Not so Official: Giordano's coming to Omaha!

OmahaBadger · Post by **OmahaBadger** » Thu Dec 27, 2018 4:51 pm

I agree! Lou Malnati's is where it's at when it comes to Chicago deep dish. My mom and dad are native Chicagoans, and Lou's always was the place to go.

If one is interested in deep dish pizza, Pizzeria Davlo serves up a decent pie.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Thu Dec 27, 2018 5:11 pm

OmahaBadger wrote: Thu Dec 27, 2018 4:51 pm I agree! Lou Malnati's is where it's at when it comes to Chicago deep dish. My mom and dad are native Chicagoans, and Lou's always was the place to go.

If one is interested in deep dish pizza, Pizzeria Davlo serves up a decent pie.

Lou's and Giordano's have always been my two favorites in Chicago.

Completely agree on Davlo. Definitely does a nice Chicago style.

Greg

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Thu Dec 27, 2018 6:36 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Sat Dec 08, 2018 8:20 pm
Coyote wrote: Sat Dec 08, 2018 12:55 am If they can't announce an Omaha location soon due to negotiations, I'm not going to be a patron. Not a way to treat a future clientele.
I agree.. And as I’ve stated before in this thread, Giordano’s reps have told me, specifically, they are opening in Omaha..It’s a matter of site selection (according to them).. This communication was some 5 or so months ago.. Of course, what they’ve told yours truly means absolutely nothing.. Other than they indicated they will be opening in Omaha..

But this entire gimmicky process looks shadier by the week.. Especially when they announce new locations opening soon in other cities..which don’t happen to be Omaha...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

I have to be honest. If, and just using the above quote, it was 5 months and they still haven't concluded a lease agreement they have at least one huge problem. They either need to learn site selection or they need to figure out how to negotiate. In either case I simply don't buy that it takes this long to pick a site and negotiate a lease. I've done dozens of leases, both as landlord and tenant. It just doesn't take that long.

Hey Giordano's. Either figure it out and come to Omaha or admit you don't want to. People in Omaha are entirely capable of muddling by without your pizza being within driving distance. Just be honest. Here's an idea. Admit you never thought Omaha would win. When Omaha won you didn't have a backup plan that didn't include tossing out the results and lying and saying somewhere else won. Simple.

bigredmed1 · Post by **bigredmed1** » Fri Dec 28, 2018 3:56 am

I don’t get it. This is a B-team chain pizza franchise from what people here are saying. Why the fuss? I would understand if Pizzaria UNO or some other famous Chicago joint wanted to expand here, but given the delays and bluff, they can go pound sand. It’s a low carb world we are entering, Omaha has enough pizza options and one more generic chain pizza is not an addition we need.

NEDodger · Post by **NEDodger** » Fri Dec 28, 2018 11:36 pm

It's a "name" place, that's all. Combine that with the fact we "won" the voting, and people's expectations have gone through the roof. I've been there and it's fine. But Omaha will certainly be ok if Giordano's never arrives.

HskrFanMike · Post by **HskrFanMike** » Sat Dec 29, 2018 4:01 am

bigredmed1 wrote: Fri Dec 28, 2018 3:56 am I don’t get it. This is a B-team chain pizza franchise from what people here are saying. Why the fuss? I would understand if Pizzaria UNO or some other famous Chicago joint wanted to expand here, but given the delays and bluff, they can go pound sand. It’s a low carb world we are entering, Omaha has enough pizza options and one more generic chain pizza is not an addition we need.

I don't think you can say with a straight face that Giordano's is a "generic chain pizza". You can argue the low-carb or poorly run angle, but it's anything but generic pizza.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sat Dec 29, 2018 5:55 am

bigredmed1 wrote: Fri Dec 28, 2018 3:56 am This is a B-team chain pizza franchise

I legitimately know nothing of Giordano's pizza, but this is an awesome insult. Props. I wonder what their reaction would be if you said this about them on their social media.

Maybe they would commit to Omaha to prove us wrong, but it would probably be "look at all these other cities that love us" and they never move here.

Post by **nebugeater** » Sat Dec 29, 2018 2:35 pm

HArd to believe all the angst over if and when they show up in Omaha

What's to say they do not already have a deal to build new in a new or newer development and there is an agreement to make an announcement as part of a bigger announcement.

IF they come great, if they don't, so what. It is all part of marketing and things change all the time.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sat Dec 29, 2018 5:15 pm

Bob from Omaha wrote: Thu Dec 27, 2018 6:36 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Sat Dec 08, 2018 8:20 pm
Coyote wrote: Sat Dec 08, 2018 12:55 am If they can't announce an Omaha location soon due to negotiations, I'm not going to be a patron. Not a way to treat a future clientele.
I agree.. And as I’ve stated before in this thread, Giordano’s reps have told me, specifically, they are opening in Omaha..It’s a matter of site selection (according to them).. This communication was some 5 or so months ago.. Of course, what they’ve told yours truly means absolutely nothing.. Other than they indicated they will be opening in Omaha..

But this entire gimmicky process looks shadier by the week.. Especially when they announce new locations opening soon in other cities..which don’t happen to be Omaha...

Ciao..LiO...Peace
Hey Giordano's. Either figure it out and come to Omaha or admit you don't want to. People in Omaha are entirely capable of muddling by without your pizza being within driving distance. Just be honest. Here's an idea. Admit you never thought Omaha would win. When Omaha won you didn't have a backup plan that didn't include tossing out the results and lying and saying somewhere else won. Simple.

I agree with your sentiment. The way they've handled this entire situation since Omaha had the overwhelming victory in their "new city new location" vote contest, has been very shady and non transparent in my opinion. In the end, my opinion is, if Omaha gets a Giordano's, GREAT. If not- I really don't care anymore...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sat Dec 29, 2018 5:36 pm

nebugeater wrote: Sat Dec 29, 2018 2:35 pm What's to say they do not already have a deal to build new in a new or newer development and there is an agreement to make an announcement as part of a bigger announcement.

This is a very real possibility Good point...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Omababe · Post by **Omababe** » Sun Dec 30, 2018 3:07 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Sat Dec 29, 2018 5:15 pm In the end, my opinion is, if Omaha gets a Giordano's, GREAT. If not- I really don't care anymore...

Uh, I guess I shouldn't hold my breath anymore, huh?

Seriously, I do make it to Chicago often enough to do Giordanos if I want to.

Padre · Post by **Padre** » Mon Dec 31, 2018 7:28 pm

There is a way to contact Giordanos on their website so I thought I’d try it and ask.

This is the reply I got.

Thank you for reaching out to us! For the moment we cannot give any details on upcoming stores but when we are ready, we will be sure that you know! Thanks for supporting us!

So in other words, don’t call us, we’ll call you.

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Mon Dec 31, 2018 8:56 pm

Padre wrote: Mon Dec 31, 2018 7:28 pm There is a way to contact Giordanos on their website so I thought I’d try it and ask.

This is the reply I got.

Thank you for reaching out to us! For the moment we cannot give any details on upcoming stores but when we are ready, we will be sure that you know! Thanks for supporting us!
So in other words, don’t call us, we’ll call you.

Butt out, tip your server, come back soon!

bigredmed1 · Post by **bigredmed1** » Mon Dec 31, 2018 10:57 pm

Bob from Omaha wrote: Mon Dec 31, 2018 8:56 pm
Padre wrote: Mon Dec 31, 2018 7:28 pm There is a way to contact Giordanos on their website so I thought I’d try it and ask.

This is the reply I got.

Thank you for reaching out to us! For the moment we cannot give any details on upcoming stores but when we are ready, we will be sure that you know! Thanks for supporting us!
So in other words, don’t call us, we’ll call you.
Butt out, tip your server, come back soon!

Their pizza might taste better than a Domino's Death Disc, but their corporate function buys them the title "Generic B-Team Pizza Joint". We have enough of those now. They can go pound sand.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Jan 01, 2019 3:55 pm

Omababe wrote: Sun Dec 30, 2018 3:07 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Sat Dec 29, 2018 5:15 pm In the end, my opinion is, if Omaha gets a Giordano's, GREAT. If not- I really don't care anymore...
Uh, I guess I shouldn't hold my breath anymore, huh?

Please don’t. I want you to have a Happy..and Healthy New Year

...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Jan 01, 2019 3:56 pm

bigredmed1 wrote: Mon Dec 31, 2018 10:57 pm
Bob from Omaha wrote: Mon Dec 31, 2018 8:56 pm
Padre wrote: Mon Dec 31, 2018 7:28 pm There is a way to contact Giordanos on their website so I thought I’d try it and ask.

This is the reply I got.

Thank you for reaching out to us! For the moment we cannot give any details on upcoming stores but when we are ready, we will be sure that you know! Thanks for supporting us!
So in other words, don’t call us, we’ll call you.
Butt out, tip your server, come back soon!
Their pizza might taste better than a Domino's Death Disc, but their corporate function buys them the title "Generic B-Team Pizza Joint". We have enough of those now. They can go pound sand.

I agree red

...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Tue Jan 01, 2019 4:39 pm

Ok, so they may or may not come to Omaha. That's fine. Their food is good. I can't argue with that. If they came & I lived there & I had an urge for their food I'd consider eating there. If I lived there & they ended up not opening in Omaha & I was in Chicago or wherever else they opened I might eat there. What I wouldn't do is hold some kind of grudge. It's a business decision, simple as that. I've made thousands of business decisions in my life. What I've tried not to do is lie my way through. I've tried to live by the motto "Give the bad news early & deal with it" and "If you lie you have to remember what you lied about. It comes back to bite you in the butt or more importantly the wallet". There may well be a good reason for the delay and they may not be in a position to publicly disclose the reason. On the other hand, they may in fact think that their money would be better spent opening in a different market. If it's the first, let's take them at their word. If it's the second, I'd suggest saying so & moving on.
"Hey Omaha. Thanks for your participation in our not-well-thought-out promotion. We hope you continue to support us and enjoy our tasty food. We're sorry but after due consideration we will not be opening in Omaha for now. We've decided to contribute $10 million to the local food bank and the community college culinary program to show our gratitude."

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Jan 01, 2019 4:42 pm

Oh c’mon. People hold grudges all the time. It’s the American way

...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Tue Jan 01, 2019 5:28 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Tue Jan 01, 2019 4:42 pm Oh c’mon. People hold grudges all the time. It’s the American way ...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

You take that back or I'll never forgive you..... ;)

Omababe · Post by **Omababe** » Tue Jan 01, 2019 5:46 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Tue Jan 01, 2019 3:55 pm
Omababe wrote: Sun Dec 30, 2018 3:07 pm Uh, I guess I shouldn't hold my breath anymore, huh?
Please don’t. I want you to have a Happy..and Healthy New Year ...

Ya know, what I would much rather see here in Omaha instead of a Giordanos is another independent local pizza-pasta type place of maybe the Sortinos or Big Fred or La Casa type.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Jan 01, 2019 7:28 pm

Bob from Omaha wrote: Tue Jan 01, 2019 5:28 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Tue Jan 01, 2019 4:42 pm Oh c’mon. People hold grudges all the time. It’s the American way ...

Ciao..LiO...Peace
You take that back or I'll never forgive you..... ;)

..

Just like Baseball, hotdogs, apple pie and Chevrolet...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Tue Jan 01, 2019 7:28 pm

Omababe wrote: Tue Jan 01, 2019 5:46 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Tue Jan 01, 2019 3:55 pm
Omababe wrote: Sun Dec 30, 2018 3:07 pm Uh, I guess I shouldn't hold my breath anymore, huh?
Please don’t. I want you to have a Happy..and Healthy New Year ...
Ya know, what I would much rather see here in Omaha instead of a Giordanos is another independent local pizza-pasta type place of maybe the Sortinos or Big Fred or La Casa type.

Sortino's(on 72nd & Pacific)-my preteen years & a little early high school
Big Fred's-High School
La Casa-When out with family when we didn't go to Sortino's, and what passed for date night with my wife, on occasion.
Johnny Sortino's(78th & L)-Lunch place after graduation from college & early working years.
Caniglia's (Original)-Occasionally ate pizza but mainly a steak, salad, bread, rolls, pasta, all for less than $5

Godfathers? If memory serves it was (is?) Little Caesars with an attitude. I did like it when there was only one...the original at 99th & Q. Also high school pizza.

Valentinos-When it was only at 33rd & Holdredge and I was in high school we'd drive down all the time. Best damn garlic rolls on the planet. My last visit in 2012? Greasy, tasteless, not at all like it was in the 70s.

Zio's? Pretty good once in a while. Definitely New York Style. A nice change of pace.

BUT none of them IN MY OPINION is as good as La Casa, Sortino's, etc. And Godfathers, Vals & Zios can't really be considered Omaha style.
In all cases the pizza was very similar, probably the same recipe from Sicily. Nothing like it here in Detroit. This type of pizza is without a doubt Omaha-style pizza. The only way I get anything like it now is to make it at home. Fried ravioli? Only in Omaha. I miss it terribly.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Jan 01, 2019 7:34 pm

Omababe wrote: Tue Jan 01, 2019 5:46 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Tue Jan 01, 2019 3:55 pm
Omababe wrote: Sun Dec 30, 2018 3:07 pm Uh, I guess I shouldn't hold my breath anymore, huh?
Please don’t. I want you to have a Happy..and Healthy New Year ...
Ya know, what I would much rather see here in Omaha instead of a Giordanos is another independent local pizza-pasta type place of maybe the Sortinos or Big Fred or La Casa type.

I agree with your sentiment..

In Omaha, as it relates to the variety of restaurants in general and pizza in particular- we are very fortunate to have excellent local pizza options. The Omaha pizza scene is a tough nut to crack into and be successful. The pizza has to be consistent and of high quality. I have little doubt Giordano’s would be successful here in the metro.. But like I’ve stated previously, I’m not going to shed a tear if they don’t open here...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Jan 01, 2019 7:37 pm

Bob from Omaha wrote: Tue Jan 01, 2019 7:28 pm
Omababe wrote: Tue Jan 01, 2019 5:46 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Tue Jan 01, 2019 3:55 pm
Omababe wrote: Sun Dec 30, 2018 3:07 pm Uh, I guess I shouldn't hold my breath anymore, huh?
Please don’t. I want you to have a Happy..and Healthy New Year ...
Ya know, what I would much rather see here in Omaha instead of a Giordanos is another independent local pizza-pasta type place of maybe the Sortinos or Big Fred or La Casa type.
Fried ravioli? Only in Omaha. I miss it terribly.

La Casa has the best fried ravioli on planet Earth...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

MadMartin8 · Post by **MadMartin8** » Tue Jan 01, 2019 9:53 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Tue Jan 01, 2019 7:37 pm
Bob from Omaha wrote: Tue Jan 01, 2019 7:28 pm
Omababe wrote: Tue Jan 01, 2019 5:46 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Tue Jan 01, 2019 3:55 pm
Omababe wrote: Sun Dec 30, 2018 3:07 pm Uh, I guess I shouldn't hold my breath anymore, huh?
Please don’t. I want you to have a Happy..and Healthy New Year ...
Ya know, what I would much rather see here in Omaha instead of a Giordanos is another independent local pizza-pasta type place of maybe the Sortinos or Big Fred or La Casa type.
Fried ravioli? Only in Omaha. I miss it terribly.
La Casa has the best fried ravioli on planet Earth...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Sweet Jesus yes they do.

Honestly, Omaha has some great pizza options already. I won't cry if Giordano's doesn't come in.

onelocalfoods · Post by **onelocalfoods** » Fri Jan 11, 2019 1:11 pm

This thread is starting to turn.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Fri Jan 11, 2019 3:06 pm

Bob from Omaha wrote: Tue Jan 01, 2019 7:28 pm
Omababe wrote: Tue Jan 01, 2019 5:46 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Tue Jan 01, 2019 3:55 pm
Omababe wrote: Sun Dec 30, 2018 3:07 pm Uh, I guess I shouldn't hold my breath anymore, huh?
Please don’t. I want you to have a Happy..and Healthy New Year ...
Ya know, what I would much rather see here in Omaha instead of a Giordanos is another independent local pizza-pasta type place of maybe the Sortinos or Big Fred or La Casa type.
Sortino's(on 72nd & Pacific)-my preteen years & a little early high school
Big Fred's-High School
La Casa-When out with family when we didn't go to Sortino's, and what passed for date night with my wife, on occasion.
Johnny Sortino's(78th & L)-Lunch place after graduation from college & early working years.
Caniglia's (Original)-Occasionally ate pizza but mainly a steak, salad, bread, rolls, pasta, all for less than $5

Godfathers? If memory serves it was (is?) Little Caesars with an attitude. I did like it when there was only one...the original at 99th & Q. Also high school pizza.

Valentinos-When it was only at 33rd & Holdredge and I was in high school we'd drive down all the time. Best darn garlic rolls on the planet. My last visit in 2012? Greasy, tasteless, not at all like it was in the 70s.

Zio's? Pretty good once in a while. Definitely New York Style. A nice change of pace.

BUT none of them IN MY OPINION is as good as La Casa, Sortino's, etc. And Godfathers, Vals & Zios can't really be considered Omaha style.
In all cases the pizza was very similar, probably the same recipe from Sicily. Nothing like it here in Detroit. This type of pizza is without a doubt Omaha-style pizza. The only way I get anything like it now is to make it at home. Fried ravioli? Only in Omaha. I miss it terribly.

Speaking of Detroit Pizza-I love PizzaPapalis.

Greg

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sat Jan 12, 2019 5:20 pm

onelocalfoods wrote: Fri Jan 11, 2019 1:11 pm This thread is starting to turn.

Yeah. I’m considering moving it back to the Rumors section as well...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

HskrFanMike · Post by **HskrFanMike** » Tue Jan 29, 2019 2:39 am

Considering Giordano's pretty much said they were coming, I don't think you can say "rumor".

You could say it got Minarded.

Maybe they have a deal to place on the ground floor of the new Wall Street er Lanoha Tower.

Post by **nebugeater** » Mon Feb 04, 2019 12:03 am

From this Facebook page a couple of hours ago. Guessing they have felt some pressure from questions and no response so far from social media posts.

Padre · Post by **Padre** » Mon Feb 04, 2019 1:14 am

So they began researching it after the vote. In other words Omaha was an also ran they never thought would win.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon Feb 04, 2019 5:03 am

nebugeater wrote: Mon Feb 04, 2019 12:03 am From this Facebook page a couple of hours ago. Guessing they have felt some pressure from questions and no response so far from social media posts.

Well that’s the same, nearly exact response they gave me last summer (July 23rd, 2018 to be exact) on Facebook when I questioned their “commitment” to opening a location in Omaha. So here we are- February 3rd, 2019, and they’re still giving us the same song and dance.. Grain of salt at this point. Perhaps they’ll get around to solidifying a site for an Omaha location by 2025.. Perhaps they never will..

At this point, sadly, while I’d like to see a Giordano’s open in Omaha, I honestly could care less anymore...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Post by **nebugeater** » Mon Feb 04, 2019 12:22 pm

Padre wrote: Mon Feb 04, 2019 1:14 am So they began researching it after the vote. In other words Omaha was an also ran they never thought would win.

WE HAVE A WINNER HERE!!!!!!

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon Feb 04, 2019 10:27 pm

nebugeater wrote: Mon Feb 04, 2019 12:22 pm
Padre wrote: Mon Feb 04, 2019 1:14 am So they began researching it after the vote. In other words Omaha was an also ran they never thought would win.
WE HAVE A WINNER HERE!!!!!!

What’s funny too, is if you look at Giordano’s Facebook page, on almost every post they’ve made recently, there’s been a comment about why they haven’t opened in Omaha yet.. and every response back from Giordano’s is pretty much the exact same one I received back in July..

I recall back then, after Omaha won, commenting that Giordano’s probably thought Omaha had NO chance of winning that November of 2017 vote, I was told I was “overthinking” it.. Fast forward to January 2019- I don’t think so, lol...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Post by **Brad** » Tue Feb 05, 2019 10:25 pm

Apparently that FB page was fake.

Here is an official "Were still looking" Update
https://www.omaha.com/omahadines/so-whe ... 89f6b.html

GrandpaaSmucker · Post by **GrandpaaSmucker** » Tue Feb 05, 2019 11:17 pm

Brad wrote: Tue Feb 05, 2019 10:25 pm Apparently that FB page was fake.

Here is an official "Were still looking" Update
https://www.omaha.com/omahadines/so-whe ... 89f6b.html

This thread had grown to have a foul smell of late which is why I was not touching it with a ten foot pole. Come on people stop playing on the FakeBook or at least for the love of sanity don't believe anything you read on it

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Feb 05, 2019 11:32 pm

Like I stated in an earlier post, If Giordano’s decides to open an Omaha pie shop, great! If not, no sweat..

I’ve moved on.. Now time to order some La Casa’s

...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Erik · Post by **Erik** » Tue Feb 05, 2019 11:40 pm

Giordanos would do well here. However, Omaha pizza is really good.. we are pretty loaded with great pizza

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Wed Feb 06, 2019 12:51 am

They managed to find locations in Minneapolis, Columbus, Ohio, Indianapolis, Florida, Vegas, Phoenix and 50+ locations in the Chicago area. Some are in or near downtowns, others are in or near upscale malls. They seriously can't find a spot around Village Point, Aksarben Village, along Dodge, Maple, Center? Is the Omaha real estate market so unique that Giordano's can't apply lessons learned from their Phoenix and Orlando negotiations?

Grandpa is right. It's all fake news. or not.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Thu Feb 07, 2019 2:10 am

Erik wrote: Tue Feb 05, 2019 11:40 pm Giordanos would do well here. However, Omaha pizza is really good.. we are pretty loaded with great pizza

No doubt about this.. It makes a Giordano’s-less Omaha pizza scene not an area the metro is misssing out on very much..if at all...

Ciao..LiO...Peace