Restaurant Hoppen

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! Sponso...

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, A...

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...

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 i...

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 Hurrda...

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, Tw...

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...

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 ...

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....

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 w...

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 and Beverage) and Jason (Executive Chef) explain how the signature restaurant at the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel is redefining what an Omaha steakhouse can be, from menu conception, guest experience, and indescribable ambience. Also follow up on Facebook,...

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 Frank started. We talk about what makes New York pizza great, the science behind the crust and the ovens, and the unique responsibility of carrying on the legacy of a beloved restaurant after purchasing it. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagra...

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. Hear the story of how this fun-loving bar evolved into one of Omaha's most beloved restaurants.   Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code:...

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 whole new cuisine: Burmese food. Learn more about Burmese noodle soups, perseverance, and the value of being brave and just going for it from Aagya's story. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Cert...

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. But things weren't always so rosy for the restaurant or its owners, who entered the industry with no restaurant experience. Hear Matt and Scott tell the story of how they solved problems, kept fighting, and created an iconic pizza joint. Also follo...

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 decade-long dream of opening his own spot a reality. We also discuss how he's putting modern twists on Indian cuisine, the details that go into bringing a restaurant concept from thoughts to reality, and so much more. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitt...

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 this wildly inventive concept to life, and owner Raechel Van Buskirk describes where the idea came from, how the concept blew up in such a short time, how she keeps inventing her unique flavors, and more! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter,  Instag...

Zen Coffee Company's popularity exploded with the release of coffee flights, but this business was special before the social media sensation. Abby discusses what sets Zen apart, her decision to leave corporate coffee to open her own shop, how Zen started its baking operation, and more! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese....

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 his career and his restaurants, the problem with labeling food as "authentic", the secret behind his restaurants' famous puffy tacos, and more! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Pied...

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 markets and pop-ups, and her line of soups has become a must-have item from HyVee. This food-loving entrepreneur has a story that you don't want to miss! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified...

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's why Muchachos has blossomed from start-up food truck to one of Nebraska's most popular restaurants in just a few years. Hear Nick tell his story, and stay tuned for some exciting Omaha news near the episode's conclusion... Also follow up on Facebook...

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 why the concept of simple food done right makes this a special place. 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...

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 by to talk about how the deal came together and why they're so excited about the new space and how Dirty Birds will evolve in it. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit t...

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 ever-changing menu, how her business grew from a farmers market staple to a brick and mortar establishment that sells out every week, and why "I'm the Hot One" became a crucial rallying cry for the business. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter,  Insta...

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 lumpia!) and hear about what it requires to take a pop-up from idea to execution, including all the on-the-fly adjustments that diners never see. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram, AND my blog Restaurant Hoppen! Sponsored by Certified Piedm...