A beloved Omaha institution for more than 60 years, Dylan and his brother long talked about owning Tracks... and when the opportunity came to buy it, they jumped at it. Hear the story of how that purchase came to be, how they balanced updating the menu versus sticking with what people loved, the secrets behind their "world famous" chicken, and more in this conversation! 📍 Visit Tracks Lounge: Tracks Lounge This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an un...
Dec 12, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 275
Taking over any kitchen is a big job, but it's especially daunting when the building is as historic and important as the Hotel Deco is to Omaha. But this a role that new Executive Chef Matthew Sheehan and his team are taking on head-on, keeping the staples that made Monarch Restaurant beloved with new dishes and twists. Hear Matthew's story and his plans for the future of this historic restaurant. This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettabl...
Dec 05, 2024•43 min•Ep. 274
How does a food hall work? Do the vendors cooperate or compete? How are the various vendors selected? And how did Sam's two concepts—Tiny's Pizza Joint and Sammy's Sub Shop—fill necessary holes in the Inner Rail's lineup? The VP and Executive Chef of the Inner Rail, Omaha's premier food hall, answer those questions and much, much more! Follow, rate, and review my podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND my blog Resta...
Nov 28, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 273
That's right—Dan gets the tables turned on him! To celebrate five years of the podcast, Brian Sullivan (Sully's GastroBurgers & Fries) asks Dan all the questions you ask: about the Restaurant Hoppen origin story, why Dan is so positive in his reviews, how he stays so thin, and more! If you've ever wanted to get to know Dan, this is an episode you can't miss. Follow, rate, and review my podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, I...
Nov 21, 2024•56 min•Ep. 272
Neapolitan style pizza on a food trailer? An owner who got his start by building a pizza oven in his backyard? Nothing about Terrible Gerald’s is conventional or by the book, but the pizzas coming out of this trailer have Omaha coming out in swarms. Hear the science behind these delicious pies and the unique story that got Maggie & Adam to create a funky pizza sensation. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hur...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 242
Tamales are a very important dish for Carlos Cuevas; so much so that he cooked over 600 of them to serve at his own wedding! And that sparked an idea in Carlos and Gillian's minds—could this be a business? The couple tells the tale of how they created Masa Luna Tamales, what makes a great tamale, and how they come up with the unique, creative flavors each week. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is ...
Nov 19, 2024•56 min•Ep. 243
Dave's Cakes of Omaha has taken Omaha by storm from the moment it opened, from selling over 1,000 cupcakes on its first day to making Nick Jonas' birthday cake to selling over 100,000 cupcakes in one year. Owner Dave Barry discusses what's made the company a success, the career path he stumbled into, how he and his team come up with wild new cupcake flavors, and more! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Me...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 244
Brian brings science to the food truck scene, creating a burger unlike any other in Omaha. The chef talks about the science behind his unique burger and how he created it, his process of building a new burger from the ground up, the adjustments he had to make to cooking on a food truck and more. Sully's may be a new food truck, but it's already taking Omaha by storm. Listen to this podcast and you'll understand why! Follow, rate, and review my podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you don't ...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 271
The chefs and creators behind Ooh De Lally and Ybor don't see their food concepts as ways to simply feed people, but also to help them. These concepts provide jobs, training, and life coaching to help formerly incarcerated individuals reacclimate to society and find their footing. They share stories of success, the value of providing hope, and the wonderful potential that this part of the population has to offer. Follow, rate, and review my podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you don't mis...
Nov 07, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 270
After training for 15 years at one of New York's best sushi restaurants, Keen brought his talents to Bellevue in 2017, and the sushi scene here changed forever. And now he's hoping to do the same by introducing Omahans to bingsu and bubble tea at Snowy Sundaes. Hear chef Keen's story, the hours of dedicated work he put in to master sushi, and more! Follow, rate, and review my podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND ...
Oct 31, 2024•33 min•Ep. 269
Paddy McGown's is not your average bar. With family history in the Omaha restaurant scene and a desire to go to the next level, Paddy McGown's is serving food that would make any restaurant proud—including one of the best Reubens in Omaha. Hear how Dan's dream of someday owning at bar turned into an Omaha institution beloved for its beers, burgers, and TikTok family dances. Follow, rate, and review my podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Also follow up on Facebook...
Oct 24, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 268
A small oasis exists in downtown Omaha, where a seasoned chef brings flavors from all over the world together in a thoughtfully composed 4-course dinner each Thursday. Listen to hear all about the origins and beauty of Boho Supper Club, chef Chris’ eye-opening philosophy on melding different cuisines, what a newcomer to Omaha thinks of the food scene, and more! Follow, rate, and review my podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, In...
Oct 17, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 267
What started as a single sushi restaurant (Blue) in Omaha has expanded to 13 concepts and 46 locations across 13 states, and Flagship's growth isn't slowing down anytime soon. Two of the 4 founders joined me to talk about how the first restaurant got off the ground, the mistakes it's learned from over the years, creating a cohesive dining experience in addition to serving great food, and where this rocketship of a company is headed next. Follow, rate, and review my podcast wherever you get your ...
Oct 10, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 266
One of the nation's best sushi chefs, Dave talks about his uncommon path to becoming a sushi chef, how his style of mashing sushi styles together has created something new altogether, his humbling introduction to omakase and what made him want to bring it to Omaha, and more! Follow, rate, and review my podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND my blog Restaurant Hoppen! This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrda...
Oct 03, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 265
When Wayne opened his food truck in 2014, he helped usher in a new era of Omaha to BBQ, introducing legit brisket and simplistic methods that introduced incredible meat. We discuss why he loves Central Texas BBQ and the importance of hospitality and loving people in BBQ. Follow, rate, and review my podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND my blog Restaurant Hoppen! This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Me...
Sep 26, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 264
What if I told you Omaha's best Reuben sandwiches was one you order online and cook yourself after it's delivered to your front door? It may sound wild, but Beth Stratton is carrying on her grandfather's legacy through Omaha Gourmet Reuben, the Reuben delivery company that has fans making mad dashes to order every time the opportunity arises. Hear the history behind this unique company and what gives Beth the drive to keep this tradition alive! Follow, rate, and review my podcast wherever you ge...
Sep 19, 2024•56 min•Ep. 263
These talented chefs blend modern techniques and ingredients with classic steakhouse dishes to create a whole new steakhouse experience. We discussed highlighting different breeds of beef from local farmers, how to create individual, special experiences tailored to each diner, Reubens (of course), and more! Follow, rate, and review my podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND my blog Restaurant Hoppen! This is another...
Sep 12, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 262
"The neighbor that throws weird parties with great food and drink." That's how the owners describe Cattle Call, the new downtown Omaha bar that's also delivering chef-curated dishes bringing multiple parts of the world together. Hear owner Sagar and chef Dom talk about how the menu and concept came together and their passion about creating a place for their fellow industry workers to gather and have a good time. Follow, rate, and review my podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss...
Sep 05, 2024•59 min•Ep. 261
Few new restaurants have hit the ground with as much positive buzz as Clio, Omaha’s first restaurant dedicated to Mediterranean food. But that wasn’t by mistake. Hear the story of the restaurant’s opening weeks as the chefs worked around the clock to develop recipes, research the cuisine, build a team, and master the finicky but absolutely delicious pita. Anyone curious about how restaurants move from concept to reality can’t miss this episode! Follow, rate, and review my podcast wherever you ge...
Aug 29, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 260
What started as a holiday passion project during COVID has transformed into a full-time job and wonderful business for Bri, who thrills the masses with her delightful cheesecakes and other confections. Hear her story, the R&D process behind her wildly creative flavors, and how she made the tough decision to quit her job and run Breeze full time. Follow, rate, and review my podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND...
Aug 22, 2024•51 min•Ep. 259
Wilson & Washburn is a bar first and foremost, but traditional bar food, this is not. Owner Jeff Luby explains the elevated twists W&W puts on bar food, how a former bartender became a restaurant owner, and the impact former brothel owners had on bringing this historic restaurant to life. Follow, rate, and review my podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND my blog Restaurant Hoppen! This is another Hurrdat Me...
Aug 15, 2024•57 min•Ep. 258
There’s nothing more American than eating a hot dog or a brat while rooting on your favorite team on a summer day. But today, ballpark eats are far more sophisticated than peanuts and Cracker Jacks, and that’s what we’re here to talk about today. The chefs from Werner Park join me to discuss the evolution of ballpark food and the ways in which they're incorporating family recipes and ideas to take things to the next level. Follow, rate, and review my podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you...
Aug 08, 2024•41 min•Ep. 257
Herbe Sainte was never supposed to be a restaurant. It was intended to be a New Orleans cocktail bar with a few bites. So how has it grown into Omaha's most beloved destination for Cajun food? Justin tells that story, the insane pivots he and his family had to make, and the wisdom of knowing when a restaurant should bend and adjust in this fantastic conversation. Follow, rate, and review my podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, ...
Aug 01, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 256
After years of working in other bars and restaurants around Omaha, Brady and Evan finally got to open their concept in April 2024—and it was going to be BBQ, their way. But as great as the 'que is at Lazy Buffalo BBQ, it's this duo's attention to the customer experience and making a comfortable gathering space that takes it to the next level. We discuss all that and more in this great conversation! Follow, rate, and review my podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! A...
Jul 25, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 255
Being a restaurant owner and chef is all about adaptability, and we use Sauced's story to highlight chefs' ability to pivot. From learning how to adjust the Sauced by Alfaro menu after moving to a new location to her stories of cooking for hundreds of people on a farm for Battle of the Chefs, Michelle's career has been all about pivots, and it's turned her restaurant into a beloved institution. Follow, rate, and review my podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Also ...
Jul 18, 2024•58 min•Ep. 254
Katina Talley (Sweet Magnolias Bake Shop), Stacey Leick (Buttered Marshmallow), and Kathy Silvey (A Catered Affair) discuss the complex realities of operating a bakery, the science behind baking, and so much more! If you've ever wanted to learn more about baking, this conversation with Omaha's best bakers is perfect for you! Follow, rate, and review my podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND my blog Restaurant Hoppe...
Jul 11, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 253
This year, Tim Nicholson became just the second Omaha chef to be named a finalist for a James Beard Award. The genius chef behind The Boiler Room details those emotions and that experience, the importance he places on mentoring his cooks, what's kept him at The Boiler Room for 14+ years, and more in this fantastic conversation. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital medi...
Jul 04, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 252
After working in a variety of restaurants around Omaha, Sam finally got a chance to open his own place, and Tiny's Pizza Joint is slinging some of the best NY-style slices in the city. Hear the story of how his concept took life, what made him know he wanted to be a chef by age 5, and how community and bringing people together drives him. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and d...
Jun 27, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 251
The best part of a food truck is its adaptability, as a truck allows for an ever-changing menu, hours, location, etc. Nocturnal Eats, the food truck sensation taking over Omaha, takes full advantage of that freedom, as Preston and Sarah share their creativity and culinary prowess through burgers, wings, and a Philly cheesesteak that pays homage to the place they met. You have to hear their story and learn what makes this truck's burgers the stuff of legend! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, I...
Jun 20, 2024•57 min•Ep. 250
As the owner of a burgeoning hot sauce company, few in Omaha know peppers and spice like Timothy. But as our discussion unveils, Volcanic Peppers is about far more than heat. We discuss balancing flavor and flames, how different peppers create canvases for hot sauces, one of VC's sauces appearing on the hit show Hot Ones, and more! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital ...
Jun 13, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 248
