King Kong (Multiple Locations)

Post by **nebugeater** » Thu May 05, 2005 11:43 am

Across 13ths street from the Blatt there is a gas station / car wash that is being dismantled. It was a 66 station that could be seen from the interstate. The tank is out of the ground and the pumps are being removed. It has not operated as a convenience store for some time and the pay at the pump gas ended a couple of months ago or so.

Does anyone know what if anything is going in on that site? I heard at one time that there was a fast food restaurant after the property and a second party interested in the site was going to operate it as an independent gas station. This was what I was told by a person working there right before they closed the inside sales. The for sale sign was up for some time after this though so no idea if either one of these developed. From the looks of it with the tank removed and the pumps / piping looking like they are coming out my guess is that the gas days are over for this site.

Post by **Brad** » Thu May 05, 2005 4:02 pm

I wonder if the big new Bucksy'd Bp across the interstate didn't run them out.

jjjjhskr · Post by **jjjjhskr** » Thu May 05, 2005 6:37 pm

I was driving by their while in Omaha last weekend and asked about it. What I was told is that a Sonic is going to be put in.

One thing that has always surprised me is that there is not much hotel development on 13th near the I80 exit. The Comfort Inn seems packed everytime I drive by, it's the first Nebraska and Omaha exit from the east, it's close to downtown, the zoo and Rosenblatt. The empty lot by the Comfort Inn seems like the perfect place for another hotel.

Post by **nebugeater** » Thu May 05, 2005 8:14 pm

Their "employee" told me that they have always had a hard time competing with the lower prices across the river. As the gas prices havegone up,it is a harder compete with the Iowa prices. Theysaid the Buckies across the interstate was the final straw,so your assumtion is probably right.

Post by **nebugeater** » Thu May 05, 2005 8:16 pm

Where did you hear the Sonic?

What I didn't include in my first post since I wanted to see what else surfaced was the fast food that I had heard was interested. From two independant sources I have heard that Toco Bell wanted the site. Again this is sometime ago so it is likly that this has changed.

POTUS · Post by **POTUS** » Thu May 05, 2005 10:17 pm

I say let Chipotle have the corner. That would raise their metro locations tally to... computing... 3,238.

The problem is there aren't enought rich people on this side of town to support anything that doesn't require a 200' tall highway sign, such as Taco Bell or Sonic would put in.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Thu May 05, 2005 10:20 pm

I don't think having nice restaurants has anything to do with rich people but more people willing to eat there.

Post by **nebugeater** » Fri May 06, 2005 6:25 am

[quote="POTUS"]I say let Chipotle have the corner. That would raise their metro locations tally to... computing... 3,238.

[quote]

Not sure how you do your math but according to thier web site they have a grand total of two open locations in Omaha now. I know of one or two more under construction. Even if there are a bunch more on the way they are a LONG WAY from being the dominate chain in Omaha. Not sure what your point is here.

jjjjhskr · Post by **jjjjhskr** » Fri May 06, 2005 8:14 am

Friends told me that there had been a Sonic inflatable sign near the corner so that was the assumption. May be a safe assumption, maybe not.

Post by **nebugeater** » Fri May 06, 2005 8:25 am

jjjjhskr wrote:Friends told me that there had been a Sonic inflatable sign near the corner so that was the assumption. May be a safe assumption, maybe not.

I drive byat least twice a day 5 or 6 days a week and had not seen that. I wounder if it could have been tied to a ball game promotion or something. It very well could be a Sonic but who knows.....

icejammer · Post by **icejammer** » Fri May 06, 2005 8:39 am

POTUS wrote:The problem is there aren't enought rich people on this side of town to support anything that doesn't require a 200' tall highway sign, such as Taco Bell or Sonic would put in.

That's kind of a condescending remark, especially considering all the restaurants that have been on "this side of town" for decades without any highway signs. (maybe a neon sign or one story lighted sign in the front, but that's it) Could we please dispense with the "bashing" of neighborhoods that "some" people consider inferior? Thank you.

Post by **nebugeater** » Fri May 06, 2005 10:42 am

icejammer wrote:
POTUS wrote:The problem is there aren't enought rich people on this side of town to support anything that doesn't require a 200' tall highway sign, such as Taco Bell or Sonic would put in.
That's kind of a condescending remark, especially considering all the restaurants that have been on "this side of town" for decades without any highway signs. (maybe a neon sign or one story lighted sign in the front, but that's it) Could we please dispense with the "bashing" of neighborhoods that "some" people consider inferior? Thank you.

Amen, I second that!

POTUS · Post by **POTUS** » Fri May 06, 2005 9:42 pm

nebugeater,
My math is a reflection of the fact that they are opening locations all around town. At the beginning of last year they had no locations in the metro. By the end of this year they will have at least 6 locations. By the way, Starbucks' and Scooter's websites don't accurately reflect all their locations in the metro. Don't think for a minute some web-publishing stooge in that company's hometown cares enough to keep the list of locations up to date.

nebugeater and icejammer,
Bashing? Have I ever once called the east half of Omaha inferior? I'm just a market realist. Without a financial base, you're not going to get fancy-schmancy stuff on the poorer end of town, and face it, Omaha does have a poorer end of town. I grew up in South O, I wouldn't want it any other way.

Okay, so let's put this to a test: bragging points to whomever predicts the next development at the location of the former Phillips 66 across from the Rosenblatt. My money is on a fast-food joint with a tall, lit highway sign. What do you say will go there? Camille's Sidewalk Cafe?

Do the math, there is a very disproportionate amount of goods and services offered in the west half of Omaha. This is very obvious if you live in North Omaha. Our goods and services up here are limited to grocery stores, banks, thrift stores, and fast-food along 30th Street. Tell me again economics has nothing to do with it.

Like anyone on this forum, I am an Omaha nut, too. But not all progress is good progress. Omaha is not in much of a good progress phase right now, and I'm saddened by that.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Fri May 06, 2005 11:40 pm

Calling down the thunder...

jjjjhskr · Post by **jjjjhskr** » Tue Jun 14, 2005 8:11 pm

King Kong it is....I hear a sign was put up today on the corner.

I hear that the retail, entertainment tents around Rosenblatt are bigger than ever and the Nike shop should be pretty nice. Can't wait to get there next Tuesday.

Post by **nebugeater** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 6:17 am

jjjjhskr wrote:King Kong it is....I hear a sign was put up today on the corner.

I hear that the retail, entertainment tents around Rosenblatt are bigger than ever and the Nike shop should be pretty nice. Can't wait to get there next Tuesday.

That is correct. Saw the sign about an hour ago as I was driving by this AM. I am surprised that they did not complete the Demo of this site before the CWS. With the buildings stripped of their stone siding, the concrete busted up and the pumps removed this looks pretty bad compared to what it could. They started the demo in plenty of time that they could have had it leveled and graded.

There are a couple of tens up on the site this AM too in the corners for vendors. Wonder if they will have some parking on the rest of the site around the building carcasses.

Post by **Brad** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 12:42 pm

I am suprised its a local chain and not a national chain. I figured that a national chain would have less risk with a store whos sales are going to go up and down a lot.

Post by **nebugeater** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:15 am

From the WAKE UP A THREAD department.

King Kong opened up it's new location on 13th street last Monday. The few times I have went by during business hours the lot had plenty cars in it. Saw a few out of state plates too so maybe they are pulling a few travelers off the interstate.

Maverick · Post by **Maverick** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 9:35 am

Just to clear up:

I say let Chipotle have the corner. That would raise their metro locations tally to... computing... 3,238.

Not sure how you do your math but according to thier web site they have a grand total of two open locations in Omaha now. I know of one or two more under construction. Even if there are a bunch more on the way they are a LONG WAY from being the dominate chain in Omaha. Not sure what your point is here.

There are currently four Chipotles in Omaha: 72nd and Dodge, 147th and Maple, 132nd and Center, and 177th and West Center. They're opening one in Bellevue, off Corhusker and the Kennedy, and one one on 72nd and 370.

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 5:46 pm

How ever many locations there are, Panchero's is better.

Raraavis · Post by **Raraavis** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 2:06 pm

I am glad it is a local restaurant chain. I love King Kong, very good Gyros, I just hope they keep this location up better than the Dodge street location.

jessep28 · Post by **jessep28** » Tue Oct 01, 2013 11:20 pm

There are remodel and other permits with a project description of a King Kong at the Southwest corner of 156th and Center. The closed gas station and the strip mall on that property are all one address and parcel, so I don't know which building it's going in.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Mon Feb 10, 2014 8:55 am

King Kong Fast Food owner, city have beef over revamp

Christopher Burbach: World-Herald staff writer wrote: He also has agreed to add landscaping, use better building materials and otherwise gussy up the property. That's to meet the higher standards that Omaha has adopted since the building, a former Dairy Queen, was constructed in 1978, and since Triantafillou opened his gyro and big burger joint there in 1994.

The Omaha Planning Board voted Wednesday to recommend a rezoning that Triantafillou needs for his plan. But that's separate from the permit issue, which hinges on the driveways.

I completely forgot this was a Dairy Queen. I'm also surprised King Kong is only 20 years old...

Post by **Brad** » Mon Feb 10, 2014 11:51 am

I really wish all the businesses in this area would get together and come up with a Complete Plan for the area. Right now its all pieced together and could be a lot better if planned out.

King Kong doesn't have good Access to the area, only to Dodge.
Saddle Creek Road doesn't have good access to Dodge.

Premier Bank is Moving freeing up the lot that is Between Saddle Creek, Dodge and King Kong.

Seems like a good time to fix everything all at once...

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Mon Feb 10, 2014 11:56 am

This is another area that it seems the city has done plan after plan after plan, and yet has to make a decision on what to do. Maybe they are waiting for Federal funds to start a project, or having problems in acquiring land. I know that the Child Saving Institute has been wondering for years if they will lose their playground or not.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Mon Feb 10, 2014 12:15 pm

I couldn't care less what the place looks like. When I've got that top sirloin special in front of me, I'm in heaven.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Mon Feb 10, 2014 12:17 pm

Busguy2010 wrote:I couldn't care less what the place looks like. When I've got that top sirloin special in front of me, I'm in heaven.

I have never ordered nothing but gyros there. Never had their burgers, but never thought of getting sirloin there.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Mon Feb 10, 2014 12:29 pm

Coyote wrote:I have never ordered nothing but gyros there. Never had their burgers, but never thought of getting sirloin there.

Oh man, you should try it. I've never had a steak that good for 8.99, plus fries, pita and salad. I can't make one better and I can't buy one better. That said, I just decided I'm going to try to make one better tonight, but the odds are against me.

the burgers are good and I've never actually had the gyro.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Tue Feb 25, 2014 1:31 am

Board allows King Kong restaurant to keep two driveways

Christopher Burbach: World-Herald staff writer wrote:The action appears to clear the way for Triantafillou to knock down his restaurant at 4409 Dodge Street and replace it with a new building that seats twice as many people.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Tue Feb 25, 2014 9:57 am

I've always appreciated the size of the dining area here. Its cozy. If only the restrooms weren't out in the back, i'd see no reason to change the place.

jessep28 · Post by **jessep28** » Tue Feb 25, 2014 11:36 am

Where will the police officers eat during construction?

Post by **Brad** » Tue Feb 25, 2014 11:40 am

jessep28 wrote:Where will the police officers eat during construction?

Don and Millies.

GetUrban · Post by **GetUrban** » Tue Feb 25, 2014 12:24 pm

Busguy2010 wrote:I've always appreciated the size of the dining area here. Its cozy. If only the restrooms weren't out in the back, i'd see no reason to change the place.

Luckily, the decision was not up to you. Change can be good. Maybe you'll be pleasantly surprised, and the owner will have a restaurant that functions better, increases profits, and makes diners even happier!

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Tue Feb 25, 2014 12:32 pm

GetUrban wrote:Luckily, the decision was not up to you. Change can be good. Maybe you'll be pleasantly surprised, and the owner will have a restaurant that functions better, increases profits, and makes diners even happier!

Well Jeeze I didn't say I was opposed to them tearing it down. I was simply saying that I like it. You obviously read my post wrong or something.

GetUrban · Post by **GetUrban** » Tue Feb 25, 2014 12:46 pm

Sorry, didn't mean to attack you!

But you did say you saw no reason to change the place other than the restrooms. I assumed that would include tearing it down.

I should have added that Omaha will also benefit from the property being brought up to the current design/site development standards. It's a win-win for all parties involved. You have to admit the current building is somewhat of an eyesore, right? Even if it is cozy and kitchy.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Tue Feb 25, 2014 1:02 pm

GetUrban wrote:Sorry, didn't mean to attack you! :thumb: But you did say you saw no reason to change the place other than the restrooms. I assumed that would include tearing it down.

I should have added that Omaha will also benefit from the property being brought up to the current design/site development standards. It's a win-win for all parties involved. You have to admit the current building is somewhat of an eyesore, right? Even if it is cozy and kitchy.

I agree 100% that its a good idea to build the place new. I can definitely see why the current state of the building would be a deterrant to new or repeat customers. My main concern would be that the new place might be built with bland building materials like the one in Ralston.

Even though it is kind of dumpy I like the oak woodwork and green walls/ceiling that look like jungle moss. And how my head almost touches the ceiling.

I would really like to see them attempt to mix the jungle theme with modern design.

jessep28 · Post by **jessep28** » Thu Feb 27, 2014 12:20 am

I stopped in here tonight. Food was good as it usually is, but none of their locations seem to have the best customer service. If I want a gyro, I honestly would rather give my money to Feta's.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Thu Feb 27, 2014 3:10 pm

jessep28 wrote:If I want a gyro

g-eye-row

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Fri Feb 28, 2014 5:09 pm

Had lunch here today, and as someone suggested, I tried their rib eye instead of their Gyro, and I have to admit, for the price, the meal was very worthwhile, maybe a little strong on the seasoning, but it was a damn good steak. I haven't been to the original in quite some time, and I have to admit, it is a lot smaller than I remember, I mean small! I can now see why he so wanted to rebuild here for greater space. Quite a few walk ins as I was there also...

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Fri Mar 14, 2014 6:03 pm