Restaurant Hoppen

Nicholas Joubert—The 4th Station

14 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 burg...

Chase Thomsen & Jocelyn Ward—Saddle Creek Breakfast Club

07 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

SCBC wants to change the way people think about breakfast. Not only is it applying dinner concepts to breakfast kitchens, but owner Chase Thomsen plan...

Oscar Hernandez—The Corner Kitchen

30 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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, ...

Craig Hoffman—Phyl's Deli

23 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Katie & Noah Mock—Fizzy's Fountain & Liquors

16 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 cockta...

Indalecio Penaloza—La Poblanita

09 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Tony Vacanti—La Casa Pizzaria

02 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tony's grandparents started La Casa, an Omaha institution since 1953, and after beginning his career outside the restaurant industry, he's helping mov...

David Losole—Virtuoso Pizzeria

26 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Omaha's first certified pizzaiolo joins the show to talk all things pizza, restaurant collaboration, mental health, and more. Plus, we discuss some e...

Darrell Auld—Twisted Cork Bistro; Pacific Eating House

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 T...

Noah & Katie Mock—Nite Owl; Fizzy's Fountain & Liquors

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Jon Stastny—Blend Virtual Food Hall

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ve...

Will & Rachel Birge—Mealbox

28 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ex...

Ashley Welch—Fariner Bakery

21 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

From the delightful space to the glorious baked goods and artisanal breads, Fariner Bakery in Ashland is clearly something special. There's a reason t...

Aden Beck & Jim Lesperance—Get Real Sandwiches

14 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 an...

Traci Page—Karma Koffee

07 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 Koff...

Michelle Alfaro—Sauced by Alfaro

31 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Jonathan Taylor—The Modern Waffle

24 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ing...

Peter Bass—The Mercato

17 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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) dishe...

Kris Lamlika & Nils Gjoca; Sofra Creperie

10 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Mike Barstow—Backlot Taphouse; Backlot Pizza & Kitchen

03 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Lola's creators (Clare Watson Bartolomei, Stephen Bartolomei, & Corina Figueroa)

24 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Elizabeth Pooley—Square Donut

17 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Elizabeth Pooley had no restaurant ownership experience when she bit into her first square donut, but the experience was so spectacular she couldn't g...

John Osna & Jason Sirois—The Committee Chophouse

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In a city full of beloved steakhouses, The Committee Chophouse is employing new, unique tactics to stand out from the crowd. John (Director of Food an...

Matt Halligan & Brian Koozer—Frank's Pizzeria

10 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Frank's has become beloved for its authentic NY-style pies, and Matt (owner) and Brian (head pizza maker) are proud to carry on the tradition that Fra...

Karen Barrett & Jack Barrett Jeffrey—Barrett's Barleycorn Pub & Grill

03 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Barrett's was never intended to be a restaurant, but over the years it's become beloved for its phillys, Reubens, and famed pork tenderloin sandwiches...

Aagya Subedi—Kathmandu Momo Station

27 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Three years ago, Aagya had no restaurant experience. Now she's started a pop-up, is the partner of a thriving restaurant, and introduced Omaha to a wh...

Matt & Scott Egermayer—Lighthouse Pizza & Fries

20 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Lighthouse has carved out its niche in the crowded Omaha pizza scene with gigantic slices, crazy fry combos, a drive-thru, and the epic Sparky's slice...

Diwesh Bhattarai—Saffron Urban Indian Kitchen

13 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Executive Chef and co-owner of one of Omaha's newest restaurants, Diwesh Bhattarai describes the risks and long road he had to take to make this d...

Raechel Van Buskirk—Deviled Egg Co.

06 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What if I told you deviled eggs could taste like a Reuben, pulled pork sandwich, or even a sushi roll, and they'd be delicious? Deviled Egg Co. brings...

Abby McLeay—Zen Coffee Company

30 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Zen Coffee Company's popularity exploded with the release of coffee flights, but this business was special before the social media sensation. Abby dis...

Michael Sanchez—Taco Co.; Mula; Maria's

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The owner of three of Omaha's hottest taco joints, Michael knows a few things about Mexican food and running a restaurant. We discuss the evolution of...

Meghan McLarney—Gravy Train; Omaha Soup Company

16 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You won't find many people who work harder or love food more than Meghan. Her elevated takes on biscuits and gravy routinely sell out at farmers marke...

Nick Maestas—Muchachos

09 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Take some of the best smoked brisket and chicken you'll find in the state and stuff it into burritos and tacos—sounds like a great idea, right? That...

Tyler Thiesen and Adam Mallory—Everett's

02 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Built on a foundation of family, Everett's has quickly become one of Omaha's most buzzed about restaurants. Hear the story of how it came together and...

Dirty Birds Crew—Moses Moseley, Mike West, & Dan Whalen

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Omaha's fried chicken sandwich king has big news! Dirty Birds will be opening a 2nd location in the historic Flatiron building, and the guys stopped b...

Kate Anderson—Carter & Rye

18 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Flaky, buttery, nostalgic goodness... what's not to love about hand pies?! And no one makes them better than Carter & Rye. Hear how Kate creates the e...

Karlo Cruz—Kalye

11 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Omaha had no idea what it was missing with Filipino food until Karlo started his new pop-up, Kalye. Learn more about this cuisine (especially the lump...

TJ Holzapfel—The Rude Shrimp Co.

04 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A trip to Hawaii led to a roadside shrimp stand which led to opening a food truck and then a full-service restaurant. The story behind The Rude Shrimp...

Katina Talley—Sweet Magnolia's Bake Shop

02 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katina Talley moved out of a lucrative career to do what she loved: bake! Ever since she opened Sweet Magnolia's in 2016, Omahans have greatly benefit...

Gary Hughes—Hospitality Director at the Open Door Mission

28 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A former chef and kitchen manager, Gary nearly had his life destroyed by alcohol and addiction. But then he found the Open Door Mission, where he redi...

Nick Bartholomew, owner of Over Easy, Dandelion Pop-Up, B&G Tasty Foods

21 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This man is ubiquitous in the Omaha food scene, so we have a lot of topics to hit on! We talk the future of B&G, brunch at the Flatiron, pop-ups, and ...

Travis Dunekacke—TD Niche Pork

14 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Bacon. Ham. Ribs. Who doesn't love pork? The owner of one of Nebraska's most respected pork producers discusses how he turned a part-time side hustle ...

Troy & Katie Gaines—Chicago Dog 42

07 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There's nothing quite like Chicago Dog 42 in Omaha, from its delicious, Windy City-inspired dishes to the wild story that led its owners to Omaha to o...

Wine Pod! with Nicola Biscardo & Nick Strawhecker

30 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Wanna learn how to pair food with wine? Or delve into the differences between old world and new world wines? Nicola (the owner of Nicola Biscardo Sele...

Michael Rhoades—culinary consultant at Sysco

28 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We take a trip through Michael's winding career to learn about all aspects of the hospitality industry, including opening a restaurant, teaching at cu...

Wilson Calixte—Le Voltaire

23 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Le Voltaire's new owner is using food and service to tell history—both his and that of his native country, Haiti—in a unique and eye-opening ways....

René Guzmán—Little Ve's

16 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When he couldn't find Latin vegan food anywhere in Omaha, René decided to make it himself. Hear the story about how Little Ve's evolved from René ...

Joel Marsh—Owner of Noli's Pizzeria and Ansel's Pastrami and Bagels

09 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Joel Marsh fell in love with NY-style pizza, pastrami, and bagels that the Omaha native had to recreate them for himself at home. Listen to him tell t...

Alfredo & Alexis Hernandez—El Alambre

02 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What makes Mexican food authentic? Let's ask a native of Mexico City who's bringing amazing Mexican cuisine to Omaha! The owners of El Alambre talk ab...

Jon Stastny—Wonton Jon's

26 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The owner of the Wonton Jon's food truck is raw and real. He honestly describes the joys and struggles that come from working in the restaurant indust...

Chelsie Schroeder—The Bubbly Tart

19 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In just a few years, The Bubbly Tart arose from an idea in Schroeder's mind to a brick-and-mortar establishment serving some of Omaha's best confectio...

Tony Incontro—founder of Incontro Cured and head butcher and salumist at Casa Bovina

12 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Few menu in America know more about the art of salumi and cured meats than Tony Incontro. His knowledge and passion for charcuterie and sausage are un...

Andrew Novak & Collin Kentopp - creators of All in Thyme & cooks at The Boiler Room

05 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a wide-ranging interview, two of The Boiler Room’s best cooks discuss the process of starting their own business, operating pop-ups, how rare it ...

Ashish & Kim Sathyan—Kinaara

29 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The owners of Omaha's hot Indian restaurant discuss how to get diners to expand their boundaries and try new things, what makes Indian cuisine (and th...

Casa Bovina Crew: Jordan Reed, Zach Midgett, & Todd Abboud

22 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Lincoln isn't viewed as a dining destination, but the team at Casa Bovina is working hard to change that. Chefs Zach and Todd bring their experience f...

John Engler—Avoli

15 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A lifelong restaurant veteran, John discusses what he's learned along the various stops in his career, including stints at V. Mertz, The Grey Plume, B...

Jeanne & Joe Pittack—Ted & Wally's

08 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The co-owners of one of Omaha's most beloved ice cream parlors talk about why their ice cream is different than any in the city, how they come up with...

Thou Chum & Brittani Button—Yeak Sauce

01 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Yeak Sauce's Cambodian roots make it truly unlike any hot sauce I've ever tried. On this episode, its Omaha distributors talk about what makes the sau...

Lindy Pearson—V. Mertz

24 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

One of the most talented pastry chefs in the state, Lindy describes the different elements that go into making a great dessert, the path that led her ...

Todd Simon—Omaha Steaks

17 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The CEO and Chairman of Omaha Steaks stops by to talk about how the company has evolved into an international powerhouse, its greatest advantage over ...

Matt Vrzal — Piezon's Pizzeria

10 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

No one has more stories than Matt, Piezon's owner, and he's always willing to share. Hear about the ways he mentors and grows employees, how the "Perf...

John Davis—Le Bouillon

08 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The chef de cuisine at Le Bouillon pulls back the curtain on kitchen life, the insane balance of protein cookery (just wait 'til you hear how he proce...

Travis Liebig—Sunnyside on Center

03 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Travis never worked in the restaurant industry before opening Sunnyside on Center in February, but that hasn't stopped it from becoming one of Omaha's...

Richard Mendoza—El Arepon

27 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After moving to Omaha from Venezuela, Richard Mendoza finally took the leap and began serving traditional Venezuelan cuisine to his new home. Adoption...

Dan Whalen, Moses Moseley, & Mike West—Dirty Birds (05/20/21)

20 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Get the inside scoop on the fried chicken joint that's taking Omaha by storm. The owners discuss what makes their chicken special, the craziness of th...

Jesús Iñiguez—Icniuhtli; Archetype Coffee (05/13/21)

13 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Already one of Omaha's most talented coffee professional, Jesús now operates one an up-and-coming Mexican pop-up that has sold out in under an hour...

Isaiah Sheese—Archetype Coffee (05/06/21)

06 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Turns out, there's a lot more that goes into making a great coffee shop than fantastic coffee. The owner of Archetype describes the process of opening...

Lee Franklin—A Taste of New Orleans (04/29/21)

29 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When Lee Franklin moved to Omaha from New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, he couldn't find the Cajun food he loved from back home, so he started ...

Lindsey & Justin Raikes—Raikes Beef Co (04/22/21)

22 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Raikes Farm had been around for more than a century, but Justin (the 5th generation in the business) and Lindsey knew it could evolve. Hear the story ...

Restaurant Roundtable: Ben Maides, Tim Maides, and Chovy (04/15/21)

15 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Three of Omaha's most talented chefs convene to discuss and banter about industry topics, including the unique challenges most diners don't understand...

Collin Adkisson—Mootz (04/08/21)

08 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The owner of the Mootz pizza truck discusses the importance of cooking the food he want to cook, how he's developed his new business over the past yea...

Christian Brabec—Good Lookin' (04/01/21)

01 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The owner of one of Omaha's newest and hottest brunch joints explains why chose to open a restaurant (especially during a pandemic), what makes Good L...

Patrick McCracken—Pacific Eating House (03/25/21)

25 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After taking five years away from the restaurant industry, Patrick McCracken was recently named as the new executive chef at Pacific Eating House. We ...

Stacey Leick—Buttered Marshmallow (03/18/21)

18 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When Stacey left her corporate job to pursue her passions of golfing and baking, she had no idea that her cake business would blow up like it has. But...

Tim Nicholson—The Boiler Room (03/11/2021)

11 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

One of Omaha's best chefs opens up on the pros and cons of The Boiler Room's one-of-a-kind open kitchen, the steep learning curve he faced when he fir...

John Benton—Champion's Run Country Club (03/04/2021)

04 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a wide-ranging and fascinating conversation, the executive chef at Champion's Run discusses the differences between a career as a restaurant chef a...

Josh Foo, food photographer and co-founder of Right Here, Right Now (02/25/21)

25 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Omaha's premier photographer discusses how he got out of chef life and into photography, working with celebrity chefs like Bobby Flay and Shirley Chun...

Brian Langbehn & Katie Arant-Chapman—Coneflower Creamery (02/18/21)

18 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Omaha's signature ice cream parlor didn't come to be by accident. Hear how the co-owners develop their unique flavors, the thought process behind thei...

Brooke Nicole Williams and Adolfo Gutierrez—Block 16 (02/11/21)

11 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Two of Block 16's finest line cooks describe how the restaurant comes up with its jaw-dropping specials, how they feel empowered by Block 16 to enhanc...

Kendra Hudson, Central Nebraska Buffalo (02/04/21)

04 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Why is bison blowing up? Kendra chats about the meat's growing popularity and its amazing benefits, the struggles and blessings of starting a new busi...

Dan Watts, Culinary Consultant for Sysco (01/28/21)

28 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

He's worked at several of Omaha's best restaurants. He's been featured on the Food Network. He's a BBQ savant. And he brought bourbon to the show! Dan...

Kevin Shinn, Chef at bread&cup (01/21/21)

21 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How does someone with no experience in the restaurant industry created one of Lincoln's most beloved establishments at age 41? And why, when business ...

Cupcake Island owners Melany Dean & Crystal Ryczko (01/14/21)

14 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

These sisters finally achieved a lifelong dream when they purchased Cupcake Island in 2018, but they had no idea the emotional joy it would bring them...

Kane Adkisson—kano (1/07/21)

07 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The creator of Omaha's most well-known fine-dining pop-up discusses how he created the concept, the unique family traditions that shaped his love for ...

Dan Reid, Double Zero Pizzeria (12/30/20)

30 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Let's talk pizza! Dan Reid talks about opening his new pizza joint, Double Zero Pizza, and what he learned from the successes and failures of his prev...

Drew Statz, Dante (12/23/20)

23 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Let's talk about brunch! The new executive chef at Dante discusses how Dante's team created a successful brunch menu in one week and what makes brunch...

Mentoring in the Kitchen, with Glenn Wheeler and Danny Flores (12/17/20)

17 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Glenn Wheeler, the executive chef at Spencer's for Steaks and Chops, and Danny Flores, Glenn's former cook and now sous chef at The Boiler Room, discu...

Concession Stand Makeover with Roncalli's Dan Vacek & Alex McCoy (12/10/20)

10 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Concession stand food is typically an afterthought at most high schools, a humble collection of stale popcorn and gray hamburgers. But that's not the ...

John Rea— Via Farina (12/3)

03 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The executive chef at Via Farina discusses the painstaking process of creating standout Neapolitan pizza, how he and his team took a crash course in I...

Jake Newton and Amanda Sheeler—V. Mertz (11/25/20)

25 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The executive chef and sous chef talk about how healthy kitchens give all cooks a voice, the power and responsibility of the diner, the pros and cons ...

Matt Moser—Stirnella; Butterfish (11/19/20)

19 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The executive chef of Stirnella and Butterfish talks about the heyday of The Market House, what it's like to conceptualize and open a restaurant, how ...

Nick Strawhecker—Dante (11/12/20)

12 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's not often you get to chat Italian food with one of the best chefs in Omaha. Nick and I discuss the glory of wood-fire ovens, Neapolitan-style piz...

Jake Newton—V. Mertz (11/5/20)

05 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The executive chef at one of Omaha’s best restaurants discusses how V. Mertz’s creative dishes are conceptualized and created, , how the Omaha res...

Au Courant Staff Summit (10/29/20)

29 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Three members of the Au Courant staff discuss how the restaurant's weekly menu is planned, why food media doesn't always paint an accurate picture of ...

Dan Whalen & Moses Moseley—Kitchen Table (10/22/20)

22 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Two chefs from Kitchen Table talk about the importance of having a "family" atmosphere in the kitchen, the difficulty and beauty of scratch-making foo...

Kristina Lee—Nice Rollz (10/15/20)

15 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Breakfast Egg Rolls. Spicy Bulgogi Burgers. Gochujang Sloppy Joes. When COVID hit in March 2020 and Kristina Lee's travel-heavy job was put on hiatus,...

Dario Schicke—Dario's Brasserie; Avoli (10/08/20)

08 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This was one for the ages! One of the legends of the Omaha culinary community, Dario discusses the long, winding road that brought him to Omaha, initi...

Anthony Caniglia—Au Courant (10/01/20)

01 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The chef de cuisine at Au Courant discusses his new role, how he worked his way up the ladder, the origin story behind Chovy's egg, and what makes Au ...

Nick Poulos—Feta's Greek Restaurant (09/24/20)

24 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The owner of Feta's discusses what makes a great gyro, the brilliance of Greek cuisine, growing up in a kitchen, and more! Subscribe, rate, and revie...

Nick Bartholomew—Dandelion Pop-Up (09/17/20)

17 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dandelion Pop-Up has changed the Omaha food scene by connecting chefs and diners and creating a unique experience you won't find anywhere else in the ...