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Restaurant Hoppen

Food & Cooking Podcasts

Dan Hoppen breaks down the Nebraska cuisine scene one bite at a time. He talks to local chefs, media members, and just interesting people about what's going on in the Cornhusker State when it comes to food, where people need to eat, and how food relates to Nebraska sports.

Location:

United States

Description:

Dan Hoppen breaks down the Nebraska cuisine scene one bite at a time. He talks to local chefs, media members, and just interesting people about what's going on in the Cornhusker State when it comes to food, where people need to eat, and how food relates to Nebraska sports.

Twitter:

@danhoppen

Language:

English


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

3/5/2026
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 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 00:01:47 – 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:08:41

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Matt & Simone Weber—Table Grace Cafe

2/26/2026
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 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 00:01:15 – 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:06:50

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Jeff Gorat—J. Gorat's Deli + Market

2/19/2026
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 & Markethttps://www.facebook.com/people/JGorats-Deli-Market/61580831277359/ 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 00:00:59 – 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:03:33

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

2/17/2026
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/ 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 – 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:07:12

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Front of House & Hospitality All-Stars

2/12/2026
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/ 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 00:01:01 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:06:14

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Ismara Gonzalez—Isla Del Mar

2/5/2026
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:07:44

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

1/29/2026
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 Pizzahttps://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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:05:28

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Andrew Novak & Cheyanne Loeffler - All In Thyme

1/22/2026
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:04:02

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Brian Bendams—Funny Bone Comedy Club

1/15/2026
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 Bonehttps://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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:04:05

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Blake Barnes - Bronco’s Hamburgers

1/8/2026
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 Hamburgershttps://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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:05:07

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

1/1/2026
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:08:11

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Carlos Cuevas & Gillian Cromwell-Cuevas—Masa Luna

12/25/2025
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:01:58

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Doug Case & LaRue Marcos—Ooh De Lally

12/18/2025
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 Lallyhttps://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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:08:01

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

12/11/2025
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:04:56

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Elizabeth & Jack Pooley—Square Donut

12/4/2025
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:07:52

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John & Seth Quiring—Le Quartier

11/27/2025
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:04:15

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Jacque & Jake Burklund—Carinara

11/20/2025
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:48:30

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Angie Padgett & Tamra Johnson—Good Evans

11/13/2025
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 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 00:01:02 - 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:58:01

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DeVaute Nunn—Haven Express

11/6/2025
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 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 00:01:03 - 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:49:22

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Nate Flick—Godega

10/30/2025
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. 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 00:00:59 - 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:54:26