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!

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!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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!

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!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

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!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

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!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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!

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!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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!

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!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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!

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!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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!

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!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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!

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!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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!

Follow, 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!

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

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!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.