Restaurant Hoppen

Culinary School Truths with Brian O'Malley

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000

There are a lot of debates about the state of culinary school in America, and as Metro CC's Dean of Hospitality & Horticulture, Brian O'Malley has heard them all. In a wide-ranging conversation, we discuss the debate of attending culinary school versus learning solely in professional kitchens, the state of leadership in modern kitchens and avoiding toxicity, the importance of Metro's on-site restaurant, and so much more.

References:

Metro Community College – https://www.metro.edu Sage Student Bistro – https://www.metro.edu/sage-student-bistro ProStart Competition – https://www.prostart.americanculinaryfoundation.org

This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Intro: One of Omaha’s Most Influential Culinary Leaders

00:00:57 – Meet Brian O’Malley (Metro Community College)

00:03:57 – Culinary School vs Restaurant Experience (The Real Answer)

00:08:45 – Why “Learning How to Learn” Changes Everything

00:13:30 – How Chefs Actually Improve (The Scallop Example)

00:18:20 – Why Metro’s Culinary Program Stands Out

00:23:00 – Why Guests Matter More Than Grades in Restaurants

00:27:30 – Inside Sage Student Bistro (Student-Run Restaurant)

00:32:45 – Bridging the Gap: Classroom vs Real Kitchen Pressure

00:38:40 – Toxic Kitchen Culture & Leadership Problems

00:45:30 – What Makes a Great Chef (Hint: It’s Not Cooking)

00:50:00 – Building Better Kitchens Through Leadership

00:54:30 – What Every Culinary Graduate Should Know

01:00:00 – Final Thoughts: The Future of Restaurants

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Breaking Down Omaha's Sandwich Scene (LIVE)

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000

3 chefs from beloved Omaha sandwich restaurants joined me to discuss why sandwiches are so universally loved. Paul Urban (Block 16), Chloe Tran-Thompson (The Banh Mi Shop), and Andrew Novak (All In Thyme Bakery & Cafe) discuss why sandwiches are so closely tied to memory, the art of sandwich construction, choosing the right bread for a particular sandwich, the craziest sandwiches they've created, and more!

References

All In Thyme – https://www.allintimerestaurant.com Banh Mi Shop – https://www.banhmishopomaha.com Block 16 – https://www.block16.com

This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Intro & Teaser 00:01:44 – What is a Sandwich? 00:08:22 – Passion for Sandwiches 00:16:46 – Signature Sandwiches 00:23:31 – The Key to an Elite Sandwich 00:27:15 – Sandwich Construction 00:40:36 – Longevity & Legacy 00:47:32 – Let’s Talk Bread 00:53:05 – The Right Sauce 00:55:32 – Quick Hitters & Wrap-up

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Hospitality Academy w/ Matt Brown (V. Mertz)

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000

If Omaha had a hospitality Mount Rushmore, Matt Brown's face would be chiseled onto it. The GM of V. Mertz joined me to discuss how he and his team customize the restaurant experience for each individual guest, how he's helped keep a beloved, classic Omaha restaurant modern and current without alienating original customers, what an advanced sommelier wine exam entails, and so much more.

If you want to understand what goes into a restaurant experience beyond the food (we talk plenty of food, too!), this is a must-listen episode.

Learn more about V. Mertz:
https://www.vmertz.com/

This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Intro & Teaser

00:00:57 – Welcome to the Show, Matt!

00:03:57 – “Reading the Guests”

00:11:15 – V. Mertz, Then & Now

00:17:45 – Restaurant Collaboration

00:23:49 – Turnover Learning Curve

00:23:49 – Wine Exams

00:31:57 – Kitchen & Front of House Communication

00:44:15 – General Manager at 21

00:50:24 – Tips to Become a Better Diner

00:53:51 – Wrap-Up

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Omaha's Candy Extraordinaire: Tessa Porter (Sprinkk)

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Candy may seem simple, but nailing the textures and flavors of your favorite gummies and chews is actually a deeply scientific process. That's where people like Tessa come in, as her company, Sprinkk, not only helps brands bring their candy dreams to life, but has also started producing its own gummy products. The knowledge she drops in this conversation will blow your mind; you'll never look at candy the same way again!

🌐 Learn more about Sprink:
https://www.sprinkk.com/

This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Intro & Teaser

00:00:58 – Candy Science!

00:08:02 – Two Sides to Sprink

00:15:56 – Success Stories in Candy

00:23:49 – Sprink’s Show & Tell

00:31:56 – Find the Product!

00:36:51 – Working at Hershey

00:39:37 – Coming Back to Omaha

00:47:20 – Husker Gummies & the Future

00:51:53 – Wrap-Up

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A New Level of Ramen in Omaha w/ Ken & Aki Ota (Crafted Ramen Mi So La Do)

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Ken Ota has a goal of bringing traditional Japanese ramen to America and, after years of teaching ramen school and consulting, he's opened his own shop in Omaha. Everything from the soups to the noodles and oils is made in house, and Omaha can't get enough of this new restaurant! Ken & Aki describe what those first few weeks in Omaha were like and what makes them so passionate about spreading legit ramen in America.

Learn more about Mi So La Do:
https://www.facebook.com/p/Misolado-61584155314599/

This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Intro & Teaser

00:01:07 – Welcome to the Show

00:05:54 – Homemade Everything & Stellar Hospitality

00:13:38 – A Menu Focused on Flavor

00:22:26 – Pop-Ups & Special Events

00:30:11 – Coming to America

00:44:16 – Coming to Omaha

00:51:28 – The Future of Crafted Ramen

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Witney Stanley—Sous Chef at V. Mertz

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Just a few years out of culinary school and already the sous chef at one of Omaha's most beloved fine dining restaurants, Witney has a passion for cooking, hospitality, and mentoring that few can match. We talked about cooking competitions and how they shaped Witney's career, how a dish comes together at V. Mertz's, how Witney found her culinary voice, and so much more!

📍 V. Mertz Downtown Omaha
https://www.vmertz.com/

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Intro & Teaser

00:00:57 – Welcome to the Show, Witney!

00:08:51 – Special Dishes

00:13:47 – What Does a Sous Chef Do?

00:23:15 – Culinary Arts Championships

00:35:30 – Dandelion Project

00:44:42 – The Supper Club Dinner

00:49:54 – Final Questions & Wrap-Up

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Omaha OG Chefs Discuss the Evolution of Omaha's Dining Scene

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Omaha's culinary landscape has changed drastically in the last 15-20 years. Jenny Coco, Glenn Wheeler, and Paul Kulik have managed Omaha restaurants through it all, and they joined me to discuss the pain points when they got into the industry, how they helped guests get out of their comfort zones, and how Omaha's restaurants have evolved.

References

Paul Kulik – https://www.libuyan.com Jenny Coco – https://www.lindenhouseomaha.com Glenn Wheeler – https://www.spencerssteaks.com James Beard Foundation – https://www.jamesbeard.org Metro Community College – https://www.mccneb.edu

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Intro & Teaser 00:01:47 – Let’s Meet the Chefs! 00:05:04 – Last 15 Years of Omaha’s Food Scene 00:12:47 – Bringing Chefs to Omaha 00:34:27 – James Beard Nominees 00:41:43 – Omaha’s National Recognition 00:51:45 – Leadership in Restaurants 00:57:27 – The Future of Omaha Dining

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Matt & Simone Weber—Table Grace Cafe

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Table Grace Cafe doesn't exist solely to feed people; it exists to empower them and nourish their souls. That's why there are no prices on the menu. Matt & Simone encourage guests to pay whatever they can or volunteer at the cafe. We talked through the whole journey and how the Webers created this unique concept, how music is intertwined with the cafe's DNA, and the relationships and community that have formed inside its walls.

📍 Table Grace Cafe Downtown Omaha | Pay-What-You-Can Dining Website: tablegracecafe.com

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Intro & Teaser

00:01:15 – What Is Table Grace’s Mission?

00:09:45 – Community Impact

00:21:04 – The Gospel Brunch

00:25:20 – The Menu

00:35:22 – The Leap of Faith

00:44:05 – Table Grace’s Legacy

00:49:07 – Table Grace, the Musical

01:01:01 – Wrap-Up

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Jeff Gorat—J. Gorat's Deli + Market

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000

One of Omaha's newest sensations is part small market, part sandwich shop, and as the massive following indicates, Omaha can't get enough of J. Gorat's Deli + Market. Owner Jeff Gorat joined the show to talk about the art of building sandwiches, how his upbringing at Omaha's famous Gorat's Steakhouse influences him now, and how he sources great local products for the market.

J. Gorat’s Deli & Market
https://www.facebook.com/people/JGorats-Deli-Market/61580831277359/

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Intro & Teaser 00:00:59 – Welcome to the Show! 00:06:26 – The Sandwich Demand 00:18:53 – Sourcing for the Market 00:24:03 – The Menu 00:44:36 – Culinary Influences 00:54:05 – Final Questions & Wrap-up

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Joe Sasto—Food Network star, culinary innovator, and creator of Ripi and Tantos

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Joe has cooked in three-star Michelin kitchens, competed on two seasons of Top Chef, is a social media star with nearly 500K followers on Instagram, has created two delicious consumer packaged goods, and is a regular as both a competitor and a judge on Food Network... and he came on the podcast to discuss it all! I've been a massive fan of Joe for years, and the mustachioed pasta savant gave me one of the best food conversations I've ever had. You can't miss this episode!

Find Joe Sasto: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chef.joe.sasto/ Website: https://www.joesasto.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chefjoesasto

Joe’s Brands: Tantos! – https://www.eattantos.com/ Ripi – https://ripifoods.com/

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Intro & Teaser

00:00:58 – Welcome to the Show, Joe!

00:03:15 – Ranch as a Dipper

00:06:43 – Evolution of the Term “Chef”

00:15:23 – Overcoming Doubts

00:17:29 – Being a Celebrity Chef

00:23:44 – Joe Sasto’s Culinary POV

00:29:35 – “Breaking the Rules”

00:39:55 – Joe’s Early Career

00:46:40 – Current Pursuits

00:48:53 – Tantos!

00:56:44 – Final Questions & Wrap-Up

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Front of House & Hospitality All-Stars

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000

So often we talk about restaurants in terms of food, but so much of your experience at a restaurant has nothing to do with what you eat. It's all about how a restaurant makes you feel, and that's what Matthew Brown (V. Mertz), Melissa Barnett (Semo Pasta + Wine), and Ron Mettler (Dante) discussed with me on this panel. We talked about ways to go above and beyond to delight guests, the magic of delivering above expectations, whether the customer is "always right", and so much more!

This was one of the most eye-opening conversations I've had on the podcast. As much as I love food, talking about the experience was truly special and helped me understand restaurants on a whole new level.

Featured Restaurants:

V. Mertz – https://www.vmertz.com/ Semo Pasta + Wine – https://www.semofremont.com/ Dante – https://www.danteomaha.com/

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Intro & Teaser 00:01:01 Hospitality Makes the Biggest Impression 00:03:50 Hospitality vs. Service 00:13:35 Is Hospitality Selfish? 00:21:01 Guest Expectations 00:28:59 The “Wow” Factor 00:39:14 Is the Customer Always Right? 00:55:13 Evolution of Food Service

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Ismara Gonzalez—Isla Del Mar

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Just a few years ago, Ismara Gonzalez was running a struggling health-conscious food company. Now she's the Chef/Owner of Isla Del Mar, a restaurant with three locations that beautifully blends seafood and Mexican cuisines and offers creative touches on sushi and ramen. To understand how her life changed so dramatically, you need to hear her story! We discussed how Ismara sources fresh seafood for an Omaha restaurant, the critical comments from a culinary school instructor that changed her life, and her journey from humble beginnings to a thriving restaurant sensation.

Isla Del Mar Restaurant – https://isladelmarrestaurante.com/

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HurrdatMedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat Media YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ channel!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Intro & Teaser 00:01:05 – Blending Mexican & Seafood Together 00:11:08 – Creative Menu Options 00:19:49 – Sourcing Seafood & Maintaining Tradition 00:29:30 – Cooking Origins 00:42:45 – Community Response 00:54:52 – An Inviting Environment 00:56:48 – Final Questions & Wrap-up

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Erik "Ricco" Thomas—Johnny Ricco's Brooklyn Pizza

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Ricco's life has taken him in all kinds of directions: he served in Iraq, started a catering company in New York, worked as a private chef on a yacht, spent time at Mario Batali's restaurant... so how on earth did he end up operating a pizza food truck in Omaha?! The story is wild, and you have to hear it! Ricco's has been blessing Omaha with legit NY-style slices since 2015, but big changes could be coming soon, and you don't want to miss anything this guy (or his truck) is involved with.

Johnny Ricco’s Brooklyn Pizza
https://johnnyriccos.com/

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HurrdatMedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat Media YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ channel!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser 00:01:23 - What is Johnny Ricco Pizza? 00:10:20 - You Gotta Try This Pizza! 00:19:47 - Erik’s Cooking History 00:27:52 - Feeding First Responders During 9/11 00:34:47 - Versatility in Cooking 00:42:19 - Erik’s Military Service 00:53:01 - Omaha’s Pizza Scene 00:57:32 - Wrap-up

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Andrew Novak & Cheyanne Loeffler - All In Thyme

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Andrew & Cheyanne aren’t just building a business together; they’re continuing the legacy of a lost friend and making some incredible and food along the way. The couple discusses running a restaurant concept together, the art of sandwich construction, the allure of bread baking, and what the future holds for this budding business.

🔗 Visit All In Thyme:
https://all-in-thyme.com/

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HurrdatMedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat Media YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ channel!

⏱ Episode Chapters 00:00:00 – Intro & Teaser 00:00:56 – What is All In Thyme, Omaha? 00:04:08 – How Did Andrew & Cheyanne Meet? 00:10:35 – All About the Bread! 00:18:38 – Peanut Butter on a BLT 00:26:25 – Origins 00:34:39 – Nostalgia Through Food 00:42:22 – Taking Social Media by Storm 00:48:13 – The Cooking Couple 00:54:09 – Final Questions & Wrap-up

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Brian Bendams—Funny Bone Comedy Club

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000

What's it like to be the Executive Chef at a comedy club? It's a question most people don't know the answer too, which is why I loved having this conversation with Brian. We talked about how to "chef up" burgers and chicken tenders, the various requests famous comedians make, preparing for potential "Chopped" appearances, the value of cooking school, and the social toll working in restaurants takes on cooks' lives. It's a wide-ranging conversation that opened my eyes in several ways.

📍 Omaha Funny Bone
https://omaha.funnybone.com/

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HurrdatMedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat Media YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ channel!

⏱ Episode Chapters 00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser 00:00:42 - Welcome Brian! 00:09:01 - The New Location & Menu 00:21:13 - Elevating Standard Dishes 00:25:33 - Feeding the Stars 00:30:40 - Brian’s Cooking Origin 00:37:12 - No More Empty Pots 00:43:34 - Urban, Local Farming 00:53:14 - Final Questions & Wrap-up

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Blake Barnes - Bronco’s Hamburgers

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Bronco’s has served some of Omaha’s favorite fast food since 1959. So how did it become so beloved originally? What has allowed it to thrive when other iconic restaurants have closed? And how did Blake Barnes, the General Manager and grandson of founder Billy Barnes, get up to speed as he took over the family business? We discuss all that and much more!

Order Today: Broncos Hamburgers
https://broncoburgers.com/

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HurrdatMedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat Media YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ channel!

Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser 00:01:04 - Nebraska’s First Fast Food Place! 00:08:12 - Balancing Tradition with Innovation 00:15:22 - Speed of Service & Fresh Ingredients 00:27:04 - Taking Over the Family Business 00:31:10 - Who Was Bronco Billy? 00:45:06 - Menu Changes 00:58:26 - Wrap-up

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Food Network Competition TV w/ Clayton Chapman, Michelle Alfaro, & Larissa Codr

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Food competition TV shows are fun, but what are they like behind the scenes? Three Omaha chefs/bakers who've competed on Food Network dish on the behind-the-scenes details that we don't see on camera for a fascinating conversation!

Episode References

Food Network — https://www.foodnetwork.com Supermarket Stakeout — https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/supermarket-stakeout Beat Bobby Flay — https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/beat-bobby-flay Christmas Cookie Challenge — https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/christmas-cookie-challenge Sauce While Alfaro — https://saucewhilealfaro.com Noble Hospitality — https://noblehospitality.com The Finicky Cookie — https://thefinickycookie.com

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HurrdatMedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat Media YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ channel!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Intro & Teaser 00:01:23 – The Food Network Party 00:08:51 – Show Prep & Getting Casted 00:17:14 – Themes & Improvisation 00:24:07 – Calming the Nerves 00:34:54 – Hold-Over Time Challenges 00:44:02 – Physical Challenges 00:55:05 – Advice for Future Competitors 00:58:29 – Final Question & Wrap-up

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Carlos Cuevas & Gillian Cromwell-Cuevas—Masa Luna

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000

When Carlos decided to make tamales for his own wedding a few years ago, he had no idea he was starting down the road to a thriving restaurant. Those tamales led to a tamale delivery business, which blew up so quickly that it blossomed into a brick and mortar restaurant that is consistently packed with diners excited to try this couple's "authentic-ish" takes on tamales, tacos, tortas, and more. Hear the story of Masa Luna's rapid rise and the way Carlos and Gillian have leaned on the wonderful people around them to make it to this point.

Masa Luna – https://masaluna.com/

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HurrdatMedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat Media YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ channel!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Intro & Teaser 00:01:36 – What is Masa Luna? 00:06:50 – The Love of Tamales 00:12:48 – Signature Offerings 00:21:35 – Amazing Staff & Culture 00:26:34 – Cocktails 00:38:03 – Creative Tamales 00:47:51 – Restaurant Lessons

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Doug Case & LaRue Marcos—Ooh De Lally

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Ooh De Lally is a restaurant serving great food, but its mission goes much deeper. It partners with Metro CC to help formerly incarcerated individuals get jobs, skills, and training to get back in the work force. LaRue knows firsthand how difficult that life can be, and Chef Doug and the rest of the Ooh De Lally team treated him differently and embraced him. Hear LaRue's story and get an inside sense of how Ooh De Lally's program gives new life to its participants.

Ooh De Lally
https://www.oohdelally.org/

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HurrdatMedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat Media YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ channel!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Intro & Teaser 00:01:32 – What Makes Ooh De Lally Special? 00:11:58 – A Restaurant that Cares 00:20:07 – Personal Growth 00:26:27 – First Months of Training 00:35:11 – Friends & Family Night 00:45:50 – Dispelling Stereotypes 00:53:06 – The Redemption Feast 00:57:11 – Final Question & Wrap-up

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How Does Restaurant Design Affect Both the Guest and Chef Experience?

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000

So much of a restaurant experience is defined before a bite of food is served, as the atmosphere, vibe, and design of a restaurant set the tone for the guest. Omaha veteran restaurateurs Carlos Mendez (Au Courant; Dolomiti), Tom Allisma (Flagship Restaurant Group), and Sagar Gurung (Kathmandu Momo Station; Cattle Call) discuss the ins and outs and restaurant design and architecture and the way restaurants can set themselves up for success.

Episode References

Kathmandu – https://www.kathmandurestaurant.com Momo Station – https://www.momostationomaha.com Saffron Urban Indian Kitchen – https://www.saffronurban.com Cattle Call – https://www.cattlecallomaha.com Bluejays Sushi – https://www.bluejayssushi.com Roja – https://www.rojaomaha.com Blatt – https://www.blattbeer.com Ghost Donkey – https://www.ghostdonkey.com Flagship Commons – https://www.flagshipcommons.com Plank – https://www.plankomaha.com Champagne Lanes – https://www.champagnelanes.com Memoir – https://www.memoiromaha.com Cleo – https://www.cleorestaurant.com Dolomiti Pizzeria – https://www.dolomitepizzeria.com Ruby Rotisserie Urban Bistro – https://www.rubyurbanbistro.com España – https://www.espanaomaha.com Hunger Block – https://www.hungerblock.com V. Mertz – https://www.vmertz.com Boiler Room – https://www.boilerroomomaha.com

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HurrdatMedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat Media YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ channel!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser

00:04:26 - Restaurant Design Affecting Guest Experiences

00:16:34 - Focal Points & Pros/Cons of Open Kitchen Concepts

00:32:09 - Layout Design & Restaurant Balance

00:42:57 - Lighting

00:59:01 - Wrap-up

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Elizabeth & Jack Pooley—Square Donut

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000

When Elizabeth decided to open a donut shop in Omaha, she had no idea the trials and hardships to come. But she and her son Jack fought through tremendous hardship both in and outside the business to create a donut shop that few—if any—in Omaha can rival. We talked about the science behind what makes these donuts unique, why Square Donut places such a high priority on hospitality, and how the rough road has helped form not only Square Donut, but who Elizabeth and Jack are as people and family.

Bite into Square Donut Today!

https://www.squaredonutomaha.com/

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HurrdatMedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat Media YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ channel!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser 00:01:20 - 5 Years of Squared Donuts! 00:13:13 - The Donut Making Process 00:21:00 - What Sets Square Donut Apart from the Rest? 00:29:28 - D2Donuts (The Precursor) 00:36:50 - How to Make a Successful Business 00:43:02 - First Year Open 00:55:08 - A Rewarding Creation & Wrap-up

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John & Seth Quiring—Le Quartier

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Le Quartier has become Omaha and Lincoln's go-to spot for bread and pastries, but the path that led these brothers to open their bakery nearly 20 years ago is one neither saw coming. Hear how a random interest in baking, an apartment in Montreal, and a baguette-attached resume led to a bread supplier that many Omahans (and Omaha restaurants) couldn't live without.

Check Out Le Quartier Today! Le Quartier – https://lequartierbakingco.com/

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HurrdatMedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat Media YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ channel!

Chapters: 00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser 00:02:12 - What is Le Quartier? 00:06:08 - The Collective Shift 00:15:15 - Learning to Teach with Four Locations 00:21:00 - Sibling Synchronicity 00:37:32 - “Listening to the Dough” 00:46:40 - Working with Restaurants (Establishing & Maintaining Relationships) 00:49:07 - The Bank Robbery

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Jacque & Jake Burklund—Carinara

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Tomato-free pasta sauce?! This Omaha couple never knew they'd need such a thing until they developed a heartburn-inducing sensitivity to tomatoes. Rather than swear off pizza and pasta forever, they created a carrot-based sauce and launched Carinara, a product that is taking the Midwest by storm. We discuss where the idea came from, what the R&D process was like, how they got Hy-Vee to buy in, and the future of this exploding company.

Order Carinara Pasta Sauce: https://carinara.com

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HurrdatMedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat Media YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ channel!

Chapters: 00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser 00:01:22 - What is Carinara? 00:04:39 - The Problem with Nightshades 00:10:48 - Other Favorite Recipes 00:17:18 - A Clean, Healthy Product 00:25:28 - Tweaking Recipes Until They Work 00:33:39 - Getting into Stores & a New Sauce! 00:38:56 - Dynamic in the Kitchen & Final Thoughts

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Angie Padgett & Tamra Johnson—Good Evans

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000

You know that good feeling you get at certain restaurants, where it just seems everyone is operating like a family? It's rare because it's a hard culture to cultivate, but it's intentional and you feel it at Good Evans, one of Nebraska's fastest growing breakfast spots. Angie Padgett (Executive Chef) and Tamra Johnston (Chief Marketing Officer) joined me to talk about how Good Evans cultivates that familial feeling, put together a menu that's comfortable for IG-loving teenagers as well as grandparents, and crafted a culture that has allowed it to expand to five locations (including two in Omaha) in less than a decade.

Taste the Difference that from Scratch Makes: Good Evans – https://goodevans.com

Chapters: 00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser 00:01:02 - Guests’ Backstories 00:02:18 - What is Good Evans? 00:18:00 - Creating Flavor 00:22:01 - Good Evans’ History 00:34:02 - Pros & Cons of a Breakfast Joint & The Responsibilities 00:40:02 - Specialty Menu 00:46:47 - Final Questions & Wrap-up

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DeVaute Nunn—Haven Express

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000

The Haven Express food truck comes from humble beginnings, but now DeVaute and his crew are feeding Bud Crawford and the Nebraska football team! The truck's wings, Philly egg rolls, and smoked meats have massive followings now, and while the road to get here wasn't easy, DeVaute is proud of his journey. And now he's using his story (and his food) to inspire the next generation.

Find Flavor Here: Haven Express Food Truck – https://www.facebook.com/havenexpress/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/havenexpressomaha/?hl=en

Chapters: 00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser 00:01:03 - What is Haven Food Truck? 00:09:11 - Small Menu Charm 00:15:10 - Bud Crawford’s My Buddy 00:31:24 - Starting the Food Truck 00:41:35 - Wrap-up

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Nate Flick—Godega

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Bodegas were a part of Nate's daily life when he lived in New York, but after moving to Omaha, he wondered if the concept would work here, too. Three years and two locations in, it's safe to say Godega, Omaha's hybrid convenience store/bar/coffee shop is just what the city needed. Hear the origin story, what makes Nate so passionate about featuring local products and vendors, and the most important lessons he's learned since diving headfirst into the hospitality industry.

👉 Learn more about Godega: https://godegamarket.com/ 👉 Follow Restaurant Hoppen for more inspiring culinary stories from Omaha and beyond.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser

00:00:59 - Welcome Nate!

00:04:34 - Why Locate in the Old Market?

00:10:17 - Supporting Local

00:17:12 - Listening to Customer Feedback & Menu

00:32:59 - Historic Charm & Opening Day

00:38:58 - Opening the Second Location

00:45:57 - The Future of Godega

00:46:58 - Final Questions & Wrap-up

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Joel Hassanli—Salted Edge & Pivot Prime (LIVE)

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Joel has cooked various cuisines all over the world. He's worked for celebrity chefs and private sports teams. He's cooked dinner for Oprah and her family in his apartment. During this episode, Joel shares those stories and explains how they influenced and formed him into the chef now, and what he's trying to express through his restaurants in Omaha now.

Taste the Elevated Experience:

Salted Edge — https://www.salted-edge.com/ Pivot Prime Steakhouse — https://www.luckyelevenhg.com/pivot-prime/

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser

00:01:58 - Chef’s Backstory

00:06:02 - “Chef-Partner”

00:12:34 - Open Kitchen Concept

00:17:48 - Laying Down Roots in Omaha & Serving Celebrities

00:27:13 - “Chef Spidey Sense”

00:37:42 - Making Life Changes

00:44:46 - Being a Chef at Universal Studios

00:53:10 - Coming to Omaha

01:00:46 - Quick Hitters & Wrap-up

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Gerald Dimabuyu—The Fifth Taste by Chef Gerald

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000

This new food truck is bringing the unique flavors of the Phillipines and Southeast Asia to Omaha. With a great respect for traditional dishes and an obsession with umami, Chef Gerald is using his 13+ years of cooking experience all over the world to power this food truck, all while completing nursing school. From cooking on seafaring ships to getting "murdered" during his first food truck service, Chef Gerald opens up on his food and career.

The Fifth Taste
https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Fifth-Taste-by-Chef-Gerald-61577247144496/

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser 00:02:14 - The Fifth Taste Story 00:10:57 - From Fine Dining to Food Trucking 00:21:43 - Global Influences on the Menu 00:34:29 - The Joy of Feeding People 00:46:50 - What’s Next for Chef Gerald & The Fifth Taste 00:52:19 - Final Questions & Wrap-up

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Eli Vedral - Kookaburra Cookies

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000

A college semester abroad in Sydney changed Eli’s life. Enthralled with the country’s creative fusion dishes, he decided to combine two of his favorite baked goods: cookies and muffin tops. The result is one of Omaha’s best cookies, and one he developed while not only going to college, but also was a student athlete. Safe to say, Eli’s story is fascinating. You have to learn about this guy and his cookies!

👉 Order online: https://www.kookaburracookies.com/#4

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser

00:01:07 - Welcome to the Show!

00:07:17 - Bigger Cookies are Better!

00:17:46 - Discovering Food Through Travel

00:27:59 - Cookie R&D

00:34:35 - Keeping Things Running Smoothly

00:41:59 - Cookie Chains

00:46:48 - Final Questions & Wrap-up

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Katie Arant Chapman & Brian Langbehn—Coneflower Creamery (LIVE)

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000

In 2016, Brian called Katie, then working as a pastry chef in California with an idea: come back to Omaha and let's open an ice cream shop. Little did either know the impact that call would have! It led to the creation of Coneflower Creamery, Omaha's beloved ice cream destination, that now has three locations, has garnered national awards, and still clings to its farm to cone ethos. Hear the story and all the magic that goes into this ice cream during this fascinating panel discussion.

✍️ Taste the Hype NOW Coneflower Creamery
https://coneflowercreamery.com/

00:00:00 – 🍦 Scoop Dreams Begin 00:00:59 – 🙌 Welcome to the Show! 00:04:16 – 😅 Hoppen’s Ice Cream Complaint 00:12:41 – 🧪 Texture & R&D Secrets 00:17:37 – 🌿 Flavor Inspiration & Creativity 00:33:03 – 📖 The Coneflower Origin Story 00:44:28 – 📞 “The Ice Cream Call” 00:50:25 – ✨ Creating the Coneflower Experience 00:56:20 – 🏆 #1 Ice Cream Shop in the U.S. 00:59:01 – ⚡ Quick Hitters & Wrap-Up

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Haley Farrell—Cafe Postale

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Few food/drink establishments in Omaha can match the vibe at Cafe Postale, which mixes the space's rich history with great coffee and modern elements to create an unforgettable coffee shop/cafe. General Manager Haley Farrell explains what makes the space special and how Cafe Postale partners with local purveyors and suppliers to serve great food and drink.

✍️ Episode References: Café Postale: https://www.cafepostaleomaha.com/

⏱️ Chapters: 00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser 00:01:04 - What is Cafe Postale? 00:09:28 - Weddings & Events 00:13:51 - The Menu 00:22:35 - Coffee & Seasonal Drinks 00:33:26 - The “Ah-Ha!” Moment 00:43:28 - The Future & Wrap-up

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Garrett Kasper—Arbor Day Farm

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000

The restaurants and food at Arbor Day Farm (Nebraska City) were overdue for an upgrade, and leadership tabbed Chef Garrett Kasper to level up the cuisine. And despite some reservations from long-time guests, the move has paid off and elevated the guest experience. Chef Kasper explains what changes he made, how he implemented them, and how seeing the staff get excited has energized him. We also touched on the importance of bringing great food to small towns and where Chef draws inspiration from (hint: it's not Instagram).

Visit today! Arbor Day Farm https://www.arbordayfarm.org

This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser 00:01:17 - Welcome Chef Kasper! 00:03:00 - Arbor Day Farms Food Scene 00:13:55 - Is the Diner Always Right? 00:16:50 - Chef Kasper, Improving the Restaurant Since Day 1 00:21:33 - Uniqueness of a Hotel/Restaurant 00:30:07 - Why the Staff are so Special 00:38:28 - “Voices from the Dining Room” 00:49:02 - Inspiration through Food Creation 00:53:50 - Final Questions & Wrap-up

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Kristin Pyle—SET The Bar

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Nothing about SET The Bar is like what you'd expect at a normal sports bar. From the focus on women's sports to the elevated takes on bar food coming out of the kitchen, it's a completely different experience. And it's Chef Kristin's dishes that take the Benson bar to another level... something she never could have imagined considering her culinary journey just began a few years ago and she didn't even apply to be the executive chef! You have to hear Kristin's story and the techniques she employs to take humble "bar food" to a whole new level.

Check out SET the Bar for great food and atmosphere!

https://set-thebar.com/

This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser 00:01:10 - Welcome Kristen! 00:06:04 - Molly as the Right Leader 00:17:50 - Questions from Fans 00:35:01 - Kristen’s Background 00:58:08 - Final Questions & Wrap-up

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Juan Sanchez & Andrea Macias—Cumbia

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000

When this couple opened Cumbia in 2021, they brought two relatively unknown concepts to Omaha: Latin American food and tapas (small shared plates). But the intent wasn't just to feed people. They wanted to educate guests on the various histories, cultures, and dishes that exist in Latin America. And though there were bumps in the road, they're definitely accomplishing their mission and bringing something special to Omaha now.

References: Cumbia – https://www.cumbiarestaurant.com Hunger Block – https://www.hungerblock.com Grow Omaha – https://www.growomaha.com

This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Chapters: 00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser 00:01:18 - What is Cumbia? 00:06:02 - Bringing Something New to the Community 00:15:42 - The Key to Traveling through Food 00:22:31 - The Flavor Starts at Home 00:35:43 - Menu Deep Dive 00:42:27 - New Beginnings 00:48:42 - Final Questions & Wrap-up

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Food Truck Panel w/ Javier Trujillo, Brian Sullivan, & Nick Hyde

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000

There's just something special about getting food from a truck, but the food truck life isn't quite as easy as it seems. The owners of 3 of Omaha's most popular food trucks (Javi's Tacos, Hyde's Slydes, and Sully's GastroBurgers) pull back the curtain and tell the good and the bad of what food truck life is really like and why we're seeing a growing trend of restaurants and concepts embracing the mobile life.

Mouth Watering Yet? Check Out the Featured Food Trucks:
Javi’s Tacos — https://javistacos.com/ Sully’s GastroBurgers — https://sullysgastroburgers.com/ Hyde’s Slydes — https://www.hydesslydes.com/

This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser

00:03:26 - Why is Food Better on a Food Truck?

00:19:37 - Food Truck Popularity Explosion

00:23:33 - “Everything Moves on a Food Truck”

00:28:38 - Misconceptions on the Food Truck

00:37:48 - Adaptability

00:48:55 - Establishing Relationships

00:54:50 - Advantages of the Food Truck

01:00:36 - Wrap-up

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michelle Alfaro—Sauced by Alfaro and Food Network star

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Let's pull back the curtain on Food Network cooking competitions! Michelle Alfaro, the chef/owner behind her beloved restaurant, Sauced by Alfaro, got the chance to compete on Food Network show Supermarket Stakeout. She takes us behind the wall to dish on what the experience was like, the clips that get left on the cutting room floor, and the parts of food TV that the average viewer has no idea about.

This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser

00:01:18 - Welcome Back, Michelle!

00:05:33 - Restaurant & Menu Balance

00:10:59 - Featured on the Food Network

00:22:17 - Preparing to Compete

00:28:52 - Food Network Bloopers

00:32:44 - Competition Day

00:40:55 - Competition Judgment

00:47:46 - The Fateful (and Frustrating) Round 2

01:02:34 - Final Questions & Wrap-up

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hannah Sheffield—Sprinkle Joy

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Outside of a high school job, Hannah had no experience in the custard/ice cream business. But her nostalgia, entrepreneurial drive, and love of frozen treats inspired her to learn the craft of custard making and opening her own business. Sprinkle Joy's story is inspiring as the custard is delicious, and you need to hear how this shop came to be!

🔗 References:
Sprinkle Joy Custard — https://www.facebook.com/p/Sprinkle-Joy-61575094022719/ 50 Mile March — https://www.50milemarch.org

This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mia Matlock—Oso Good Kitchen & Panaderya

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Mia Matlock always enjoyed baking, especially finding ways to inject her Pilipino heritage and ingredients into common desserts. But when COVID hit and she got the opportunity to turn her side hustle into a full-blown business, she took the leap. And now Oso Good Kitchen & Panaderya is thriving, introducing market customers to dishes and ingredients from the Philippines one cookie or cake at a time. Hear Mia's story and how she's using food to tell the stories of her people.

🌐 More from Oso Good Kitchen: https://www.osogoodpan.com 👩‍🍳 Learn about Kitchen Council: https://kitchencouncil.com

This episode was sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Semo Pasta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

This episode was also sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Certified Piedmontese⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicole & Glenn Wigodsky—The Gourmet Granola

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Granola that actually tastes good?! Believe it. People are blown away by the flavor of the products that come from The Gourmet Granola, but they're even more in awe of Nicole and Glenn's story. This couple transformed one of the darkest periods of their lives into a line of granola products, farmers market sales, and a spot in Hy-Vee grocery stores.

🔗 Featured: Gourmet Granola – https://gourmetgranola.com

This episode was sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Semo Pasta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

This episode was also sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Certified Piedmontese⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bread & Baking Panel LIVE w/ Omaha Bagel Co., Via Farina, & Reis' Bakery

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 14:13:00 -0000

Bread is one of mankind's most universally beloved foods, and it just brings people together. But have you ever thought about how it's made, or what it would be like to be a professional baker? Aires Reis (Reis' Bakery), Hank Shields (Omaha Bagel Co.), and Sadie Paulsen (Via Farina) didn't start their careers as bakers, but they fell for the craft and now couldn't imagine life without it. These 3 bread experts gathered to discuss all things bread and baking on this live edition of Restaurant Hoppen.

This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Larson—Bluebird Bakery

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000

John was a psychologist for much of his career, and now he operates a bakery selling some of the best bread in Nebraska. The road and experiences that led him here are winding, but they've created an extremely passionate baker obsessed with ensuring the traditions of baking aren't lost over time. John shares all kinds of bread knowledge, from hydration levels to how caring for a starter is like raising a pet, and details the lessons he learned from psychology, working in kitchens, becoming a pastry chef on the fly, and more.

🔗 Discover more:

Bluebird Bakery: ⁠⁠bluebird-bakery.com⁠⁠
Long Walk Farms: ⁠⁠https://longwalkfarms.com⁠⁠
Yoshitomo: ⁠⁠https://yoshitomo.com⁠⁠
Boiler Room: ⁠⁠https://boilerroomomaha.com⁠⁠

This episode was sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Semo Pasta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

This episode was also sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Certified Piedmontese⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clayton Chapman—Noble Hospitality

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000

For a decade, Clayton was the chef/owner of The Grey Plume, one of Omaha's most progressive and nationally recognized restaurants, racking up five Beard nominations during that time. But The Grey Plume closed during the pandemic... so what is one of Omaha's most decorated chefs up to now? We walk through Clayton's career from his beginnings on the sandwich line at Subway to opening The Grey Plume to where he is today, discussing what family life looks like as a chef, the difficulties and thrills of farm to table cooking, and more along the way.

🔗 References:
Clayton Chapman – Noble Hospitality
James Beard Foundation

This episode was sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Semo Pasta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

This episode was also sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Certified Piedmontese⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

LIVE Pizza Party w/ Dan Watts, Adam Flohr, and Joel Marsh

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Let's talk about the universally beloved food item: pizza! Dan (Backlot Taphouse; Backlot Pizza & Kitchen), Adam (Terrible Gerald's), and Joel (Noli's Pizzeria) talk about how they fell in love with pizza, the intricacies of the craft, how delicate and finicky dough can be, the upcoming trends in the pizza industry, and more!

This episode was sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Semo Pasta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

This episode was also sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Certified Piedmontese⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Urban (Block 16) Interviews Dan! (Live)

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Dan gets the microphone turned on him in this one-of-a-kind live episode. Paul brings the heat, asking Dan the questions so many people ask: does he ever have a bad restaurant experience? Why is he so thin? How did he go from a lame food blogger to a podcast host? We cover all that and much, much more!

🔗 Episode Reference: Block 16 – https://www.block16omaha.com

This episode was sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Semo Pasta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

This episode was also sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Certified Piedmontese⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Owens—The Green Room

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Matt blew my mind in this episode. Behind the craft of creating cocktails, making drinks based off of guests' moods and memories, and the insane in-the-moment balance of making and taking orders at a bar, this conversation gave me an entirely new respect for anyone in the bar industry. But what I'll remember most is how Matt emphasizes that it's not about what's in the cup; it's how the bar (and the person serving you) make you feel.

This is one of my favorite episodes of the podcast in a long time. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast or someone who just wants to learn more about the hospitality industry and people in general, you have to check this one out!

🧪 Mentioned in this episode:

Dirty Birds Omaha (Home of the “Cockfights” cocktail faceoff)

https://www.dirtybirds69.com/location/dirty-birds/
The Green Room

https://thegreenroomomaha.com/

This episode was sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Semo Pasta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

This episode was also sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Certified Piedmontese⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Djamil Bah-Traore—House of Bah

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Chef Djamil doesn't just want to serve great food; he wants to change the way Omaha's food community interacts. In our deep, wide-ranging conversation, we discuss how Djamil and his foundation, which empowers and educates immigrants and refugees in the kitchen, is trying to change the conversation around food in Omaha in a way a restaurant couldn't do. We also remark on how, while there are different cuisines and cultures, all food is more similar than we often make it out to be.

🌍 Learn more about Chef Djamil’s mission: House of Bah: https://houseofbah.com

This episode was sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Semo Pasta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

This episode was also sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Certified Piedmontese⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Rea—Via Farina

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000

John Rea had limited experience with pizza and pasta when he took over the Via Farina kitchen nearly a decade ago. The move was a game changer for both parties: Via reignited John's passion for cooking, and John's leadership and desire for knowledge (especially about pizza) have taken Via Farina to another level with a second location. We discuss that transition for both he and the restaurant, the art of pizza making and how the 2022 Pizza Expo in Las Veags changed his life, and more!

🔗 Check out:
🍕 Via Farina: https://www.viafarina.com

This episode was sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sully's Gastroburgers⁠⁠⁠⁠. Gourmet, house-ground Certified Piedmontese grass-fed beef burgers. Hand-cut and brined 100% beef tallow fries. House-made, seed-oil free sauces.

This episode was sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Semo Pasta⁠⁠⁠⁠. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

This episode was also sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Certified Piedmontese⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris & Liz Alford—Frios Omaha

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Frios pops combine the creamy consistency of ice cream with the convenience of a popsicle... but could the concept succeed in Omaha, where it's cold nearly half the year? That's the bet that local couple Chris & Liz, along with their 3 kids made, and after 1 year they're happy they did. We discuss social media strategies, the rise of mobile options in the food industry, the wild story that got this family into the food truck game, and more!

💡 Try Frios: https://friospops.com

This episode was sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠Sully's Gastroburgers⁠⁠⁠. Gourmet, house-ground Certified Piedmontese grass-fed beef burgers. Hand-cut and brined 100% beef tallow fries. House-made, seed-oil free sauces.

This episode was sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠Semo Pasta⁠⁠⁠. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

This episode was also sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Certified Piedmontese⁠⁠⁠⁠. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drew & Michelle Statz & Audrey Timm—Semo Pasta + Wine (LIVE)

Thu, 29 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000

In less than 2 years, Semo Pasta + Wine has established itself as a restaurant Omahans are more than happy to drive to Fremont for. The chefs and owners describe how the restaurant came to be, the concept of serving "European-inspired Nebraska cuisine", hosting Guy Fieri and the wild experience that was, and so much more.

This episode was sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Semo Pasta⁠⁠⁠⁠. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

This episode was also sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Certified Piedmontese⁠⁠⁠⁠. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Dullard—HomeGrown

Thu, 22 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000

How has HomeGrown, a restaurant group with 14 locations (including one that opened in Omaha in Feb. 2025) maintained its strong culture and its love for local products as it has expanded? Omaha General Manager Paul Dullard explains how HomeGrown's team looks to highlight local products (like Archetype Coffee and FatHead Honey) and how it identifies ideal partners in each city. We also chat about the reality on pricing for restaurants, epic coffee cake, what Omaha restaurants Paul has come to love, and more!

🍳 Discover what makes HomeGrown a standout in Nebraska’s food scene.

https://homegrown.com

This episode was sponsored by ⁠⁠Sully's Gastroburgers⁠⁠. Gourmet, house-ground Certified Piedmontese grass-fed beef burgers. Hand-cut and brined 100% beef tallow fries. House-made, seed-oil free sauces.

This episode was sponsored by ⁠⁠Semo Pasta⁠⁠. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

This episode was also sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠Certified Piedmontese⁠⁠⁠. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Roy—Mahogany Prime Steakhouse

Thu, 15 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000

If you're a wine aficionado, this is the episode for you! As the General Manager at one of Omaha's classic steakhouses, Andrew has a great depth of knowledge about wine, and he shares about sommelier tests, how to pair wine and food, and more. Plus, we talk about what it's like to work for a chain restaurant and how he was involved in the design process of Omaha's new Mahogany location.

🔗 More About Mahogany Prime:
https://www.mahoganyprime.com

This episode was sponsored by ⁠Sully's Gastroburgers⁠. Gourmet, house-ground Certified Piedmontese grass-fed beef burgers. Hand-cut and brined 100% beef tallow fries. House-made, seed-oil free sauces.

This episode was sponsored by ⁠Semo Pasta⁠. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

This episode was also sponsored by ⁠⁠Certified Piedmontese⁠⁠. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stacey Leick—Buttered Marshmallow

Thu, 08 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Why did a successful business woman leave a stable job to start a cake baking business in her home in 2019? She was tired of people saying no to her, so she said yes to her dream... and Omaha quickly developed a ravenous appetite for her cakes. We discuss Stacey's journey as a baker and entrepreneur, how she creates cakes from the base up, and why she's never looked back since starting this unique journey.

Taste the sensation for yourself by visiting Buttered Marshmallow today!

This episode was sponsored by Sully's Gastroburgers. Gourmet, house-ground Certified Piedmontese grass-fed beef burgers. Hand-cut and brined 100% beef tallow fries. House-made, seed-oil free sauces.

This episode was also sponsored by ⁠Certified Piedmontese⁠. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Omaha Coffee Extravaganza (LIVE)

Thu, 01 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Omaha has never had a greater collection of coffee knowledge in one place. Autumn Pruitt (Hardy Coffee Co.), Isaiah Sheese (Archetype Coffee), and Abby McLeay (Zen Coffee Co.) dish on all things coffee, from how and where they source their beans to the coffee trends they can't stand, the link between coffee and community, and what it's like to move from being a coffee lover to owning their own shop.

Sip for Yourself!

Archetype Coffee: https://www.archetypecoffee.com

Zen Coffee Company: https://www.zencoffeecompany.com

Hardy Coffee Company: https://www.hardycoffee.com

This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

This episode was also sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Omed & Waheed Shah—Shaheen's Afghan Cuisine

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Afghan food has a rich history and a unique blend of spices that make it particularly delicious, but there aren't many places in Omaha that offer it. Thankfully we have Shaheen's Afghan Cuisine to showcase this wonderful spectrum of food. Omed and Waheed, the sons of chef/owner Shahen Shah, joined me to discuss what makes Afghan food special and how their family brought it to Omaha.

Taste the flavors of this sensational restaurant for yourself, then comment on the episode and answer Dan's question!

https://www.shaheensafghancuisine.com/

This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

This episode was also sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zarina Boardman—Las Chilenas

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0000

When sisters Zarina Boardman and Debora Aguilar moved to Nebraska, they were disappointed they couldn't find any Chilean food... so they decided to make it themselves! This pair hustled like crazy to get into events, pop-ups, and other opportunities to showcase their brilliant homemade empanadas, and now they have a beautiful cafe where they get to showcase their food and culture. Hear their story and why this food is so meaningful to them on this podcast episode!

This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

This episode was also sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erick & Jeni Miranda—Miranda Omaha

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0000

The Miranda family is passionate about bringing Salvadoran food and their culture to Omaha, but they had no idea how quickly it would all come together! Erick and Jeni discuss what makes the cuisine so meaningful to them, why they're passionate about sharing it with Omaha, and how, in a matter of months, their family went from thinking about starting a restaurant to it being opening day.

Is your mouth salivating after this episode? Check out Miranda's now for some amazing pupusas!

https://mirandarestaurant.com

This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

This episode was also sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Everett Jr & Becky Perrett—Runza

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Few, if any restaurants, are as synonymous with Nebraska food than Runza. Donald (President) and Becky (Director of Marketing) take me down memory lane to the very beginning when Donald's grandmother opened the first Runza in 1949. 75 years later, the restaurant has grown to 91 locations, introduced chili & cinnamon rolls to the menu, had limited runs of breakfast Runzas, received celebrity taste tests, catered weddings, partnered with Nebraska athletics... and so much more! We talk about it all on this incredible episode that you simply can't miss!

This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

This episode was also sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Francisca Sacasa & Rosa Quezada Sacasa (QS Grill Steak)

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Francisca may not be a trained chef (she was a doctor in Nicaragua), but she has a deep passion for cooking and helping others experience Nicaraguan food and culture. That's why she opened QS Grill Steak in 2021, and Omaha's food scene is better for it. Francisca and her daughter explain why it was important for them to showcase Nicaraguan food to Omahans and how the restaurant (and food in general) have connected and impacted their family in incredible ways. Oh, and Rosa could basically run the restaurant already at 15 years old. This family is amazing, and you have to hear their story!

This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

This episode was also sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Moses Moseley & Dan Whalen —Dirty Birds (LIVE)

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0000

In just a few years, these buddies went from line cooks at another restaurant to owning their other concept in one of Omaha's most historic buildings. How did they create the Dirty Birds empire so quickly? What about their fried chicken resonates so strongly with people? And what was it like to meet Guy Fieri and be featured on the Food Network?! Dan and Whalen answer all those questions and more in this fascinating, illuminating episode.

This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

This episode was also sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kim & Paul Kavulak—Nebraska Brewing Company

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0000

The stories that formed one of Omaha's most beloved breweries are priceless. The rage recipe that created NBC's flagship Cardinal Pale Ale. The lunch where Paul, then just a home brewer, quit his job to pursue brewing full time. The award ceremony where NBC won a competition over their idols. Paul & Kim share those stories and the dream that turned a home brewing passion into a full-scale brewery that has fully embraced the local community.

This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

This episode was also sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Anderson - AJ’s Cafe

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0000

John and Lisa Anderson had no experience in the restaurant business… so how did they create a beloved diner that’s thrilled guests for over a decade? John discusses their journey and how he got AJ’s off the ground, as well as the importance of making guests feel loved and creating a homey atmosphere.

This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

This episode was also sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Reality of Restaurants (LIVE): Ben Maides, Tyler Thiessen, & Jon Stastny

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0000

As diners, there are just some things we don't know about what it's like to own, operate, and work in a restaurant, but if we understood the realities, we might have a more understanding view and a better relationship with the places we eat at. Three veterans of Omaha's restaurant industry unpack some of the difficulties and joys of restaurant life, offering a peak into the realities that serving great food entails. I truly believe with better understanding and communication, we can improve the relationship between restaurant and guest, and this conversation could be very helpful in that regard.

This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

This episode was also sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sadie Paulsen - Via Farina

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Baking gave Sadie’s life purpose during a dark period, and now she’s using her skills to bless Omaha with elite breads and desserts. Sadie talks about her journey from bread novice at a stage in Chicago to becoming the lead baker/pastry chef at Via Farina.

This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

This episode was also sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Taste the difference quality beef products can make!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tiff Clifton & Matt Johnson—Long Walk Farm

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0000

In 2020, this couple decided to not only start a farm, but one that would do things others didn't. They'd grow unique produce like rainbow beets and turmeric. They'd host Battle of the Chefs, a unique bracket style tournament for some of Omaha's best chefs. And they'd supply Omaha's restaurants with incredible produce. Hear the story and motivations behind these incredible people.

This Episode was Sponsored by:

Dave's Cakes

Certified Piedmontese

Get your tickets to see The Waitress at the Omaha Community Playhouse!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric Vidlak—Vidlak's Cafe

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Vidlak's Cafe has stood the test of time, providing Omaha diners a great atmosphere and wide array of breakfast dishes for nearly 3 decades. Co-owner Eric Vidlak shares what's allowed them to have such sustained success, how intertwined his extended family is with the restaurant, and the story behind one of west Omaha's most beloved diners.

This Episode was Sponsored by:

Dave's Cakes

Certified Piedmontese

Get your tickets to see The Waitress at the Omaha Community Playhouse!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

BBQ Bash LIVE w/ James Hawk, Brady Hess, & Cory Fuller

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Cooking meat over a flame is a primal feeling, but few possess the patience, talent, and potential to level up from backyard BBQ warriors to restaurant owners. My guests on this episode—the owners of J's Smokehouse, Lazy Buffalo BBQ, and Pulled BBQ—discuss the joys and challenges of transforming their hobby into their profession, the logistics of opening a BBQ restaurant, how they come up with innovativ specials, and so much more!

Looking for a night of the "Meat Sweats?" Check out the featured restaurants NOW!

J. Smokehouse Barbecue

Lazy Buffalo BBQ

Pulled Barbecue Omaha

This Episode was Sponsored by:

Dave's Cakes

Certified Piedmontese

Get your tickets to see The Waitress at the Omaha Community Playhouse!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tracy & Dan Hawkes—Nite Hawkes Cafe

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Nite Hawkes Cafe has been around since 1942, thriving through four generations of the Hawkes family. But it's not just food that has made this cafe an institution; it's the way they treat and empower people, both on the staff and in the restaurant. Tracy and her son, Dan, tell stories, talk about the famous biscuits and gravy, and explain what's made Nite Hawkes Cafe such a beloved spot.

Stop by Nite Hawkes for a delicious breakfast!

This Episode was Sponsored by:

Dave's Cakes

Certified Piedmontese

Get your tickets to see The Waitress at the Omaha Community Playhouse!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stacie Van Cleave & Matt Hyde - Veg.edible

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0000

This duo is committed to bringing vegan, gluten free, and nut free food to Omaha without sacrificing flavor. We discussed the benefits of a vegan diet, helping people with food sensitivities get to enjoy their favorite dishes again, and what makes the struggle of owning a restaurant worth it.

Check out Veg.Edible for some Delicious & Healthy Meals!

This Episode was Sponsored by:

Dave's Cakes

Certified Piedmontese

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Swoboda, Tom Halstead, and Matt Bohenkamp—Harold's Koffee House

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Harold's Koffee House has been a beloved Omaha institution since the 1960s, and three generations of the restaurant joined the podcast to help tell its story. They share stories from the first days of the diner up until the current days... and there are A LOT of stories from this restaurant! From fires to failed burglaries to the "best hash browns in America", there's so much to love about Harold's, and this podcast is the place to hear all about it!

This Episode was Sponsored by:

Dave's Cakes

Certified Piedmontese

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ross DiPrima—Jackson Street Tavern

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Ross had no interest originally in getting into the restaurant industry, but the DiPrima family is very present in Omaha. And after 8 years of working at his brother's restaurant, he decided it was time to own his own place. Hear the story about how he decided to purchase Jackson Street Tavern, how he prioritized people during the transition to his ownership, and what keeps him passionate while working in such a demanding industry.

This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pasta Party w/ Nick Strawhecker (Dante), Dario Schicke (Avoli), & John Rea

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0000

Pasta is one of the world's most beloved foods, but it's far more technical and involved than most understand. Three of Omaha's pasta experts dish some serious pasta knowledge and unearth some truths about this wonderful cuisine.

This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jacklyn & Moises Salgado—For the Love of Food Cafe

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0000

The path that led to the opening of this delightful cafe in 2024 was 20+ years in the making and includes so many twists and turns that you simply have to hear it! From meeting at Red Robin to marrying and opening a restaurant 6 months later to multiple food trucks and establishing a reputation as serving the best breakfast burritos around, For the Love of Food Cafe's tale is a story of love, persistence, and a pull back to food that this couple just can't resist.

This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Pogge & Dylan Foster—Tracks Lounge

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0000

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 unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

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Matthew Sheehan—Monarch Restaurant

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0000

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 unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

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Sam "Tiny" Laughlin & Kurtis Mast—Inner Rail Food Hall (LIVE)

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0000

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!

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This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

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Dan Hoppen—Restaurant Hoppen

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0000

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.

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This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

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Adam Flohr & Maggie Sweany - Terrible Gerald’s

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:54:57 -0000

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.

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Carlos Cuevas & Gillian Cromwell-Cuevas—Masa Luna Tamales

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:47:19 -0000

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.

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Dave Barry—Dave's Cakes of Omaha

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:42:38 -0000

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!

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Brian Sullivan—Sully's GastroBurgers & Fries

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0000

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!

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This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito!

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Greater Good—Doug Case, Bill Radtke, & Kevin Shinn (LIVE)

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0000

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.

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Keen Zheng—Umami; Snowy Sundaes

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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Dan & Lisa Emsick—Paddy McGown's

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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Chis Blazeski - Boho Supper Club

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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Anthony Hitchcock & Tony Gentile—Flagship Restaurant Group

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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Dave Utterback—Yoshitomo; Koji; Sakura Bana (LIVE)

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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Wayne Dinges - Smokin Barrel BBQ

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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Beth Stratton—Omaha Gourmet Reuben

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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Jason Sirois & Brandon Kalfut - The Committee Chophouse

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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Sagar Gurung & Dom Gurciullo—Cattle Call

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0000

"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.

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Ben Maides & Nestor Rebolledo - Clio & Flagship Restaurant Group

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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Brie White - Breeze Bakery

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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Jeff Luby—Wilson & Washburn

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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David Schmitz & Joey Alonso—Werner Park chefs (LIVE)

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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Justin Halbert—Herbe Sainte

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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Evan Keelan & Brady Hess—Lazy Buffalo BBQ

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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Michelle Alfaro—Sauced by Alfaro

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0000

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.

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Omaha Baking Extravaganza (LIVE)

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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Tim Nicholson—The Boiler Room (LIVE)

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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Sam Laughlin—Tiny's Pizza Joint

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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Preston Vaughn & Sarah Czaplewski—Nocturnal Eats

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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Timothy Bader—Volcanic Peppers

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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Burger Bash w/ Jack Heiman, Nick Joubert, & Luke Staver (LIVE)

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0000

There are few things more quintessentially American than burgers, so why not bring in 3 of Omaha's burger experts to talk about them? Chefs from Nomadic Jack's, Good Lookin', and Block 16 discuss proper burger cookery, bun toasting, untouchable ingredients, and more in this fantastic live episode!

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Alex Harrington—Untamed Kitchen

Thu, 30 May 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Is it possible for a meal out to be both healthy and delicious? That was the question Alex Harrington set out to answer, and Untamed Kitchen delivers on both counts. Hear what made Alex passionate about this project and the food that comes out of this kitchen as health-conscious as it is tasty.

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Bill Radtke & Kevin Shinn - Ybor

Thu, 23 May 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Bill Radtke has two great passions: Cuban sandwiches and helping formerly incarcerated individuals rediscover their value and get back into society. With the help of longtime chef Kevin Shinn, Bill is combining those two loves in Ybor, a Cuban sandwich pop-up with a mission as great as its food. You CANNOT miss their story!

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Nick Strawhecker & Seth Lacy—Dante (LIVE)

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0000

The restaurant industry is really rough, and making it 3-5 years is an achievement. And then there's Dante, entering year 15 in business with no signs of slowing down. I chat with Owner/Executive Chef Nick and Head Chef Seth about what's led to Dante's sustained success, the trends it has helped set in Omaha, and more.

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Brenda Cazares—La Sierra

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0000

There's a lot of great Mexican food, but nothing like La Sierra. This restaurant brings a taste of Durango and its unique gorditas and burritos to Omaha, all with the love and intention one would expect from a family who grew up in the Mexican state. Hear what makes La Sierra different and what makes the Cazares family so passionate about showcasing this food to Omaha!

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Tim Steinbach & Doug Case—Ooh de Lally

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Ooh de Lally would be an excellent restaurant if all it did was serve excellent food. But on top of thrilling diners with delicious plates, this Dundee restaurant has a higher cause behind it. We chat about Ooh de Lally's partnership with Metro CC to help incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society and find stability, the secret behind the legendary mac & cheese, why Gordon Ramsey's screaming doesn't actually work in a kitchen, and more!

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Nick Hyde—Hyde's Slydes Burgers & Fries

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Nick has had the concept of and the passion for his own burger joint since high school, but some detours took him out of the restaurant industry. But once he found his way back into the kitchen, he knew it was home, and it shows in his food. We discuss the science behind smash burgers, the key to creating the perfectly fluffy french fry, and the journey that's led to his burger concept that's taking Omaha by storm.

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Will & Rachel Birge, Matt Widger—Mealbox (LIVE)

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0000

What if I told you that you could get restaurant-quality meals delivered to your doorstep, ready after only a few minutes in the microwave? Crazy as it sounds, the crew at Mealbox has cracked the code to make it happen. Hear the science behind these magical meals, how they come up with 10 new meals each week, and the wild story of how the concept came to life.

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Joel Lavelle & Andrew Clow—Proof and Proof 192

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0000

What goes into the creation of a high-end whiskey bar? What's the R&D process to make craft cocktails? And how do bartenders express themselves through the drinks they create? The owner and head bartender of Proof open up on those topics and more in our fascinating conversation!

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Carlos & Palmyra Mendez—Rotisserie Urban Bistro

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Though they grew up in different countries on different continents, rotisserie chicken was an important food to both Carlos and Palmyra growing up. And after a life-changing meal in Miami, they decided to open a concept centered around rotisserie chickens together. Hear their story and what makes this poultry a cut above what you'll find at other chicken concepts.

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Arthur Lalikian - Omaha Kebabs

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Arthur had almost no restaurant experience before moving to Omaha and opening his restaurant in 2021, but he just had to share his Armenian food and culture with the masses. Learn what defines Armenian food, what makes his kebabs different from any you’ve had before, and how Arthur successfully jumped into the restaurant industry in the midst of a pandemic.

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Carlos Mendez, Tim Maides, & Roberto Garcia—Dolomiti (LIVE)

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Omaha can't get enough of the newest addition to Omaha's pizza scene. This unique Neapolitan/New York combo dough is bringing customers like few restaurants experience right off the bat, but it's not all fun and games for this crew. Hear the hard work that went into developing the dough, perfecting the cook, and managing the hungry crowds. These veterans of the restaurant industry have a lot of experience, and the success of this new venture proves it.

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Jose Aviles—Aviles Latin Market

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Tired of having to drive to South Omaha to get great Latin food and groceries, this long-time of the restaurant industry opened his own place! Hear Jose's story, how he created his life-altering (not an exaggeration) Cubano, the evolution of his market into offering more hot food, and the joy he gets from having freedom to run his business the way he wants.

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Jack Heiman—Nomadic Jack's

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Jack Heiman has always had a knack for making great burgers, but he never planned on making a food concept out of it. But friends pushed him to do pop-ups. And then he won the 2023 Omaha Burger Battle, which firmly put Nomadic Jack's on the map. Jack details his journey, what makes his burgers special, and how he rebounded from a humbling pop-up to regain his confidence and create on of Omaha's fastest-rising concepts.

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Matt Taylor—MJT Hospitality

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0000

New or struggling restaurants may need some help getting off the ground, and that's where consultants like Matt come in. We discuss the role of a restaurant consultant, examples of what MJT Hospitality does for its clients, and look at overall food trends for restaurants to keep an eye on.

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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DDD Recap with Dirty Birds, Kitchen Table, & Izzy's Pizza Bus (LIVE)

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0000

What's it like to be on the Food Network and meet Guy Fieri? Just how intense and chaotic is the filming process? The owners of these three restaurants were recently featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, and they tell all about their experience, what Guy is really like, and more in this fantastic episode!

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Jon & Bonnie Taylor—Sand Point

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0000

This mother/son duo has incredible memories of spending summers in the New England area, so they decided to bring that cuisine to Omaha. Starting with a food truck and now a beautiful brick and mortar, the Taylors give Omaha a taste of the Northeast. Hear the excruciating process behind creating the lobster roll, how they source fresh seafood in the middle of the country, and more in this great episode!

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Joel Hassanali & Ashley Young—Sugared Ledge

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Joel Hassanali is a lifelong savory chef, but when the Young family opened Salted Edge, they also wanted a bakery. So Joel gave himself a donut crash course and helped open Sugared Ledge, the brainchild of Ashley Young. Together this duo creates donuts, cakes, and breakfast sandwiches that are a cut above. Check out their story and learn what makes this place more than your average donut shop.

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Abby Jordan & Becky App—eCreamery Ice Cream

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0000

In 2006, two people with little to no professional food experience set out to do something completely new: not only open an ice cream shop, but ship it all over the country! And 17 years later and an appearance on Shark Tank later, they're still scooping some of Omaha's best ice cream and creating memorable gifts for delighted customers. Hear the story of this unique company on this fascinating episode!

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Wyatt Kosalka & Luke Staver—Block 16

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0000

What's it like to work at Block 16, one of Omaha's most beloved restaurants? Why not ask its first ever sous chefs?! Wyatt and Luke pull back the curtain about how they helped reassemble Block 16's crew coming out of COVID and established a line of communication that's just as important as cooking. We also discussed the creation of Block 16's wacky specials, learning from Jenny Coco, what it's like to cook with a line of 30 people spilling out of the restaurant, and more!

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Best of Omaha Restaurants; 2023 Edition

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0000

As the calendar turns to 2024, I look back and hand out awards for my best meals of 2023 to celebrate the restaurants that served them and help you plan out your 2024 eating! Categories include Best Dish, Best New Restaurant, Best Burger, Best Dessert, and more!

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Jen Miller & Kevin Dohrmann—Miller Dohrmann Farm

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Since retiring from corporate jobs, this couple started an Omaha farm that's now sourcing the best of the best Omaha restaurants. Au Courant, Block 16, The Boiler Room, and more trust this farm. Hear Jen & Kevin tell their tale, how the farm came to be, why they do seasonal pop-ups and more!

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Ashish & Kim Sathyan—Kinaara (LIVE)

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0000

The owners of Omaha's most popular Indian restaurant discuss getting diners to branch out from familiar dishes to try plates from Kerala (India), where Ashish grew up. They also discuss the joys and difficulty of moving restaurant spaces, the fun of adding a Chef's Home Table and thali while at the new location, and so much more!

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Ryan Barry—Willie Dogs

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Someday, Ryan's goal is to have his signature hot dog, the Willie Dog, as not only a must-try Omaha food, but also mentioned among America's iconic dogs like the Chicago dog and New York coney. That might sound ambitious, but considering how far this business has come in a few years, don't bet against him. From its humble beginnings as a food cart, Willie Dogs just continues to grow. This episode explains what makes this different from any hot dog you've had and tells Willie Dogs story in a way you just can't miss.

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Mo Abdallah & Faysal Fahmy—Gyro Kings

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Omaha has some great gyro spots, but nothing like the New York street gyros that Mo grew up eating. That style, combined with the Egyptian twists he and Faysal put on their sandwiches and rice platters, make Gyro Kings a one-of-a-kind flavor explosion that simply must be experienced. And once you hear what you these two have planned, you'll be even more enticed to experience this food and get excited for what's to come.

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LIVE Brunch podcast—Chase Thomsen, Meghan McLarney, & Christian Brabec

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0000

We all love breakfast and brunch, right? So why not get the people who do it better than anyone in Omaha and pick their brains about this beloved meal. The owners of Saddle Creek Breakfast Club, Lemon Tree Cafe, Gravy Train, and Good Lookin' joined me for a fantastic live podcast and a discussion about crazy customer demands, what makes brunch feel special, breakfast sandwiches, and more!

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Joel Hassanali & Tierra Hope—Salted Edge

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Salted Edge provides an experience few other restaurants in Omaha can, and it has this duo to thank for that. We discuss the restaurant's origins, how dishes move from conception to reality, the relationship between sous chef and head chef, the importance of trust in the kitchen, and so much more. This is a can't miss episode!

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Eric Gabrynowicz—Tupelo Honey

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Tupelo Honey has been a beloved landmark restaurant in Asheville, NC, since 2000, and now Eric, a 4-time James Beard Award Semifinalist, is bringing it to the rest of the country, including Omaha. Eric discusses how to translate Southern hospitality to a restaurant, a fried chicken recipe that took 1.5 years to craft, what he learned from legendary restaurateur Danny Meyer, and so much more!

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Amber Sanne—The Baking Flamingos

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Sweet & savory, trendy & traditional, this bakery can supply whatever baked goods you in crave! But while it's running on all cylinders now, The Baking Flamingos has had its rough moments, including a cry for help that Omaha enthusiastically responded to. From focaccia to opening delays to sellouts and more, Amber tells the whole story in this great episode!

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Andrew Novak—The Mercato (Certified Piedmontese)

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0000

After a career of working in kitchens, Andrew is taking on a different part of the food world as he runs Omaha's location of The Mercato. We discuss how this job differs from every other in his career, what it was like working at The Boiler Room for 5+ years, bread making, and much more!

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David Mark Young—Golden Sheaf Bourbon

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0000

We dive into the world of whiskey with the man who resurrected an Omaha whiskey brand that lay dormant for over 100 years. David has brought Golden Sheaf, which started in 1866, into the 21st century and created a bourbon that's a cut above. We talk about the brand's history, how David became obsessed with bourbons, how he creates blends, and so much more.

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Jess & Paul Urban—Block 16 (LIVE)

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0000

The Urbans intended on opening a fine dining restaurant or a European bistro. What they got was a sandwich shop, and despite a series of trials and setbacks, they turned it into a beloved Omaha destination worthy of James Beard award recognition. Hear that story, the origins of some of their most wild daily specials, and more in this special live podcast!

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Clare Watson Bartolomei, Colin Dorwart, Corina Figueroa—Fig

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0000

With new development and the Kiewit Luminarium, the Riverfront in downtown Omaha is undergoing a transformation. At the heart of it is Fig., a sister restaurant to Lola's that's making a name for itself. Hear from the people who brought it to life how this all-day cafe came to be as they pull back the curtain on what it's like to open and operate a new restaurant.

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Linda Lichtenwalter & Chris Larkin—The Pie Fairy

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Whether sweet or savory, this couple is more than happy to meet all your pie needs. This pie delivery service is redefining what pies can be, delivering both excellent versions of well-known pies, pizzas, and pot pies along with those that are "10% scary." Linda & Chris describe their journey from being laid off at the start of COVID to creating their pie empire, talk about how travel has played a massive role on their food, and have an important message for Alton Brown.

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John Huftless—Dinker's Bar & Grill

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0000

An Omaha staple since 1965, Dinker's has long been beloved for its burgers and low-key atmosphere. Kitchen manager John Huftless discusses the awesome history behind the restaurant, what makes the burgers so great, and how he handles the pressure of carrying on the family legacy through the restaurant.

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Blane Hunter, Scott Fogle, and Craig Ryon—LIVE BBQ Bash

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Three of the most talented BBQ cooks in Omaha bring their minds together to dish on all things 'que. These masters of meat discuss social media feuds, developing the "feel" for meat vs. cooking on time and temperature, why they rarely eat BBQ themselves, and so much more! Any lover of smoked meats or backyard BBQ warrior must catch this episode!

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Jean George - Lyle’s Pizzeria

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0000

A few years ago, Jean never would’ve imagined she’d be operating a pizzeria. But then she found a love for dough and bread, an opportunity arose, and the chef gave herself a crash course in all things pizza. The result is Lyle’s, a fun, casual spot with some of the best pizza in Omaha. Hear the science behind this unique dough and Jean’s story on this fun episode!

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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 Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Andrew Wassinger - Sandhills Elixir

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Let’s talk zero-proof cocktails! The co-founder of Sandhills Elixir discusses the movement toward NA spirits and how his company has ridden the wave. We also talk about how the Ogallala Aquifer makes these spirits so smooth, creating a brand from scratch, and more!

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Jon Stastny, Collin Adkisson, & Rolando Valadez—LIVE food truck rally

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0000

We all love food trucks, but do we really understand what it takes to get them started and keep them in operation? The owners of Wonton Jon's, Mootz, and Alley Taco 402 peel back the curtain in this live recording to showcase the joys and pains of food truck life and help diners understand what it means to be a part of the industry.

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Nino Coniglio & Aaron McCann—Williamsburg Pizza

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0000

World-renowned pizza maker Nino and Omaha native Aaron partnered to create Williamsburg Pizza in New York, and its grown to become one of the NY's favorite pizzerias. And now they've brought that same greatness to Omaha. On the podcast we get into the nerdiness of fermenting and dough science, how these two came together to create Williamsburg originally, what makes them stand out from the crowd in New York, and how they brought this pizza brilliance to Omaha.

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Ahmad & Mahmod Al-Ramadan—Zaytuna

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Don't mind that these brothers are both under 23 years old. Through immeasurable hours of work, these natives of Jordan are serving arguably the best Mediterranean food in Omaha. We discuss what makes elite chicken shawarma, how the family started its food truck, 100-hour work weeks, moving into the Inner Rail Food Hall, and even more exciting news ahead.

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Aires & Judy Reis—Reis' Bakery

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0000

These two are not professional bakers, and they never had an ambitions of opening a bakery. But they fell in love with pastries, breads, and desserts and felt compelled to learn to bake themselves; what follows is an incredible story of perseverance, hard work, and a lot of butter. Discover how one of Omaha's hottest bakeries came to be!

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Jake Heiliger—Wine, Beer, and Spirits

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0000

How did an old Toys R Store store evolve into the fastest-growing spirit provider in Nebraska? Chief Operating Officer Jake Heiliger joins the podcast to tell the tale of how this alcohol superstore exploded out of the gates, wowing customers with over 6,000 products and a built-in bar at the front of the store.

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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David Losole, Nick Strawhecker, & Matt Frampton—LIVE Pizza Party Podcast

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0000

We got together three of Omaha's pizza maestros to talk about all things pizza. David Losole (Virtuoso Pizzeria), Matt Frampton (Urban Slicer Pizza Worx), and Nick Strawhecker (Dante) discuss what they think makes elite pizza, the science of dough making, the brilliance of Dominos, and what makes pizza authentic (and if that even matters).

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Makenna & Gaston Medrano—Solful Cafe

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0000

The father-daughter connection is just one of the many aspects of Solful Cafe that makes this Inner Rail Food Hall inhabitant fascinating. From the authentic Argentinian empanadas to the commitment to fresh ingredients and food made to order (all without fire, mind you) to the wild story that brought this pair from Brazil to Omaha, this is an episode you can't miss!

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Drew & Michelle Statz—Semo Pasta + Wine

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Drew and Michelle have carved out successful careers working in other people's restaurants, but Semo is their opportunity to really show who they are as chefs. Hear the story of how the restaurant came together and got a surprise visit from Guy Fieri. We also discuss pasta love, the dedication to farm to table cooking, repurposing carrot tops, and more.

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Hank Shields—Omaha Bagel Co.

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Hank had no experience making bagels or working in the restaurant industry, but he saw the ability to fill a niche no one else in Omaha was: homemade bagels. Hear the story of Omaha Bagel Co. and how it's all operated out of the Shields' home. Hank's testimony is the encouragement to give passionate people the push to just go for it, and he lays out how to get started pursuing your dream.

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Brett & Cherish Geiger—Izzy's Pizza Bus (LIVE)

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0000

These two had no restaurant experience but a passion for pizza. Their dedication led to starting a school bus, thrilling the Las Vegas pizza market, and moving back to Omaha so their daughter could be close with her grandparents. In this live episode, we nerd out on the science behind pizza, talk about the wildest pizzas Izzy's has created, and discover how love, passion, and the willingness to just try something new lead to true happiness.

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Scott Fogle—Mission Ave BBQ

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Scott cut his teeth at some of Austin's finest BBQ restaurants, and now he's brought that expertise to Nebraska. If you want Texas-style BBQ, this is it. Scott discusses how feel and experience (not time and temperature) define smoking meat and how he coaxes the most flavor possible out of his brisket, pork, and turkey. If you're an avid smoker, a BBQ lover, or just someone who loves great food, you can't miss this episode.

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Amanda & Amya Frazier—Barb's Breakfast Bar

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0000

These sisters carry on their late mother's legacy by cooking the same classic, delicious breakfast dishes she made for them growing up. Hear how this food truck came to life, how love drives everything about the truck, and how Amanda and Amya's varied restaurant experiences make them a perfect tag team.

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Meghan McLarney & Jennifer Maguire—Lemon Tree Cafe

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0000

These two sisters each own and operate their own restaurants, so why did they decide to open one together this year in Ralston? Because they wanted to cook "mom food", the comforting breakfast/lunch dishes they made with their mother growing up. Hear how the concept came together and how this cafe has already become an integral part of Ralston's community.

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Isaiah Renner & Scot Sayles—Dire Lion Grille & Chippy

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Isaiah had no idea if Omahans would go for a food truck serving British pub food in 2016, but Dire Lion is still thriving 7 years later. The owners of the truck discuss putting their small tweaks on traditional UK fare, their most memorable food truck events, the secret behind great fish & chips, and more!

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Michelle Alfaro—Sauced by Alfaro (LIVE)

Thu, 25 May 2023 07:00:00 -0000

In the first live recording of the podcast, Michelle Alfaro details details how she takes the time and care to make you feel like every meal at Sauced is being served at her house. We discussed her epic Nashville hot chicken sandwich, how salsa sales jumpstarted her restaurant career, how she overcame her lack of professional culinary experience, and overcoming her battle with cancer.

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Hailey Vinter—Crumb Coat & Chill

Thu, 18 May 2023 07:00:00 -0000

After starting her food career in restaurants and bakeries, Hailey left the industry... but she couldn't stay away. She ended up opening crumb coat & chill as a side hustle, but her cakes, cookies, and other desserts became so popular, it transformed into her full-time job, and she's now one of Omaha's most beloved bakers. Hear her story, the difficult and rewarding realities of running a baking business, and more in this fascinating episode!

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Elie & Miny Berchal—Elie's Chinchorro

Thu, 11 May 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Elie seeks to send her customers to Puerto Rico for a few hours when they visit her restaurant, and everything from the "boom" of the flavors to the bright walls of Elie's Chinchorro do just that. Elie and her daughter Miny joined the podcast to discuss the road that led from Elie semi-legally selling meals out of her house to owning a beautiful restaurant and introducing Omaha to mofongo and other phenomenal Puerto Rican cuisine.

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Blane Hunter—Porky Butts BBQ

Thu, 04 May 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Few men in the Midwest have the BBQ credentials that Blane Hunter does. He's proven his meat smoking proficiency both on the competition BBQ circuit and in his restaurant, which are vastly different environments. Blane explains the differences between the two settings, relays stories from BBQ competitions, lays out some hards truths about barbecue, and more!

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Dylan Thompson & Jamen Danielson—Clean Slate Food Co.

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Since its inception in 2018, Clean Slate Food Co. has blossomed from a tiny catering service in co-owner Dylan's kitchen to a weekly meal delivery service and a cozy new cafe in Millwork Commons. Hear how friends Dylan and Jamen started from the ground up, creating "heathful" meals that fit into people's daily lives without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.

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Holly Benson—Kitchen Council

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Put simply, Kitchen Council helps start-ups start up. This incubator for young businesses not only provides kitchen space and state-of-the-art machinery, but also information and mentorship necessary for a budding concept to survive. Holly, Kitchen Council's managing director, shares success stories and describes how the organization sets members up for success.

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Colin & Jessica Duggan—Kitchen Table

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Colin & Jessica's commitment to not only local products, but building dishes from the ground up based off what's fresh and available, is downright astounding. They're creativity and dedication to making absolutely everything themselves is a big reason why Kitchen Table has been an Omaha staple for nearly a decade. I could listen to these two talk about food all day—you can't miss this episode!

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Katina Talley—Know Good Eats; Sweet Magnolias Bake Shop

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000

The owner of one of Omaha's most beloved bakeries discusses how the business has involved and the process of finding and opening a second location. We also dive into Katina's new venture, Know Good Eats, which has opened a huge window into her favorite part of her job—recipe development.

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Lauren Wright & Alexis Jensen—Conscious Comforts

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Lauren's food journey began when she realized she could overcome a medical condition by monitoring her diet, namely gluten and dairy intake. But she still desired the nostalgic comfort foods of her childhood (they all have a story), so she learned how to make vegan and gluten-free versions of them. And now she and best friend/business partner Alexis are showing Omaha that vegan food is anything but bland. Their story is one of gusto, friendship, and a true belief in themselves to overcome any challenge.

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Kristina Kalian—Kravings Cookies

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Kristina developed a love for baking from her grandma at a young age and spent years perfecting her chocolate chip cookie recipe. But she didn't originally think that love would become a business, or that it would be such a hit! But her giant, soft cookies have made Kravings Cookies some of Omaha's most sought-after treats. Hear Kristina's story and how she balances being a mom, business owner, and recipe developer all at once!

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Ahmad Nazar—Ahmad's Persian Cuisine

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0000

For more than 30 years, Ahmad has been introducing diners to Persian food, serving them spices and dishes they've never experienced before. From his unique flavors, endless energy, and relentless commitment to meeting each customer, there are few restaurateurs like Ahmad—get to know him and his story in this episode!

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Nichole Bartlett, Scott Taff, and Vincent Rissell—OCookieOs

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0000

What happens when you combine the chewy consistency of a cake donut with the crisp edges of a cookie? You get OCookieOs, a brand that is quickly staking its claim in the Omaha market. Nichole describes how the treat was created as a way of baking for her gluten-free son and the long periods of trial and error that led to this delicious final product.

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Mike Barstow, Dan Watts, and Tyler Schaeffer ACX Theaters, Backlot Pizza + Kitchen, Inkwell

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Experiential dining is a rising trend in American food culture, and this crew is showing why. By combining restaurant-quality food and inspired drink menus with fun activities like movies and bowling, they’re expanding what the idea of a restaurant can be, both in Omaha and beyond.

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Ben Mohl & Joe Finegan—Certified Piedmontese

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Beef that's leaner and lower in calories than traditional beef, but it tastes better? That might sound too good to be true, but anyone who's had Certified Piedmontese knows it's real. Ben & Joe talk about what makes this rare breed of cattle so special, how the giant CP campus in Lincoln (including Casa Bovina) came to be, the reasons you don't have to sacrifice nutrition for flavor, and more!

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Kathy & Scott Silvey—A Catered Affair

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0000

The Silveys had no catering experience when they left their corporate restaurant jobs to open their own catering business in 2007, but you'd never it by eating their food or dining in their cafe today. The stories of how they learned catering life on the fly, scratch make everything possible, survived COVID, and became Omaha's premier catering option are ones you simply can't miss!

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JT Aegnor & Gabriel Bowser—A Foreign Taste

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0000

This team is doing bold things at A Foreign Taste: their aim is to introduce Omaha to global wines and enter the upper echelon of Omaha's fine dining scene. Hear how Operations Manager and Sommelier JT Aegnor found his passion for wine, how head chef Gabriel has transformed the kitchen since coming on board, and what makes this restaurant a truly unique Omaha experience.

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Larissa Codr—The Finicky Cookie

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Cookies, epic side hustles, and Food Network appearances; this episode has it all. Larissa explains how she became obsessed with cookies, the science behind creating the cookies and the various techniques she employs, and her winning appearance on the Food Network Competition, Christmas Cookie Challenge.

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James Hawk—J's Smokehouse

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0000

What if I told you some of Omaha's best BBQ was coming out of a food truck outside a karate gym in Papillion? It's not crazy, as anyone who's been to J's Smokehouse can attest! Owner James Hawk discusses where his love of barbecue came from, the day he quit his job to commit to it full-time, food truck life, how to use social media to a restaurant's advantage, and more!

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Chloe Tran—The Banh Mi Shop

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0000

When Chloe moved to the Omaha from Vietnam, she couldn't find any restaurants serving banh mi sandwiches like the ones she enjoyed at home. So she opened her own restaurant—despite the fact that she was still in college! As The Banh Mi Shop celebrates its 5-year anniversary, we look back at its wild beginnings, discuss learning about culture through food, and talk about what makes banh mis unlike any other sandwich.

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Joe Cong—Blue & Fly Asian Kitchen

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0000

When Joe moved from China to Omaha at the age of 21, he was disappointed that he couldn't find the traditional dishes he loved weren't available (sorry, peanut butter chicken). So he created Blue & Fly Asian Kitchen, one of the few spots in Omaha that not only offers Americanized Chinese dishes, but also those traditional ones you'd across the globe. Hear his story, how moods can affect his cooking, the advent of Blue & Fly's cake business, and more!

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Rolando Valadez—Alley Taco 402

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0000

On the surface, Alley Taco 402 is a food truck serving some of the best tacos in Omaha. But it goes further than that, as owner Rolando Valadez is using his business to create community and inspire the next generation using the lessons he learned from his late father.

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Yuvi Kolbar - Yuvi’s Bake Shop

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Yuvi’s story from growing up in Israel to selling French pastries and desserts is wild, and it showcases what makes her such a passionate, amazing baker. Hear more about her background and the unique, delicious desserts she’s creating that you won’t find anywhere else.

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Javier Trujillo Villa—Javi's Tacos

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Javi's Tacos has opened 3 locations and 2 food trucks in just 2 years; how did it achieve such wild success out of the gate? To hear own Javier Trujillo Villa tell it, it's consistency, humility, and creating food that's neither "Tex Mex" or "authentic", but is what he loves to eat. This episode provides a great look into not only delicious food, but what makes a business successful and scaleable.

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Brad, Kyle, & Jake Jukes—Jukes Ale Works

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Delicious, wildly creative beers, salted caramel wings, sweat-inducing Nashville hot chicken sandwiches... there's no place quite like Jukes Ale Works. And when you meet these brothers, you'll see why. We talked about a little bit of everything: a beer named "Bathtub Spaghetti", taking man cards with the Nashville hot chicken, the headaches of building the brewery, the joys of creating a beloved brew, and the importance of keeping everything in the family.

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Cory Fuller—Pulled BBQ

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Cory Fuller promised his wife he'd never open a restaurant. But the raving compliments this home smoker got on his smoked meats were too powerful to ignore. A food truck evolved into a brick and mortar featuring solely hand-pulled meats. Cory explains his personal journey, the decision to not include BBQ staples like ribs and brisket on the menu, the strategy behind his creative weekly specials, and more!

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Erick Landa—Centi

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Omaha was missing a gelato destination... that is, until Erick opened Centi in the summer of 2022. This detail-obsessed dessert magician delights Omahans with his creamy product and unique flavors, most of which have a personal tie to his life. Hear Erick's story from savory chef to sweet treat creator and hear what's next for Centi.

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David Utterback—Koji

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Already a James Beard-nominated chef and owner of Yoshitomo, Omaha's top sushi restaurant, David Utterback wanted a spot in Omaha where he could eat one of his favorite foods: yakitori. So he opened Koji and introduced the city to a fantastic style of eating. Hear why David is so passionate about yakitori, how he and his team leveled up and learned the cooking method, how to get diners to expand their culinary horizons, and more!

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Bryon Compton—Graley's Creamery & Confections

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Super premium ice cream, homemade hand pies and soup, a welcoming atmosphere that takes you back in time... what else could you want from an ice cream shop?! Bryon discusses how nostalgia, family, and a severe love of ice cream combine to make Graley's one of the most unique establishments in Omaha.

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Erin Palladino—PepperJax

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0000

As PepperJax celebrates its 20th anniversary, its COO joins the show to discuss how it grew from humble beginnings in Omaha in 2002 to a major brand with more than 40 locations now. Erin talks about how the company scaled up, the importance of listening to customers, the advent of cheese sauces (it was a BIG deal), and how she rose from part-time cashier to one of the company's most important figures.

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Matt Taylor - Inner Rail Food Hall

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 07:00:00 -0000

As someone who’s worked at all levels of the restaurant industry, Matt brings a unique perspective and ability to coach all the various independent vendors and concepts inside the Inner Rail. Matt tells stories of his career (including working under Charlie Trotter and Thomas Keller), how they helped prepare him for the Inner Rail, facing the “fire-breathing dragon” that is dinner service, and how a food hall survives and thrives in a pandemic.

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Dan Benigno—Chef Around the Block

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Dan Benigno is passionate about two things: making people happy through food and empowering the next generation of cooks. He accomplishes both at Chef Around the Block, offering cooking classes, catering, private dinners and, most recently, a pop-up space in Midtown to mentor young chefs and cooks as they test their concepts.

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Stacie Van Cleave & Matt Hyde—Veg.edible

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Vegan. Gluten-free. Nut-free. Stacie Van Cleave wanted to provide delicious food for everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions and preferences—thus, Veg.edible was born. And now she and partner Matt Hyde are taking Omaha by storm with delicious, unique, safe food that anyone can enjoy. Hear why they're so passionate about the mission and how they got Veg.edible off the ground!

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Moses Moseley, Dan Whalen, & Cassie Jacobs—Dirty Birds

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0000

What started as a tiny pop-up has blown up into Omaha's favorite fried chicken joint in just two years... how did it happen? The Dirty Birds trio describes their move into Omaha's historic Flatiron building, the "great chicken, good vibes" concept behind the restaurant, and a new approach to how we think about "fine dining."

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Kevin Wyatt & Isaiah Renner—Trucks & Taps

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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 more in this episode.

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Michael Ozmun Jr.—Dairy Chef

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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Jennifer Maguire—Lisa's Radial Cafe

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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Zach Bridges—Burning Bridges Food Truck

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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Ashley Miller—Sweet Ash Macs

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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Meghan & Matt McLarney—Gravy Train

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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 great story to tell.

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Sue Brezack & Christina Randall—Bagel Bin

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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Dan Loutzenhiser—Stories Coffee Company

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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Ali & Chase Woodward—Countryside Cones

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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Jenny & Nick Maestas—CTRL

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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Brett & Cherish Geiger—Izzy's Pizza Bus

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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).

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Clark Ross—Mercury

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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."

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Omar Garrido—The Churro Spot

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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Nicholas Joubert—The 4th Station

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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 restaurant owners great at what they do.

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Chase Thomsen & Jocelyn Ward—Saddle Creek Breakfast Club

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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Oscar Hernandez—The Corner Kitchen

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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Craig Hoffman—Phyl's Deli

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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Katie & Noah Mock—Fizzy's Fountain & Liquors

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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Indalecio Penaloza—La Poblanita

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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Tony Vacanti—La Casa Pizzaria

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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David Losole—Virtuoso Pizzeria

Thu, 26 May 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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Darrell Auld—Twisted Cork Bistro; Pacific Eating House

Thu, 19 May 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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

Thu, 12 May 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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Jon Stastny—Blend Virtual Food Hall

Thu, 05 May 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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Will & Rachel Birge—Mealbox

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0000

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!

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Ashley Welch—Fariner Bakery

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0000

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.

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Aden Beck & Jim Lesperance—Get Real Sandwiches

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0000

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.

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Traci Page—Karma Koffee

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0000

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.

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Michelle Alfaro—Sauced by Alfaro

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0000

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.

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Jonathan Taylor—The Modern Waffle

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0000

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.

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Peter Bass—The Mercato

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0000

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.

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Kris Lamlika & Nils Gjoca; Sofra Creperie

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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Mike Barstow—Backlot Taphouse; Backlot Pizza & Kitchen

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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Elizabeth Pooley—Square Donut

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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John Osna & Jason Sirois—The Committee Chophouse

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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Matt Halligan & Brian Koozer—Frank's Pizzeria

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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Aagya Subedi—Kathmandu Momo Station

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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Matt & Scott Egermayer—Lighthouse Pizza & Fries

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Diwesh Bhattarai—Saffron Urban Indian Kitchen

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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Raechel Van Buskirk—Deviled Egg Co.

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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Abby McLeay—Zen Coffee Company

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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Meghan McLarney—Gravy Train; Omaha Soup Company

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0000

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!

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Nick Maestas—Muchachos

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0000

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...

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Tyler Thiesen and Adam Mallory—Everett's

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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Kate Anderson—Carter & Rye

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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Karlo Cruz—Kalye

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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TJ Holzapfel—The Rude Shrimp Co.

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:06:38 -0000

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 Co. is wild as the food is delicious! Hear how TJ, his wife, Lisa, and their friends have made an idea explode into one of Omaha's coolest restaurants in just a few years.

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Katina Talley—Sweet Magnolia's Bake Shop

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 benefited from that decision. Learn how difficult the move was, how she survived the first year, the differences between sweet and savory baking, and so much more!

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Gary Hughes—Hospitality Director at the Open Door Mission

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 rediscovered his faith, began working in the kitchen, and now runs the food program. You can't miss this incredible story of redemption, faith, and, of course, food!

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

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 an amazing partnership Nick has created between elite Omaha Chefs and the Siena Francis House.

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Travis Dunekacke—TD Niche Pork

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 into a full-blown pork operation that supplies some of Nebraska's best restaurants and thrills customers with whole hog sales.

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Troy & Katie Gaines—Chicago Dog 42

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 open their first restaurant. This is a tale you have to hear, and some dogs you gotta try!

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Sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Visit their website, use Promo Code: HOPPEN, and receive 25% off your order!

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Wine Pod! with Nicola Biscardo & Nick Strawhecker

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 Selections) and Nick Strawhecker (the owner of Dante) engage in a wide-ranging conversation about the connections between the worlds of food and wine.

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Michael Rhoades—culinary consultant at Sysco

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 06:00:00 -0000

We take a trip through Michael's winding career to learn about all aspects of the hospitality industry, including opening a restaurant, teaching at culinary school, working for hotels and country clubs, and more!

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Wilson Calixte—Le Voltaire

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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. Hear Wilson's unique journey from Haitian childhood to becoming a New York chef to moving to Omaha to finally achieving his dream of owning a restaurant, along with some of the most valuable lessons he learned along the way.

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René Guzmán—Little Ve's

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 selling out of his home kitchen to becoming a popular vegan pop-up even hardcore carnivores crave.

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

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 the story between the beginning of that passion and how it spurred him to open his two restaurants.

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Alfredo & Alexis Hernandez—El Alambre

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 about their cheesy signature dish, the importance of salsa in Mexican cuisine, the long, hard, rewarding path that led them to owning two restaurants, and more!

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Jon Stastny—Wonton Jon's

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 industry and, in particular, the food truck world. In this episode, you'll learn what it's really like to own and work in a food truck, execute a brunch service, and more.

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A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Chelsie Schroeder—The Bubbly Tart

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 confections. Hear about that story, "trash cakes", the importance of finding the right help with a start-up, and more!

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

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 unmatched, and his career and experiences provide a fascinating view into this unique craft.

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

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 is to find a restaurant that offers the creative freedom The Boiler Room does, and more. Plus, plenty of fun stories!

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Ashish & Kim Sathyan—Kinaara

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 that of Kerala specifically) so special, and the difficulties of serving dine-in and to-go customers at once. Plus, they two foodies name some of their favorite places to chow down at on their day off!

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

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 from Michelin-starred restaurants to create versatile, creative menu, while Jordan has become a master at the front of house in addition to running the pasta program. Together, they create a restaurant the likes of which Nebraska has not yet seen.

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John Engler—Avoli

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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, Baela Rose, and Avoli. His insights provide a unique window for diners to understand what restaurant life is really like.

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Jeanne & Joe Pittack—Ted & Wally's

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 their wacky specialty flavors, the process of moving from employees to owners, and more! Cool off from the summer heat with this great conversation!

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Thou Chum & Brittani Button—Yeak Sauce

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 sauce so unique and how food is people's great connector.

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Lindy Pearson—V. Mertz

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 to pastry, balancing multiple jobs at once, and more! If you're at all a fan of sweet confections, this episode is for you!

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Todd Simon—Omaha Steaks

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 its competitors, the biggest misconceptions about Omaha Steaks, and more!

Order Your Get Out and Grill Assortment from Omaha Steaks today! Just go to OmahaSteaks.com and type my last name, HOPPEN, in the search bar. You’ll not only save 59% off the original price, but you’ll give your dad a Father’s Day gift he’ll always remember.

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Matt Vrzal — Piezon's Pizzeria

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 "Perfect on Purpose" mantra drives his restaurant, why cheese pizza defines restaurant pizza, and more!

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John Davis—Le Bouillon

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 processes it), what diners don't understand about restaurants, and more!

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Travis Liebig—Sunnyside on Center

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 top up-and-coming breakfast spots. You don't want to miss his story and his unique perspective on the restaurant industry.

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Richard Mendoza—El Arepon

Thu, 27 May 2021 06:00:00 -0000

After moving to Omaha from Venezuela, Richard Mendoza finally took the leap and began serving traditional Venezuelan cuisine to his new home. Adoption didn't happen overnight, but Omaha came to love El Arepon's food, so much so that Richard moved from a food truck into The Switch Beer & Food Hall. And he ends the conversation with an exciting announcement...

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

Thu, 20 May 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 the first few days after opening their restaurant, the early mistakes they made and how they adjusted on the fly, and more!

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

Thu, 13 May 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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. And if the early indications are any sign, this is just the tip of the iceberg for his career.

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A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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

Thu, 06 May 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 Archetype and the hard lessons he had to learn, expounds on the value of customer service and how coffee can set the tone for someone's day, and reveals how Archetype finds its unique suppliers and seldom-found beans.

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A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 making it himself! Franklin talks about that journey, the joys and struggles of owning a food truck, how to make fried food taste light, and so much more!

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

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 of how they created a Wagyu cross, opened a retail store, and continued to build on an already-beloved product.

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

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -0000

Three of Omaha's most talented chefs convene to discuss and banter about industry topics, including the unique challenges most diners don't understand about working in restaurants, their favorite celebrity chefs, the foodie trends that drive them crazy, Omaha's top up-and-coming culinary talent, and more!

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Collin Adkisson—Mootz (04/08/21)

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 year, the joys and struggles of operating a food truck, and more!

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

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 Lookin' stand out in Omaha's crowded brunch field, how his marketing background helps the restaurant, and more! Plus, he reveals the secret behind Good Lookin's incredible crispy potatoes...

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

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0000

After taking five years away from the restaurant industry, Patrick McCracken was recently named as the new executive chef at Pacific Eating House. We discuss his journey, what he learned during his time away from restaurants, how he's getting caught up to speed, and what makes Pacific Eating House unique in a crowded restaurant market.

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

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0000

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 Omahans can't get enough of her confections, especially her signature cake. Her story is one of love, passion, and determination that resulted in some delicious desserts.

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

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 07:00:00 -0000

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 first started, the thrill at being nominated for a James Beard award, the lessons he learned in taking over the restaurant after Paul Kulik, and more!

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

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 07:00:00 -0000

In a wide-ranging and fascinating conversation, the executive chef at Champion's Run discusses the differences between a career as a restaurant chef and working at a country club, the importance of encouraging cooks to ask "why? in the kitchen, what chefs really use cookbooks for, and so much more!

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

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Omaha's premier photographer discusses how he got out of chef life and into photography, working with celebrity chefs like Bobby Flay and Shirley Chung, and his ground-breaking Right Here, Right Now project in response to COVID-19.

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

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 07:00:00 -0000

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 their "farm-to-cone" concept", and how their wildly different backgrounds came together to make Coneflower what it is today.

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

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 07:00:00 -0000

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 enhance their careers, the wonder of fried chicken sandwiches, and more!

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

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 07:00:00 -0000

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 business, convincing restaurants to adopt a new product.

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

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 07:00:00 -0000

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 brings all kinds of fascinating stories, insight, and advice for young cooks (especially those with family aspirations) to this episode.

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

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 07:00:00 -0000

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 faltered and bread&cup closed, did Kevin Shinn keep his hope? We go deep into the heart of restaurateurs in this episode.

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

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 07:00:00 -0000

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. Learn about that, what makes the perfect cupcake, and if the "cupcake sandwich" is acceptable.

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Kane Adkisson—kano (1/07/21)

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 10:30:00 -0000

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 cooking, the value of staging at restaurants, and more. Plus, he shares colorful stories from his cooking travels around the globe!

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

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 07:00:00 -0000

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 previous ventures.

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Drew Statz, Dante (12/23/20)

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 07:00:00 -0000

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 service so different from other meal periods. Plus, we talk about Drew's wild 2020 that concluded with his promotion to executive chef at Dante.

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

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 07:00:00 -0000

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, discuss the importance of mentoring in the restaurant industry, what they look for when hiring cooks, what they learned from each other, and more!

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A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 07:00:00 -0000

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 case at Roncalli, where the booster club has turned concession stands into a dining destination. Here's how they did it.

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John Rea— Via Farina (12/3)

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 07:00:00 -0000

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 Italian food to get ready for the job, his winding career path to Via Farina, and more!

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

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 07:00:00 -0000

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 of culinary school, and more!

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

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 07:00:00 -0000

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 to split his time between two restaurants, food media, and so much more!

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Nick Strawhecker—Dante (11/12/20)

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 07:00:00 -0000

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 pizza, our shared love of pasta, and even brunch!

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Jake Newton—V. Mertz (11/5/20)

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 07:00:00 -0000

The executive chef at one of Omaha’s best restaurants discusses how V. Mertz’s creative dishes are conceptualized and created, , how the Omaha restaurant scene has evolved in such a short amount of time,the importance of menu psychology, and more!

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Au Courant Staff Summit (10/29/20)

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 06:00:00 -0000

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 restaurant life, and more! Listen as Anthony Caniglia (Chovy), Andy Barnard, and Shane Ridgeway give you a behind-the-scenes look at one of the best restaurants.

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

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 06:00:00 -0000

Two chefs from Kitchen Table talk about the importance of having a "family" atmosphere in the kitchen, the difficulty and beauty of scratch-making food, the balance of loving where you cook and the desire to branch out on your own, and how to make the perfect fried chicken!

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Kristina Lee—Nice Rollz (10/15/20)

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 06:00:00 -0000

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, she began fusing Korean flavors with classic American foods and selling them out of a coffeehouse. And now Omaha can't get enough of Nice Rollz.

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

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 06:00:00 -0000

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, initially butting heads with customers at Dario's, the beauty of a well-made burger, why pasta is such a labor of love, and so, so much more!

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

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 06:00:00 -0000

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 Courant a truly unique dining experience.

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

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 06:00:00 -0000

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

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

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 06:00:00 -0000

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 city. Founder Nick Bartholomew explains his original concept, how he got Dandelion off the ground, and why it resonates so heavily with the city.

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Mike & Kellie Osler—Oasis Falafel of Omaha (09/10/20)

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 06:00:00 -0000

Let's talk falafel! The owners of Oasis Falafel join the show to talk about what makes this unique food item so delicious, the origin story of opening the Omaha location, finding fun ways to tinker with the menu, and so much more!

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Kevin Novak & Matt Moser—From Farm to Table (09/03/20)

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 07:00:00 -0000

Kevin (the owner of Flavor Country Farms) and Matt (the executive chef at Stirnella and Butterfish) discuss the relationship between their long-standing friendship, the relationship between restaurants and producers, and what makes Flavor Country Farms special.

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Jon Stastny and Joe Piatt—Wonton Jon's (08/27/20)

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 07:00:00 -0000

What a difference a few months can make! Jon Stastny makes a return appearance to talk about the evolution of his food truck, Wonton Jon's. Also joining is Joe Piatt, a former fine dining chef who's bringing a different mindset to food truck life.

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Tim Maides (09/20/20)

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 13:56:30 -0000

Chef, soap producer, world traveler, reality TV guest... is there anything Tim Maides doesn't do? We chat about what it's like to work a Dandelion pop-up event, what Tim has learned from his travels, and the false nature of food TV shows.

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Matt Frampton—Urban Slicer Pizza (08/13/20)

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 07:00:00 -0000

Local pizza master Matt Frampton talks all things 'za, including graduating from a world-famous pizza school in California, developing his line of Urban Slicer Pizza doughs, and the highs and lows of developing a new product.

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Stacy Winters and Heather Lake—Omaha Food Lovers (08/05/20)

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 07:00:00 -0000

Happy birthday OFL! On the 1-year anniversary of the Facebook group's beginning, its co-creators talk about the inspiration behind starting the group, why it resonated so heavily and grew to nearly 37,000 members in one year, its power to help restaurants (particularly during COVID-19), and more! Plus, there's a surprise shoutout from some special guests...

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Dawn & Adam Witchell—NG City Cafe (07/30/20)

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 12:10:32 -0000

Welcome to Boomin' Newman! The owners of City Cafe in Newman Grove, Neb., discuss how made the decision to move from Omaha and purchase the classic cafe, becoming restauranteurs and cooks on the fly, and the famed pie runs to Omaha.

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Ashish Sathyan and Kim Harris—Kinaara (07/23/20)

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 07:00:00 -0000

The co-owners of Kinaara discuss the wonders—and common misconceptions—of Indian cuisine, the struggles of opening a restaurant and how it made them stronger, and how a love of food brought them together and created a family.

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Piero Cotrina—WD Cravings (07/16/20)

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 07:00:00 -0000

With eye-popping desserts, crazy breakfast sandwiches, and handmade pasta, WD Cravings is one of Omaha's most unique restaurants. Chef/owner Piero describes how he and Wendy Delgado's passion, experience, and wild backstory helped mold the restaurant and survive the pandemic.

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Ryan Cooper—Smoke Sheet Newsletter (07/09/20)

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 07:00:00 -0000

Few people are as passionate about BBQ as Ryan Cooper. The co-founder of the Smoke Sheet Newsletter discuss where that love for 'que comes from, his experience shadowing Blane Hunter (Porky Butts BBQ) at a recent competition, and Omaha's evolving BBQ scene.

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Bob Haney—Heavenly Waffles (07/02/20)

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 10:51:05 -0000

Healthy, delicious waffles? Those three words weren't used together before Bob Haney created Heavenly Waffles. He joined the pod to discuss why his product is different, the long, difficult path the creating his product, and what others can learn from his story.

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Nina Sodji—Okra African Grill (06/18/20)

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 10:40:50 -0000

Togo native and chef/owner Nina Sodji discusses how she introduced Omaha to African cuisines, how she rebounded from dark points in her career, what it's like to open a restaurant in a pandemic, and the great success Okra is experiencing now.

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Eats This Week: Rice Noodle Thai, Nice Rollz, Dairy Chef

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 10:46:33 -0000

Join Sarah and Dan as they discuss some of Omaha's best Thai food, their first dine-in experience in 3 months (spoiler alert: it was incredible), and the epicness that is Dairy Chef.

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Curtis Norton—Round the Bend Steakhouse (06/11/20)

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 07:00:00 -0000

RTB's executive chef discusses the restaurant's unique way (hint: bull testicles) of bringing people together to celebrate, his odd and inspiring path to the RTB kitchen, and why cooking holds a special place in his heart. Subscribe, 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! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Eats This Week: Okra African Grill, Caribbean Delights

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 11:38:17 -0000

Looking to support black owned restaurants? We've got two excellent options for you. Dan and Sarah break down some standout African and Jamaican cuisine. Subscribe, 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! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Kane and Collin Adkisson—Mootz Pizza (06/04/20)

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 07:00:00 -0000

What began as a brother experimenting cooking pizzas in his backyard has grown into a thriving business in a matter of weeks. But with the cooking chops in the Adkisson family, such a rise should come as no surprise. Subscribe, 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! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Marie Losole—Lo Sole Mio (05/28/20)

Thu, 28 May 2020 07:00:00 -0000

The co-owner of Lo Sole Mio discusses the difficult ins and outs of operating a classic sit-down restaurant during the pandemic and details how Lo Sole Mio rose from humble beginnings to become one of Omaha's most important restaurants. Subscribe, 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! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Dean Leisman—Pitch Pizzeria (05/21/20)

Thu, 21 May 2020 07:00:00 -0000

The COO of Pitch discusses Pitch's origins, what makes the culture there different, how Pitch responded to COVID-19, and how its leadership came to the decision to allow in-restaurant dining again.

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Luke Mabie—Culprit Cafe (05/14/20)

Thu, 14 May 2020 07:00:00 -0000

The paths that lead people into the restaurant industry are always fascinating, and Luke has one of the craziest I've heard! Plus, the thinking behind Culprit's genius "What's in the Box?" promotion! Subscribe, 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! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Michelle Kaiser—The Omaha Bakery (05/07/20)

Thu, 07 May 2020 07:00:00 -0000

The owner of The Omaha Bakery discusses her unusual beginning in restaurants, how she got into desserts, her appearance on the Food Network, and how the keto diet has changed both her life and her bakery. Subscribe, 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! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Sagar Gurung—Kathmandu Momo Station (04/30/20)

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 07:00:00 -0000

What's a momo? Once you try one, you'll never forget it. The restaurant's owner talks about what makes these dumplings so special, what it felt like to bring his homeland's signature dish to Omaha, and dealing with the effects of COVID-19. Subscribe, 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! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Laura Risola, Keto-Friendly Baker (04/23/20)

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 07:00:00 -0000

Let's talk keto! The baker who created the line of keto-friendly desserts for The Omaha Bakery and Copps Pizza Company talks about the benefits of the diet, why it isn't a fad, and how she developed keto desserts and got diners to embrace them. Subscribe, 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! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Autumn Pruitt—Hardy Coffee (04/16/20)

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 07:00:00 -0000

The owner of Hardy Coffee Co. joins the podcast to discuss her lifelong dream, the ethos that set Hardy apart from other coffee houses, and the ways businesses are creatively addressing the challenges from COVID-19. Subscribe, 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! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Paul Kulik—Le Bouillon & Via Farina (04/09/20)

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 07:00:00 -0000

The award-winning chef discusses what moved him from a potential career in engineering physics to cooking, the importance of being open to trying new cuisines, what makes the Omaha restaurant landscape special, and how his businesses adjusted to the effects of the Coronavirus. Subscribe, 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! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Jon Stastny—Wonton Jon's (04/02/20)

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 07:00:00 -0000

Jon discusses how he came up with the clever concept for his food truck, the live of a food truck owner, and how Coronavirus has forced him to quickly adapt his plans after just starting a business. Subscribe, 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! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Tim & Lisa Trudell (03/31/20)

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 07:00:00 -0000

The authors of Unique Eats and Eateries of Omaha joined the podcast to discuss their book, their favorite Omaha restaurant stories, and the history behind the spots they love to eat at most. Subscribe, 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! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Glenn Wheeler—Spencer's for Steaks and Chops (03/26/20)

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 12:35:50 -0000

A member of the Omaha Restaurant Hall of Fame, Glenn Wheeler discusses how Omaha's restaurant community has changed over the past 25 years, cooking for a U.S. president and the Rolling Stones, being a mentor for so many up-and-coming chefs, and more!

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Nick Strawhecker - Dante (03/21/20)

Sat, 21 Mar 2020 21:32:05 -0000

The brilliant chef at Dante discusses how Coronavirus is impacting the restaurant industry, how Dante has adjusted to the changes, the awesome response from the Omaha community, and how they can continue to support. These may be uncertain times, but we can always rally and support our local restaurants!

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Nick Bartholomew—Dandelion Pop-Up and Over Easy (03/19/20)

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 11:52:42 -0000

One of the pillars of the Omaha culinary scene, Nick stopped in to discuss how the restaurant community is reacting to the Coronavirus, the excitement he has behind restarting Dandelion Pop-Up, the national recognition Omaha's food is beginning to receive, and homemade pop-tarts!

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Coronavirus' Effect on Omaha Restaurants (03/16/20)

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 22:42:49 -0000

Everyone has been hit hard by the coronavirus, and Omaha restaurants are no exception. We need to support them in their time of need, even if we can't visit physically.

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Carlos Mendez—The Hunger Block (03/12/20)

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 07:00:00 -0000

Carlos Mendez peels back the curtain on the difficulties and joy of being in the restaurant industry, discusses what makes The Hunger Block a unique Omaha experience, and what it's like to introduce people to the food of his hometown Venezuela. Oh, and of course we had to talk about those monstrous Hunger Block milkshakes! Subscribe, 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! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Ben Maides - Au Courant (03/05/20)

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0000

James Beard award semifinalist Ben Maides joined Dan to discuss the challenges of starting Au Courant, how he comes up with his incredible chefs tasting menus, the beauty of family meal, and more! Prepare to be hungry for this one. Subscribe, 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! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Faturday Omaha (02/27/20)

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Dan is joined by three friends who set aside lunch each Saturday to reconnect, take down massive meals at different Omaha restaurants, and record a podcast! The Faturday Omaha crew is as hilarious as they are well-versed in the Omaha restaurant scene. Subscribe, 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! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Dan O'Brien—Acadian Grille (02/20/20)

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 08:00:00 -0000

The owner of Acadian Grille joined the pod to dispel misconceptions about Cajun cuisine, discuss what makes that style of cooking so magical, talk through the difficulties of opening a restaurant, and outline the process behind evolving the menus. Subscribe, 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! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Dave Utterback—Yoshitomo (02/13/20)

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 08:00:00 -0000

The chef/owner of the incredible Yoshiotomo stops by to explain what makes Yoshitomo so much more than a normal sushi bar, why the Aburi Wagyu is a transcendent dish, and his rise from humble beginnings in the industry. Plus, Dan manages to completely embarrass himself not once, but twice, trying to pronounce "omasake."

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Anthony Kueper—Dolce (02/06/20)

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 08:00:00 -0000

The chef and owner of Dolce, one of Omaha's best fine dining restaurants, breaks down how he creates tasting menus, how he's constantly tinkering and creating new dishes, and what he does when he gets "writer's block."

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David Losole - Virtuoso Pizzeria (01/30/20)

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Nebraska's top Pizzaiolo joins the show to discuss why he's so passionate about pizza, what it's like to attend pizza school, the early days of working for his parents at Lo Sole Mio, and so much more! Subscribe, 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! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Kitchen Table (01/23/20)

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Prepare your salivary glands, because this is a fun ride. Owners/chefs Jess and Colin Duggan of Kitchen Table join the show to break down their creative menu, why Omaha is exploding as a food scene, and how Kitchen Table is so much more than a job to them—it's life. Subscribe, 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! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Blane Hunter - Porky Butts (01/16/20)

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 08:00:00 -0000

The award-winning pitmaster pulls back the curtain on the competition barbecue circuit, talks about opening his restaurant, Porky Butts, and what makes their burnt ends so magical.

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Sarah Hoppen (01/09/20)

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Dan's wonderful wife comes on to discuss how food has impacted their relationship, "The List," and their unusual food-related engagement story. Subscribe, 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! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Kris Copp (01/02/20)

Thu, 02 Jan 2020 08:00:00 -0000

The owner and head chef at the buzzing Copps Pizza Company chats with Dan about how cooking with his family growing up influences his pizzas, why Copps has had such early success, and how he comes up with his out-of-the-box ideas for pies. Subscribe, rate, and review my podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Dan’s 2019 Omaha Restaurant Superlatives

Thu, 26 Dec 2019 08:00:00 -0000

Looking back at the best food Omaha restaurants had to offer in 2019, including Best Individual Dish, Best New Restaurant, and more!

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Block 16 - Jess and Paul Urban (12/19/19)

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 08:00:00 -0000

This is it! The chefs/owners of Dan's favorite restaurant stop in to chat about the Omaha restaurant family, Block 16's humble beginnings, and how Alton Brown changed their lives.

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Nick Maestas (12/12/19)

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 13:58:05 -0000

The owner of the uber-successful Muchachos food truck checks in to talk about pursuing culinary passions, why he took the leap to open a food truck, and how he's using it to give back to those less fortunate.

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Mike Schaefer (12/05/20)

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 12:00:00 -0000

Let's talk burgers! Resident burger expert Mike Schaefer stops in to talk the best burgers in Nebraska and how he finds awesome off-the-beaten path joints. Subscribe, rate, and review my podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Mitch Sherman

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 11:00:00 -0000

The Athletic's Mitch Sherman sat down with Dan to talk about the bond between Runzas and Nebraskans, what various Huskers think about Runzas, and Mitch's beef with The Drover.

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Brett Baker (11/21/19)

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 11:00:00 -0000

Brett Baker, the No. 1 fan of the hit YouTube show Hot Ones, stops by to talk about his personal experience on the set and his favorite episodes. Dan and Brett also resurrect their favorite deceased Nebraska restaurants.

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Erin Sorensen (11/14/19)

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 11:00:00 -0000

Hail Varsity's Erin Sorensen checks in with Dan to pull back the curtain on Nebraska football's training table. They also discuss the greatness of Block 16, the viability of chili and cinnamon rolls, and more.

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Robin Washut (11/07/19)

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 11:00:00 -0000

HuskerOnline basketball reporter Robin Washut stops by to discuss the best spots to eat before a Nebrasketball game, compare Nebraska basketball coaches and their fast food dopplegangers, and call out Lincoln's need for a legit steakhouse. Subscribe, rate, and review my podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Matt Vrzal (10/17/19)

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 13:34:24 -0000

In the inaugural episode of the pod, Dan welcomes Matt Vrzal, Nebraska national champion and owner of Piezon's Pizzeria. The two chat about what makes great pizza, how Piezon's came to be, and the future of the restaurant.

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