A relationship that began through biscuits and gravy is now giving Omaha an elevated version of this classic dish. Meghan and Matt describe the "lightbulb" moment during which they came up with the idea for a biscuits and gravy concept, Meghan's obsession with developing new biscuits flavors, the differences between operating in farmers markets and their new home in the Inner Rail Food Hall, and more. Gravy Train is a rocket ship that is rising incredibly quickly, and Matt & Meghan have a gr...
Sep 01, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 154
The Bagel Bin has become a beloved institution in Omaha, and when you meet owner Sue Brezack, it's not hard to see why! She and her granddaughter Christina describe what makes their New York bagels unlike any in Omaha, the crazy story that brought Sue and her husband Joel from NY to Omaha to open a bagel shop, how the family rebounded from a devastating fire, and so much more! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit t...
Aug 25, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 153
Stories Coffee Company is growing rapidly, but its popularity is due to more than its great coffee and strong food options. Stories has created a space and a culture of community and gathering, and owner Dan Loutzenhiser joined the podcast to talk about how he and his wife, Brooke, created it. We also talk about how coffee evolved from a side passion of Dan's into a business, taking the leap into full-blown ownership, why Stories invests in local nonprofits, and so much more. Also follow up on F...
Aug 18, 2022•48 min•Ep. 152
This couple had no experience in the restaurant industry, but Ali desired to help other families create memories like the ones she has of eating soft serve custard on the boardwalks of New Jersey. So the Woodwards jumped in with two feet and opened Omaha's first frozen shop. Hear that story and what makes Countryside Cones' custard something Omaha has never seen before. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their we...
Aug 15, 2022•49 min•Ep. 151
A mash-up of coffee house, cereal bar, and retro gaming arcade, there is nothing in Omaha like CTRL. Crazy thing is, when Jenny & Nick agreed to the space, it was going to be a normal coffee shop. Hear the story of how CTRL evolved into a nostalgia bomb that delights customers with a bright, welcoming space, cereal milk lattes, and epic cereal creations. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use P...
Aug 11, 2022•54 min•Ep. 150
Detroit-style pizza served out of a bus by a former audio technician? The story behind Izzy's Pizza Bus is wild, but once you hear how Brett & Cherish Geiger have cooking, you'll be fighting the lines for a slice. We discuss what makes Detroit-style pizza great, how Brett dove headfirst into the pizza game, how the Geigers established their bus in Las Vegas, and their decision to move to Omaha (bringing their massive following with them). Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND a...
Aug 04, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 149
From it's rotating cocktail menus that highlight breakfast cereals and children's stories to its fascinating ice program to its epic Christmas bashes, there is no bar in Omaha quite like Mercury. Owner Clark Ross explains how he created this wholly unique institution and gave it its quirky personality. Plus, he tells hilarious stories about how he got into "cocktalia." Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their web...
Jul 28, 2022•59 min•Ep. 148
From a food truck selling churros at night to a full blown restaurant with tacos, tortas, sopes, and more, The Churro Spot has evolved a lot in its 6 years. Owner Omar tells the inspiring story of how he built the business from the ground up and how the positivity of customers saved the restaurant it briefly had to close. There's a lot to be learned here about Mexican cuisine, perseverance, the importance of family, and, of course, churros. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at ...
Jul 21, 2022•58 min•Ep. 147
Starting and operating a pop-up is a grind, a reality Nick can wholeheartedly attest to. But his love for food and his passion keep him slinging burgers, kalbi plates, and more at The 4th Station. Hear Nick detail the joys and difficulties of operating a pop-up, getting your name out there, and starting your own business while working a day job. Nick's drive and desire to serve Omaha's late-night crowd are an inspiration—this episode provides an excellent window into what makes cooks, chefs, and...
Jul 14, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 146
SCBC wants to change the way people think about breakfast. Not only is it applying dinner concepts to breakfast kitchens, but owner Chase Thomsen plans on challenging what is considered "breakfast food." Chase also opens up about his treatment for addiction and mental health issues in 2020, and we discuss why these concerns are so prevalent in the restaurant industry and what can be done to change things. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by C...
Jul 07, 2022•56 min•Ep. 145
After a career of working in others' restaurants, Oscar finally opened his own in 2022. He details Corner Kitchen's concept of Mexican/Korean fusion, explains how these cuisines are intertwined, reflects upon his wide-ranging career, and relives the emotions from opening his restaurant's doors for the first time. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your or...
Jun 30, 2022•38 min•Ep. 144
After 20+ years of helping build the Omaha food scene, Craig Hoffman finally got to open his own concept in 2022: Phyl's Deli, a NY-style delicatessen. Hear the story of how the restaurant came to life, the reasoning behind its "no substitutions" policy, how Craig was shaped by Omaha's early food pioneers, and more! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your...
Jun 23, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 143
The owners of Nite Owl return to tell the tale of their newest venture, a soda fountain/ice cream parlor for adults. We discuss boozy ice cream cocktails, smash burgers, and the joys/burdens of brunch before breaking into the story of Fizzy's and how it weathered the storm despite opening days before the COVID-19 shutdown hit Omaha. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and rec...
Jun 16, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 142
There's no Mexican restaurant quite like La Poblanita in Omaha, and when you hear the passion he has for the craft, you'll see why. This "momma and me" restaurant is turning out incredible fuego tacos, mind-bending mole, and soon, a taco that Indy says will change the game completely. Get all the details in this episode! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off...
Jun 09, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 141
Tony's grandparents started La Casa, an Omaha institution since 1953, and after beginning his career outside the restaurant industry, he's helping move La Casa forward. We discuss what Italian cooking really means, how La Casa's hamburger pizza got its fame, why the "love it or hate it" descriptor is mind-boggling, and the overall state and evolution of Omaha's dining scene. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit the...
Jun 02, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 140
Omaha's first certified pizzaiolo joins the show to talk all things pizza, restaurant collaboration, mental health, and more. Plus, we discuss some exciting news about an upcoming Pizza Alliance in Omaha, talk about whether pineapple belongs on pizza, and celebrate Virtuoso's 5-year anniversary. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order! A Hurrdat Med...
May 26, 2022•55 min•Ep. 139
How can you have fresh seafood that tastes like it was swimming yesterday in the middle of Nebraska? It's all in the sourcing, and that's what makes Twisted Cork Bistro and Pacific Eating House stand apart. Owner Darrell Auld explains his restaurants' commitment to "always natural, always wild" and explains how a tiny restaurant grew into one of Omaha's most beloved establishments. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Vi...
May 19, 2022•57 min•Ep. 138
These titans of the Omaha food scene discuss how they helped jump start Omaha's pop-up culture and the importance of collaboration between restaurants. We also talk about establishing Nite Owl as Omaha's first late nite bar/eatery, its crazy and inviting vibe, the science behind cocktails, Korean corn dogs, and more! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off you...
May 12, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 137
Look out, Omaha—Jon is bringing something completely new to your food scene! Listen to hear more about what a virtual food hall is, the different vendors that'll be available through Blend, the exciting launch of Omaha Cheesesteak Co., and more! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and...
May 05, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 136
What if I told you that you could have chef-created, restaurant-quality meals served... out of your microwave? Sounds insane, right? And yet that's exactly what Will Birge is doing through Mealbox. Hear him explain the concept, the science behind how he keeps meals like brisket and fish tender and delicious, why he started the company, and more! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HO...
Apr 28, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 135
From the delightful space to the glorious baked goods and artisanal breads, Fariner Bakery in Ashland is clearly something special. There's a reason the place is jam-packed most mornings, especially on weekends. But when you hear Ashley's story and heart behind the shop, you'll fall in love with Fariner even more. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your o...
Apr 21, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 134
Get Real Sandwiches is a new restaurant, but its fun vibe and unique twists on classic sandwiches have already caught Omaha's attention. The owners and lifelong food-loving friends explain how it quickly came to be, the intentionality behind Get Real's atmosphere, how they craft their delicious sandwiches (and what might be coming next!) and more. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: ...
Apr 14, 2022•58 min•Ep. 133
Karma Koffee may be a coffee shop, but owner Traci Page has seen it grow into something much more. Hear this avid coffee lover describe how Karma Koffee has become a community that is serving good vibes, killer breakfast sandwiches, and of course, great coffee. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a d...
Apr 07, 2022•54 min•Ep. 132
In just over a year, Sauced by Alfaro has exploded onto the Nebraska food scene thanks to Michelle's to "simply doing simple well" and her ability to elevate comforting classics into entirely new dishes. Michelle details her challenging journey to opening her concept, what got her through the hard times, and what makes Sauced by Alfaro a different dining experience than you'll find anywhere else in Nebraska. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored b...
Mar 31, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 131
Who says waffles are only for breakfast? By putting creative spins on waffles, Jonathan's food truck showcases that waffles are a blank canvas for ingredients sweet, savory, and everything in between. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in...
Mar 24, 2022•57 min•Ep. 130
You want to learn about bread and baking? Peter is your guy. The head baker at The Mercato (part of the Certified Piedmontese campus in Lincoln) dishes on the science behind baking, how he keeps the various baked goods operating on schedule in his kitchen, working for Thomas Keller's restaurant group, and the crazy path that brought him to, of all places, Nebraska. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website...
Mar 17, 2022•58 min•Ep. 129
Crepes might just be the next big food fad waiting to take off in America. Thanks to Sofra Creperie, Omaha has gotten a taste, and it has this pair of Albanian natives to thank for that. Nils & Kris talk about what makes crepes special, why they felt compelled to open a creperie in America, how Omahans have embraced this "new" food concept, and more! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo...
Mar 10, 2022•52 min•Ep. 128
The popularity of Detroit-style pizza has exploded in recent years, and anyone who's been to Backlot Taphouse can attest as to why. Owner Mike Barstow breaks down what makes these pies special, explains what it's like to go to pizza school, and explains how to not only survive as a first-time restaurateur. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order! A ...
Mar 03, 2022•56 min•Ep. 127
When Clare and Corina opened Lola's in 2019, they boldly attempted to create something no one else in Omaha dared to do: combine three restaurant/cafe concepts in one. And yet, despite being newcomers to the restaurant industry, they've pulled it off and created an amazing space to grab coffee, enjoy incredible bread and pastries, or savor a candlelight dinner before catching the latest hit movie. You can't miss the crazy story this trio has to tell! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagra...
Feb 24, 2022•59 min•Ep. 126
Elizabeth Pooley had no restaurant ownership experience when she bit into her first square donut, but the experience was so spectacular she couldn't get it out of her head. So she eventually bought the recipe and equipment and opened Square Donut, which has quickly become one of Omaha's hottest donut shops. Hear what makes these confections unique (besides the shape) and what bring Elizabeth joy when owning the shop takes her to the brink. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at R...
Feb 17, 2022•55 min•Ep. 125
