readings below growth neutral, the Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator for the nine-state region stretching from Minnesota to Arkansas, climbed above the 50.0 growth neutral threshold for September. The index increased to 52.5 from 49.5 in August.

A recent Mutual of Omaha survey revealed that many baby boomers are reaching their golden years without the financial safety net life insurance can provide. The survey revealed 59 percent of those without insurance say they have no intention of ever purchasing any.

D&M Roofing and Siding is holding its 5th annual Veteran Roof Giveaway in which a deserving Omaha-area veteran will receive a free roof. Nominations are open until October 31st. D&M will reveal the winner on November 11th. You can nominate a deserving veteran HERE.

Werner Enterprises is one of Newsweek’s 2023 America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents and Families. The list of 800 companies distinguishes the best workplaces for parents and families in the United States based on results from a national survey with more than 224,000 completed company reviews. Responses were gathered from businesses with 1,000 or more workers. Omaha-based Werner has terminal locations across North America and employs more than 14,000 people.

The Vine on Mill Plain, an HDR-designed bus rapid transit line in Vancouver, Wash, recently held a grand opening. The BRT is a $50 million project that runs approximately 10 miles between historic downtown Vancouver and the growing Columbia Tech Center in East Vancouver.

Home City Ice has purchased a 12,216 sq. ft. industrial building at 3220 Nebraska Avenue in Council Bluffs. Trenton Magid and Samantha Estivo of NAI NP Dodge represented the seller in this transaction.

U.S. job openings unexpectedly rose in August, according to The Hustle. There were 9.6 million employment vacancies in August, an increase of 700,000 from July.

This section is sponsored by FranNet of The Heartland, the local, trusted franchise experts. They are “in the business of helping you get into business!”

Omaha Real Estate Numbers for September

By Joe Finlay

Douglas County Existing Homes

About 543 existing homes went under contract in September, down 10 percent compared to August, and down only about 4 percent compared to the same month last year. The median sale price in September was $280,000, up from $270,000 the same month last year.

Worth noting, the number of existing homes for sale at the end of September increased by over 25 percent compared to August. This represents the most existing homes for sale in Douglas County in more than three years.

Douglas County New Construction

Sixty-two new-construction homes went under contract in September, roughly the same as the previous month, and almost double the number from the same month last year. The median sale price in September was about $400,000, down about 7 percent compared to the same month last year.

Sarpy County Existing Homes

Approximately 136 existing homes went under contract in September, down about 30 percent compared to August and down about 25 percent compared to the same month last year. The median sale price held steady at $320,000 compared to August and was up about 10 percent from the same month last year.

Similar to Douglas County, the number of homes for sale continues to increase.

Sarpy County New Construction

Pending sales were down about 25 percent in September compared to August but up about 15 percent compared to the same month last year. The median sale price is about $422,000, down about 5 percent compared to the same month last year.

Bottom Line

The number of homes for sale is at a 3 and a half year high due to interest rates and the time of the year. However, we’re still in a seller’s market. Homes are selling. Buyers are out there, but it may not be as competitive as the spring markets.. Let’s connect and talk about the value of the houses in your neighborhood.

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

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

Nonverbal signals – A 2017 study found that when teachers harness the power of nonverbal communication effectively, it significantly uplifts students’ moods, according to Forbes. It applies to the work world too. If a recipient finds themselves caught between conflicting verbal and nonverbal messages, they are naturally inclined to trust the latter. This stems from the fact that nonverbal cues often unmask the true intentions and emotions of the communicator.

More than 90 percent of millionaires felt optimism was crucial to success and that passionately pursuing interests would attract good fortune, according to a New Trader U article about a study of 233 millionaires. These successful people trusted their abilities and decision-making, which fueled their determination to spend an average of 10 years working toward their dreams.

Coworking companies are moving into airports to give flyers more space to concentrate, according to The Hustle. The number of airport workspaces has nearly doubled in the last year.

The pandemic-era pause on federal student loan payments ended Sunday, meaning 40 million Americans now have a monthly bill they haven’t needed to pay in more than three years, according to CNBC. With more than $1.7 trillion in outstanding student debt, the “new” monthly payments might affect businesses – such as retailers – that are driven by consumer spending.

SALES

Approximately 70 percent of salespeople stop at one email, according to HubSpot, but if you send more emails, you’ve got a 25 percent chance to hear back.

Networking is one of the most powerful ways to quickly become well-known in your sales territory, according to sales expert Chris Corey. While it doesn’t happen overnight, connecting with the right groups and organizations can accelerate your name recognition in your territory when you do it well. Read more HERE.

Not every company has the time or budget for in-person sales training. That’s why Jeff Beals and his partners and I created BragBird, a 24/7, cloud-based sales-training program. I strongly recommend you take it for a test drive – Try a free sample module HERE.

WISDOM

“Never interrupt an enemy making a mistake.” – Napoleon

https://www.dundeebanking.com/

Did you know that 9.2 million people live within a 250-mile radius of downtown Omaha?

Did you know that the old Civic Auditorium at 18th & Capitol Avenue hosted Billy Graham’s Nebraska Crusade in 1964? In the 1970s, the Civic was the part-time home of NBA’s Kansas City-Omaha Kings. Most people think of the Civic as the longtime home of Creighton University basketball and a lot of rock concerts. It opened in 1954 and was demolished in 2016. Omaha-based White Lotus plans to convert the site into Civic Square, an urban, mixed-use development.

Did you know the “pink hair curler” was created at Omaha’s Tip-Top Products?

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.

Haunted TreeRush October 5th-8th: Get ready for an unforgettable spooky adventure at TreeRush Adventures in Fontenelle Forest! Your favorite Adventure Park is getting a haunted makeover, promising thrills and chills like never before. Embark on a daring climb through the haunted forest and brace yourself for spine-tingling surprises around every corner. It’s a Halloween experience you won’t want to miss, so gather your bravest friends and family and join us for a night of eerie excitement!

2023 Omaha Whiskey Fest on October 7th: Indulge your senses at the Omaha Whiskey Fest 2023! With a general admission ticket priced at $100, you’ll have access to a whiskey lover’s paradise from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.. Explore the world of whiskey as you sample from a selection of over 65 renowned brands, offering a staggering 400+ varieties to explore. To complement your tasting experience, enjoy a delectable boxed lunch and gain exclusive entry to our luxurious cigar lounge. Plus, commemorate your time at OWF 2023 with a special swag bag and custom glassware, making this event an unforgettable celebration of the finest spirits.

Japanese Ambience Festival on October 7th & 8th: Head to the Lauritzen Gardens for the annual Japanese Ambience Festival, co-hosted by the Omaha Sister Cities Association! Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Japanese culture through a diverse array of activities and experiences. Engage in Japanese calligraphy, try your hand at origami, master the art of using chopsticks and delight in traditional Japanese games and food tastings. Additionally, be captivated by awe-inspiring performances, including martial arts demonstrations, the rhythmic beats of taiko drumming, and the grace of traditional Japanese music and dance. It’s a day filled with cultural exploration and entertainment you won’t want to miss!

Date Night: Paint Party on October 12th: Embark on a unique artistic journey with your partner at this special event. Together, as a couple, you’ll have the opportunity to create complementary pieces of art, fostering a deeper connection and take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Secure your spot today for an enchanting evening filled with creativity and togetherness. One ticket grants admission for both of you! Come out to paint beautiful art but also craft lasting memories together that will stand the test of time!

October Modus Coworking Free Coworking Day on October 12th: Experience the freedom of coworking at Modus’ monthly FREE coworking day held every second Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Work in a vibrant atmosphere with high-speed wifi and take advantage of our office amenities. And that’s not all – enjoy the delicious amateur coffee and Artemis tea throughout the day. As the day winds down, stick around for our complimentary happy hour starting at 4 p.m., where networking opportunities abound. Indulge in free wine and snacks while connecting with fellow professionals in a relaxed setting.

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.

WoodmenLife has transitioned leadership to Denise M. McCauley as the organization’s 14th president & CEO and chair of the national board of directors. She succeeds Patrick L. Dees, who retired in September.

McCauley joined the organization in 2008 as vice president, core operations. In 2011, she was promoted to senior vice president, operations, and later, to the position executive vice President & COO in 2015.

Schemmer has named Doug Holle as executive vice president of its engineering division. He has been with the company for 27 years and most recently served as a transportation group manager. Omaha-based Schemmer is a full-service architecture and engineering firm founded in 1959.

Resolve Medical Billing of Omaha has promoted Kaitlin Cowan to director of operations effective this month.

Dodge Partners Insurance has hired Amy Jones as a commercial lines – marketer. She has been in the insurance industry since 2000 and has experience in all lines of property and casualty Insurance. She will support the commercial sales and service teams.

Creighton University’s Jason Bartz, a professor of medical microbiology and immunology, has received a $2.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to research infectious prions. Prions, which, like bacteria and viruses are infectious agents, are especially troubling because they are composed solely of protein, lacking the genetic material that offers an avenue of attack against bacteria and viruses.

The “People in the News” section is sponsored by Baird Holm LLP. Baird Holm’s dedicated team of real estate lawyers has extensive experience in all aspects of real estate law, including purchases, sales, zoning and land use, leasing, and dispute resolution. Click HERE for more information.

The topic for this week’s index fund tabloid is the year 1975. In that year, the SEC issued a regulation that allowed brokers and clients to negotiate commissions. Prior to that time, the SEC mandated rates that were tilted toward Wall Street and away from mom and pop.

Another 1975 breakthrough was the first public offering of an index fund by Jack Bogle and Vanguard. This began a seismic change to the financial services industry. It offered an investment option at fees dramatically lower than anything available from Wall Street. Second, it produced investment results equal to or greater than most of those generated by Wall Street.

Third, the new fee structure motivated Joe Ricketts to build an electronic highway that bypassed Wall Street’s toll gate to the stock exchanges. It also allowed individual investors to make investment decisions unfettered by Wall Street salesman using their laptops and cell phones.

Fast forward to 2023. An article in Barrons provides insight on how the events of 1975 shaped today’s investment environment. The article chronicles the investing public’s ongoing migration from the legacy Wall Street brokers to the burgeoning field of Registered Investment Advisors. RIAs are primarily Certified Financial Planners who do investing on the side. The article documents that RIA’s control 19 percent of the public’s investable assets compared to Wall Street’s 28 percent.

A hidden factoid in the Barrons article reveals that the majority of assets managed by the Wall Street firms and RIAs are in robo accounts. These are accounts run by computers that are programed to make the investment allocations and monitor the product mix without active human involvement. Their results are largely predictable: Market returns minus the fees.

As a result of the insight and persistence of Ricketts and Bogle, 40 million American investors now self-direct $16 trillion of their own assets in an effective manner using the internet brokerage firms and index funds. Moral of the story: The stock market is neither monolithic nor static.

The Gnomes feel that Mr. Market is stuck in a manic-depressive mood. And they see nothing on the immediate horizon that will shake him back to a more stable position. The state of the economy, like beauty, is in the mind of the beholder. Economic growth is okay, the labor market is adequate, but the rate of inflation sucks. Interests rates are bonkers, and the Fed continues to muddle along.

Passive investors should spend as much time as possible playing pickleball. Active investors should consider gathering dry powder and enjoying the effortless 5 percent currently offered in money market funds.

Quantum Fiber in Omaha, Nebraska, is super-fast, reliable internet. We did away with data caps, bundles, and pricing gimmicks because you don’t want them. Instead, you get game-changing customer service, transparent pricing, and a powerful app for freedom, simplicity, and control over your internet. Quantum Fiber is what internet service looks like when it’s built for the world of you.

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

Don’t keep this newsletter to yourself. Forward it to your friends, clients and co-workers. You want to know the real reason we produce this report? It’s to remind Omahans about the vibrant, prosperous and growing city they call home. The more Omaha residents believe in their city, the more successful we’ll all be. Spread the news!

Know of someone else who wants to receive this newsletter? Have them send their name and email address to news@growomaha.com!