Restaurant Hoppen

Two food truck veterans had a crazy/brilliant idea: to create a food truck hub that not only attracted customers in droves, but also helped incubate young food trucks. Thus Trucks & Taps was born, and it provides something unique and awesome that the Omaha food scene has never seen before. You'll hear the origin story, what it takes to start a food truck, why food truck culture has caught on, and...

The Ozmun family basically grew up at Dairy Chef, so when the opportunity to buy the iconic drive-in in 2013, they couldn't pass it up. Hear the story of how the family not only preserved the legacy of awesome ice cream, but also leveled up Dairy Chef's food game and took it to a whole new level. Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen.com! Sponsored by Certified P...

An Omaha institution since 1938, Lisa's Radial Cafe is one of the city's most beloved restaurants. Owner/manager Jennifer talks about what it was like to grow up in the restaurant when her mom owned it, what the transition was like when she took over, how a sense of "found family" is interwoven into the restaurant, and more! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram, AND at RestaurantHoppen....

With no restaurant experience but a burning desire to cook, Zach Bridges used some shifts on other food trucks to gain the skills needed to start his own. The result is a truck selling arguably the best fried chicken sandwich in the city. Hear more about his story, what makes this sandwich legendary, and more on this great episode! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram, AND at Restaurant...

When Ashley Miller started making macarons out of her kitchen in early 2020, she had no idea it would blow up into a burgeoning business! The owner of Sweet Ash Macs details her journey, her first time trying macarons (it wasn't a good one!), why these confections are so difficult to make, the inspiration behind her unique flavors, and more! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram, AND at ...

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 m...

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 Fa...

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...

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,...

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,  Insta...

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 (br...

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, ...

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 im...

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...

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...

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! Sponsor...

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! Spon...

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 Restauran...

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!...

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 Face...

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 Pi...

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...

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! Spo...

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: HOP...

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...