Westroads Mall (10000 California St)

[obvious2677]

Mmmm.... You guys are making me miss Lincoln-born Omaha fast food. I love Amigos, Runza, and Don & Millies. Runza can get old (Ive literally had "gag me" moments with too many of them), but when you're away from a Runza, and you cant have one, they sound so delectible. (I love the Cheeseburger Runza, too.) Plus, as mentioned, their burgers & fries are so good. Don & Millies: That Double Don burger is wonderful, and those gooey cheese frenchies, and those $1 drinks. Oh, and Amigos: I ate there all the time and it never got old. From breakfast, to lunch, to dinner, it's just a cheese dip and salsa fiesta in there. I have new fast food joints I really enjoy now, but I still dont have my so-bad-its-good White Castle. (If in a "fast food frenzy", there are times Ill go to one restaurant and get my items. Then go to another, and get my items. But, that's rare. Lol)

The best thing about Runza is their "fast food" burgers are legitimately tolerable. I'm 30+ and had Don & Millies for the first time last year. It was appalling. Never going there again - not even when someone else is paying (as was the case last time).

Not to sound "elitist" - White Castle is so terrible it's good.

[GrandpaaSmucker]

The best thing about Runza is their "fast food" burgers are legitimately tolerable. I'm 30+ and had Don & Millies for the first time last year. It was appalling. Never going there again - not even when someone else is paying (as was the case last time).

Not to sound "elitist" - White Castle is so terrible it's good.

Don & Millies uses hamburger from a butcher in Lincoln NE that is a couple grades higher then the low quality hamburger that Runza uses. What is wrong with Runza is they use the cheapest grade of hamburger they can find. Runza in the 70's and 80's always had higher quality hamburger then most fast food places but in the mid 90's they switched to using the cheapest quality hamburger they could find. If Runza would go back to using good quality hamburger those Runza's would taste 3 times better then they do now.

[obvious2677]

The best thing about Runza is their "fast food" burgers are legitimately tolerable. I'm 30+ and had Don & Millies for the first time last year. It was appalling. Never going there again - not even when someone else is paying (as was the case last time).

Not to sound "elitist" - White Castle is so terrible it's good.

Don & Millies uses hamburger from a butcher in Lincoln NE that is a couple grades higher then the low quality hamburger that Runza uses. What is wrong with Runza is they use the cheapest grade of hamburger they can find. Runza in the 70's and 80's always had higher quality hamburger then most fast food places but in the mid 90's they switched to using the cheapest quality hamburger they could find. If Runza would go back to using good quality hamburger those Runza's would taste 3 times better then they do now.

K.

For what it's worth, if you're judging the "quality" of meat between two fast food restaurants, I assume your ability to judge "quality" meat is sub-par in the first place.

[RockHarbor]

Mmmm.... You guys are making me miss Lincoln-born Omaha fast food. I love Amigos, Runza, and Don & Millies. Runza can get old (Ive literally had "gag me" moments with too many of them), but when you're away from a Runza, and you cant have one, they sound so delectible. (I love the Cheeseburger Runza, too.) Plus, as mentioned, their burgers & fries are so good. Don & Millies: That Double Don burger is wonderful, and those gooey cheese frenchies, and those $1 drinks. Oh, and Amigos: I ate there all the time and it never got old. From breakfast, to lunch, to dinner, it's just a cheese dip and salsa fiesta in there. I have new fast food joints I really enjoy now, but I still dont have my so-bad-its-good White Castle. (If in a "fast food frenzy", there are times Ill go to one restaurant and get my items. Then go to another, and get my items. But, that's rare. Lol)

The best thing about Runza is their "fast food" burgers are legitimately tolerable. I'm 30+ and had Don & Millies for the first time last year. It was appalling. Never going there again - not even when someone else is paying (as was the case last time).

Not to sound "elitist" - White Castle is so terrible it's good.

Lol. When you say "appalling." I have to admit, one time I ventured out of my typical order and had a taco salad there, and it was HORRIBLE. A kid could have put together a better-looking salad, I think. (It was like somebody tore large & full iceberg lettuce leaves in half, creating huge pieces of lettuce on top of my salad. There was no grating or chopping of vegetables at all. They could have at least tore the pieces of lettuce smaller.) I wanted to walk up to the counter, plop the salad & tray down, and say: "Stick with serving only burgers, fries, chili dogs, and frenchies. That's obviously what you know, and do best here. " There is something odd about their overall menu maybe. Like one time they had these teriyaki bowls, and they were good -- but they didn't match the rest of their menu and feel of the 50's diner restaurant. So, sometimes I feel like they can have an odd mix of items to order, and they don't feel, to me, like they are focused, or settled on, who & what they are (as a restaurant). I personally like them overall, though, and think they are a cute little joint. There "Double Don" burgers almost remind me of CA's "In & Out Burger."

That Runza "tricking you into eating cabbage" saying on the marquee sign was/is clever. (I happen to like cabbage, though. Cabbage soup is the best, imo.)

WHITE CASTLE: It's not only the "American garbage fast food" aspect of it. The Medieval theme of White Castle is kinda silly or off-taste or kitsch, or something. Combine those two aspects, and you sit with your chin almost down, over in the corner, enjoying every bite of those little burgers, fries, and Coke -- glancing around making sure nobody that knows you knows you're there. (lol)

https://d2abve4vv95fsr.cloudfront.net/t ... f/orig.jpg

[obvious2677]

Mmmm.... You guys are making me miss Lincoln-born Omaha fast food. I love Amigos, Runza, and Don & Millies. Runza can get old (Ive literally had "gag me" moments with too many of them), but when you're away from a Runza, and you cant have one, they sound so delectible. (I love the Cheeseburger Runza, too.) Plus, as mentioned, their burgers & fries are so good. Don & Millies: That Double Don burger is wonderful, and those gooey cheese frenchies, and those $1 drinks. Oh, and Amigos: I ate there all the time and it never got old. From breakfast, to lunch, to dinner, it's just a cheese dip and salsa fiesta in there. I have new fast food joints I really enjoy now, but I still dont have my so-bad-its-good White Castle. (If in a "fast food frenzy", there are times Ill go to one restaurant and get my items. Then go to another, and get my items. But, that's rare. Lol)

The best thing about Runza is their "fast food" burgers are legitimately tolerable. I'm 30+ and had Don & Millies for the first time last year. It was appalling. Never going there again - not even when someone else is paying (as was the case last time).

Not to sound "elitist" - White Castle is so terrible it's good.

Lol. When you say "appalling." I have to admit, one time I ventured out of my typical order and had a taco salad there, and it was HORRIBLE. A kid could have put together a better-looking salad, I think. (It was like somebody tore large & full iceberg lettuce leaves in half, creating huge pieces of lettuce on top of my salad. There was no grating or chopping of vegetables at all. They could have at least tore the pieces of lettuce smaller.) I wanted to walk up to the counter, plop the salad & tray down, and say: "Stick with serving only burgers, fries, chili dogs, and frenchies. That's obviously what you know, and do best here. " There is something odd about their overall menu maybe. Like one time they had these teriyaki bowls, and they were good -- but they didn't match the rest of their menu and feel of the 50's diner restaurant. So, sometimes I feel like they can have an odd mix of items to order, and they don't feel, to me, like they are focused, or settled on, who & what they are (as a restaurant). I personally like them overall, though, and think they are a cute little joint. There "Double Don" burgers almost remind me of CA's "In & Out Burger."

That Runza "tricking you into eating cabbage" saying on the marquee sign was/is clever. (I happen to like cabbage, though. Cabbage soup is the best, imo.)

WHITE CASTLE: It's not only the "American garbage fast food" aspect of it. The Medieval theme of White Castle is kinda silly or off-taste or kitsch, or something. Combine those two aspects, and you sit with your chin almost down, over in the corner, enjoying every bite of those little burgers, fries, and Coke -- glancing around making sure nobody that knows you knows you're there. (lol)

https://d2abve4vv95fsr.cloudfront.net/t ... f/orig.jpg

Nah - it's just that White Castle is legitimately garbage. I made a coworker get it with me on a work trip to Indianapolis. She was not at all happy about this - I was thrilled (and ate 10 sliders). Sucks to suck, Brenda.

[RockHarbor]

Mmmm.... You guys are making me miss Lincoln-born Omaha fast food. I love Amigos, Runza, and Don & Millies. Runza can get old (Ive literally had "gag me" moments with too many of them), but when you're away from a Runza, and you cant have one, they sound so delectible. (I love the Cheeseburger Runza, too.) Plus, as mentioned, their burgers & fries are so good. Don & Millies: That Double Don burger is wonderful, and those gooey cheese frenchies, and those $1 drinks. Oh, and Amigos: I ate there all the time and it never got old. From breakfast, to lunch, to dinner, it's just a cheese dip and salsa fiesta in there. I have new fast food joints I really enjoy now, but I still dont have my so-bad-its-good White Castle. (If in a "fast food frenzy", there are times Ill go to one restaurant and get my items. Then go to another, and get my items. But, that's rare. Lol)

The best thing about Runza is their "fast food" burgers are legitimately tolerable. I'm 30+ and had Don & Millies for the first time last year. It was appalling. Never going there again - not even when someone else is paying (as was the case last time).

Not to sound "elitist" - White Castle is so terrible it's good.

Lol. When you say "appalling." I have to admit, one time I ventured out of my typical order and had a taco salad there, and it was HORRIBLE. A kid could have put together a better-looking salad, I think. (It was like somebody tore large & full iceberg lettuce leaves in half, creating huge pieces of lettuce on top of my salad. There was no grating or chopping of vegetables at all. They could have at least tore the pieces of lettuce smaller.) I wanted to walk up to the counter, plop the salad & tray down, and say: "Stick with serving only burgers, fries, chili dogs, and frenchies. That's obviously what you know, and do best here. " There is something odd about their overall menu maybe. Like one time they had these teriyaki bowls, and they were good -- but they didn't match the rest of their menu and feel of the 50's diner restaurant. So, sometimes I feel like they can have an odd mix of items to order, and they don't feel, to me, like they are focused, or settled on, who & what they are (as a restaurant). I personally like them overall, though, and think they are a cute little joint. There "Double Don" burgers almost remind me of CA's "In & Out Burger."

That Runza "tricking you into eating cabbage" saying on the marquee sign was/is clever. (I happen to like cabbage, though. Cabbage soup is the best, imo.)

WHITE CASTLE: It's not only the "American garbage fast food" aspect of it. The Medieval theme of White Castle is kinda silly or off-taste or kitsch, or something. Combine those two aspects, and you sit with your chin almost down, over in the corner, enjoying every bite of those little burgers, fries, and Coke -- glancing around making sure nobody that knows you knows you're there. (lol)

https://d2abve4vv95fsr.cloudfront.net/t ... f/orig.jpg

Nah - it's just that White Castle is legitimately garbage. I made a coworker get it with me on a work trip to Indianapolis. She was not at all happy about this - I was thrilled (and ate 10 sliders). Sucks to suck, Brenda.

Glad you got your fill. They need to bring them to Omaha. Its easy to eat 10 of them. It seems a guy will eat a stacked pyramid of those little burgers, if you let him. Girls are usually another story... (Have you seen that funny White Castle movie? The truth is: I would drive 50 miles for those if I craved them bad enough, and thats the story that movie is based on...) I still feel the kitschy theme adds to the "American garbage" aspect of that restaurant. Kitsch means it is in poor taste, but somehow appreciated anyhow. If that restaurant didnt have that silly medieval theme, I just dont feel it would be what it is. Its the same reason Burger King always feels more like "American Trash" than McDonalds does to me. Its that silly & cheesy king's crown theme mixed with burgers & fries. Anyways, it doesnt matter really... Glad you can appreciate WC.

[BPHusker]

I found this linked on Forgotten Omaha on Facebook. Old Westroads pictures: https://www.facebook.com/pg/WestroadsMa ... 2869310420

[RockHarbor]

Those are so good to see! Thanks for the link.

[Cermak]

I’ve never seen another mall with the H layout like Westroads has. It must not of been real popular. But it makes Westroads unique and gives it a certain charm. I’m glad Westroads is still relevant in this day and age that’s an accomplishment. I don’t really care about Oak View anymore but I want to see Westroads continue to prosper. We need at least one good mall and Westroads looks to be it.

[Coyote]

Aerie (American Eagle) is going to the Westroads. Were they in Oakview.

[debradomayer]

Sadly, this is the time of year where leases are up and 1200 Images Art & Frame is closing at the end of March. Lease is up and the owners are retiring.

[Brad]

Sadly, this is the time of year where leases are up and 1200 Images Art & Frame is closing at the end of March. Lease is up and the owners are retiring.

That's too bad! You're not off to a good 2019.

[debradomayer]

Sadly, this is the time of year where leases are up and 1200 Images Art & Frame is closing at the end of March. Lease is up and the owners are retiring.

That's too bad! You're not off to a good 2019.

It's not, but it can only get better, right?

[Brad]

Sadly, this is the time of year where leases are up and 1200 Images Art & Frame is closing at the end of March. Lease is up and the owners are retiring.

That's too bad! You're not off to a good 2019.

It's not, but it can only get better, right?

Exactly!

[ChadJK]

I found this linked on Forgotten Omaha on Facebook. Old Westroads pictures: https://www.facebook.com/pg/WestroadsMa ... 2869310420

I enjoyed these! Remember the chapel that used to be in the mall?

[Brad]

Jim Sadler was on Grow Omaha this past Saturday, I will post the podcast when its available.

4 Main things I remember:
1. Mall is currently 98% Leased (Not including the Younker's spot).
2. Younkers building is not owned by the mall, someone out of Lincoln.
3. Tried really hard to keep Panara including cheap rent, but Panara was really set on a drive-though.
4. Possible Tenant for Joe's (Posted in the Joe's Thread).

[bigredmed1]

Jim Sadler was on Grow Omaha this past Saturday, I will post the podcast when its available.

4 Main things I remember:
1. Mall is currently 98% Leased (Not including the Younker's spot).
2. Younkers building is not owned by the mall, someone out of Lincoln.
3. Tried really hard to keep Panara including cheap rent, but Panara was really set on a drive-though.
4. Possible Tenant for Joe's (Posted in the Joe's Thread).

Panera's seems to be moving in the direction of drive throughs. Others have posted that the profit from the sit and play on the internet while nibbling on a roll is just not there anymore.

[Uffda]

Panera's seems to be moving in the direction of drive throughs. Others have posted that the profit from the sit and play on the internet while nibbling on a roll is just not there anymore.

Interestingly in the time I have used Panera I rarely see people on the internet, although I have seen it as a gathering place -- I have seen study groups/shopping groups/seniors citizens. The new Panera store layout like the one at 132 and Center is too small and sterile for me.

[bigredmed1]

I have only been there a couple of times.

[Greg S]

The one on W Maple which is also moving to accommodate a drive through seems to attract a lot of students that jump on the wifi.

Greg

[Uffda]

The one on W Maple which is also moving to accommodate a drive through seems to attract a lot of students that jump on the wifi.

Greg

I am not sold on that location by Costco - I would think they had a lot more foot traffic at the Mall.

[damonhynes]

Panera last day is Jan. 20th.

What doe "Panera" even stand for anyways? Is that Italian? It almost sounds like the planet on Avatar (Pandora). Or, that mobile music app/station...

Panera is Spanish meaning "breadbasket" or "bread bin".

When Au Bon Pain bought it they changed the name, I think it must just be that the owners like bread references in foreign languages for all of their companies

Except here in St. Louis where it originated. All Paneras in these parts still bear the original name: The St. Louis Bread Company.

It annoyed me when I lived there that everyone would talk about St. Louis Bread Co as if it was something unique or novel - or like their food was not overpriced and average. I gave away so many gift cards to that place simply because their food was boring.

They have to park the trademark. Similar to Standard by Amoco, Humble and Enco by Esso (and now by Exxon), and the cheap 'heritage' locomotives that UP has.

[damonhynes]

I wonder what is going to go in there? The Westroads weekend "power walkers" will have no place to get their morning coffee now -- I see.

There's still a Scooter's that'll be glad to take the bluehair dollars :-)

[Padre]

The one on W Maple which is also moving to accommodate a drive through seems to attract a lot of students that jump on the wifi.

Greg

I am not sold on that location by Costco - I would think they had a lot more foot traffic at the Mall.

I don’t think they are worried about foot traffic. Everybody thinks the future is drive through and delivery.

[ita]

The one on W Maple which is also moving to accommodate a drive through seems to attract a lot of students that jump on the wifi.

Greg

I am not sold on that location by Costco - I would think they had a lot more foot traffic at the Mall.

I drive by that location time frequently. They are doing well there based on my unscientific assessment of noticing that the parking lot is always full and there is always a line with the drive through. I am not surprised they moved to the Costco location;just look at how popular Chick-Fil-A is right there. Instead of mall foot traffic, Panera is able to get Costco drive by traffic.

[BRoss]

They really need to do something with that frontage road though. It just keeps getting worse and worse the more the area builds out.

[Busguy2010]

They really need to do something with that frontage road though. It just keeps getting worse and worse the more the area builds out.

Capacity-wise, maintenance-wise, traffic-control-wise or otherwise?

[ita]

They really need to do something with that frontage road though. It just keeps getting worse and worse the more the area builds out.

Are you referring to the frontage road adjacent to Costco? If so, yes, they do, particularly if they build planned the office and residential development. It can get congested and difficult to get out of the parking lot at times.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I wonder what is going to go in there? The Westroads weekend "power walkers" will have no place to get their morning coffee now -- I see.

There's still a Scooter's that'll be glad to take the bluehair dollars :-)

There is an Aromas Coffee in the Flagship Commons foodcourt at Westroads. MUCH better than Scooters...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[ScrattyB]

There is an Aromas Coffee in the Flagship Commons foodcourt at Westroads. MUCH better than Scooters...

Is there free wifi in the foodcourt? (I'm asking because I don't know)

[nebugeater]

There is an Aromas Coffee in the Flagship Commons foodcourt at Westroads. MUCH better than Scooters...

Is there free wifi in the foodcourt? (I'm asking because I don't know)

Free WIFI throughout the mall per their website. Guessing it is in the commons area and not through every store other than what reaches.

https://www.westroadsmall.com/en/visit/services.html

[Omaha Cowboy]

There is an Aromas Coffee in the Flagship Commons foodcourt at Westroads. MUCH better than Scooters...

Is there free wifi in the foodcourt? (I'm asking because I don't know)

Free WIFI throughout the mall per their website. Guessing it is in the commons area and not through every store other than what reaches.

https://www.westroadsmall.com/en/visit/services.html

I’m certain you are correct. The free WiFi extends into the Flagship Commons food court as well...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[ProgKingHughesker]

There is an Aromas Coffee in the Flagship Commons foodcourt at Westroads. MUCH better than Scooters...

Is there free wifi in the foodcourt? (I'm asking because I don't know)

Free WIFI throughout the mall per their website. Guessing it is in the commons area and not through every store other than what reaches.

https://www.westroadsmall.com/en/visit/services.html

I’m certain you are correct. The free WiFi extends into the Flagship Commons food court as well...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Flagship has its own, seperate free wifi that's alot better than the crappy mall wifi, but you have to check in on facebook to use it I believe. Most stores have better wifi than the normal mall wifi.

[BRoss]

Capacity-wise, maintenance-wise, traffic-control-wise or otherwise?

Traffic control. It is getting increasingly hard to turn left out from Menards.

[RockHarbor]

Although I love Omaha history, and some names are solidly written into in the "Omaha Hall of Fame" (like "Westroads Mall" is), sometimes I just wish they would change the name to WEST PARK MALL -- or something -- with a super neat new sign. (Sometimes, I wish it were "WEST RIDGE MALL", like Topeka's mall's name, instead. Darn, they got that mall name, instead of Omaha.) I am so tired of the name "Westroads" -- and all that means. (It's all good memories & feelings for me, but still...)

But, that's just me. I think its because "Westroads" to me is defined by the pictures seen in the album linked here from Facebook, what the mall looked like from 1969 to 1990 -- the browns, the beiges, the oranges, the golds, the Swiss Clock, the ficus trees, the brick-shaped tiles, the tudor accents, Orange Julius. After the 90's remodel, then this new one, it disconnects me from the original mall a bit -- more & more. Still, it would be strange to lose the name "Westroads" around Omaha as well.

[Busguy2010]

Traffic control. It is getting increasingly hard to turn left out from Menards.

It definitely is getting more difficult getting out of there. A traffic light would backup the Menard's exit, and a roundabout wouldn't be possible due to the heavy machinery accessing Menard's. I think a three-way stop at that intersection would be helpful, maybe.

[Omababe]

I am so tired of the name "Westroads" -- and all that means. (It's all good memories & feelings for me, but still...)

I always thought that Westroads (and Southroads) was a word play on Crossroads, which opened years earlier.

[Greg S]

I am so tired of the name "Westroads" -- and all that means. (It's all good memories & feelings for me, but still...)

I always thought that Westroads (and Southroads) was a word play on Crossroads, which opened years earlier.

Yes, me too, kind of like the 'dales in Minneapolis.

Greg

[ita]

Jim Sadler was on Grow Omaha this past Saturday, I will post the podcast when its available.

4 Main things I remember:
1. Mall is currently 98% Leased (Not including the Younker's spot).
2. Younkers building is not owned by the mall, someone out of Lincoln.
3. Tried really hard to keep Panara including cheap rent, but Panara was really set on a drive-though.
4. Possible Tenant for Joe's (Posted in the Joe's Thread).

On the second point, Sadler mentioned that the Younkers space could be used for something other than retail, like a hotel or resort type use. There were suggestions for a possible hotel at Oakview on some of the land that is on sale. What do you all think, would that work at Westroads? It seems like it's too isolated for a hotel (and there are a few already in the area and near TD Ameritrade and Miracle Hills), but maybe a resort type deal like Great Wolf Lodge? Maybe it would fit in well with Top Golf? I don't know, just spit balling some ideas. I personally would like to see some residential development there, especially since it is a transportation hub for Metro and soon-to-be ORBT. Not at the mall itself, but maybe on the auto dealer lots south of Top Golf. Mid-rise condos and apartments?

[ScrattyB]

On the second point, Sadler mentioned that the Younkers space could be used for something other than retail, like a hotel or resort type use. There were suggestions for a possible hotel at Oakview on some of the land that is on sale. What do you all think, would that work at Westroads? It seems like it's too isolated for a hotel (and there are a few already in the area and near TD Ameritrade and Miracle Hills), but maybe a resort type deal like Great Wolf Lodge? Maybe it would fit in well with Top Golf? I don't know, just spit balling some ideas. I personally would like to see some residential development there, especially since it is a transportation hub for Metro and soon-to-be ORBT. Not at the mall itself, but maybe on the auto dealer lots south of Top Golf. Mid-rise condos and apartments?

There already is a hotel at Westroads, so I'm not sure if another "regular" hotel is really necessary. I'm not too familiar with Great Wolf Lodge (I mean, I understand the concept, I just don't know the business), so I can't really comment on that. I don't see much overlap with Top Golf and Great Wolf.
Usually I'm all for adding residential, but it seems odd over in that corner. Not sure how that would effect traffic also.
I think they need a few mid-rise office buildings and another restaurant building or two. Attract more office workers, and have some entertainment to keep them there in the evening. Movie theater, driving range, brewery, couple of restaurants is pretty good.
Don't forget, there's that special tax for Top Golf. I'm not sure how that comes into play for future plans.