Not so Official: Giordano's coming to Omaha!

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Thu May 23, 2019 5:56 pm

Anybody been to the Omaha Giordano's yet? I know it's been a while since they said they were coming so I figured that they'd be open by now.

bigredmed1 · Post by **bigredmed1** » Thu May 23, 2019 7:07 pm

Is this the place that has been playing with us for a few years?

Padre · Post by **Padre** » Thu May 23, 2019 7:22 pm

bigredmed1 wrote: Thu May 23, 2019 7:07 pm Is this the place that has been playing with us for a few years?

They still are. There was an article in April saying “We’re still coming, really, we mean it this time!”

https://www.omaha.com/go/dining/giordan ... 641ea.html

After that, nothing. And when you go to the coming soon part of their website, they list Des Moines, but not Omaha. Des Moines was one of the also-rans in the great poll.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Thu May 23, 2019 10:39 pm

You know, I’ve eaten at Giordano’s in Chicago several times and their pizza is very good.. But they’ve been so deceptive and utterly phony regarding opening a location in Omaha.. So much so, that if the ever get around to opening here, they likely won’t get my business...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

bigredmed1 · Post by **bigredmed1** » Fri May 24, 2019 8:35 am

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Thu May 23, 2019 10:39 pm You know, I’ve eaten at Giordano’s in Chicago several times and their pizza is very good.. But they’ve been so deceptive and utterly phony regarding opening a location in Omaha.. So much so, that if the ever get around to opening here, they likely won’t get my business...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Agreed.

GrandpaaSmucker · Post by **GrandpaaSmucker** » Fri May 24, 2019 10:55 am

The paper just got done trashing the new Rosattis Pizza yesterday. You can't blame Giordanos for being uncertain about getting into this area. Its a risky venture and they know it.

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Fri May 24, 2019 11:23 am

They are in a tough position in some ways. They ran a contest thinking that they knew the outcome. It appears they were wrong. They didn't want to come off as idiots so they came forward and said they'd honor their contest. Got some publicity, albeit mostly local. They'd like this to go away quietly. They hired a consultant to study possible expansion cities and either they or the consultant came up with parameters for those cities. Omaha didn't meet the parameters while Des Moines and others did.

The above is my own opinion and possible scenario, not fact. Unless it is.

bigredmed1 · Post by **bigredmed1** » Fri May 24, 2019 1:24 pm

GrandpaaSmucker wrote: Fri May 24, 2019 10:55 am The paper just got done trashing the new Rosattis Pizza yesterday. You can't blame Giordanos for being uncertain about getting into this area. Its a risky venture and they know it.

The OWH trashed a restaurant? What did they serve? Toxic waste fondu? Glass shards parmesean? Did one of the critics die after their meal? Is this the sign of the end times?

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sat May 25, 2019 12:29 pm

Oh please. Who cares if the W-H “foodie critic” gave Rosatti’s a less than stellar review. I read it and she was complaining more about the wait staff/service as opposed to the food anyway..

Hardly anyone in Omaha pays attention to these reviews, let alone Giordano’s.. Who is big and confident enough in their product, that local reviews have ZERO influence on them.

Back to the real point- Giordano’s screwed up..Didn’t count on Omaha to be the overwhelming winner in their poll 18 months ago.. And have been completely disingenuous and phony as it relates to opening here..

As I stated earlier, even if they do open in Omaha, they won’t get my business now because of their deceptive business practices.. Not because of some “foodie” review in the W-H...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

bigredmed1 · Post by **bigredmed1** » Sat May 25, 2019 8:40 pm

Same here relative to the pizza restaurant. Relative to the OWH critic, she is a dyed in the wool homer who follows in the great tradition of previous critics. All usually follow the rule of “if you can’t say anything good, then don’t say anything.” In other words, her criticism is nearly always unhelpful as she will be overly glowing and when we go there, we find lots of menu holes or other problems. When she trashed a place, we usually find the problem to be less than problematic.

lonnie · Post by **lonnie** » Mon May 27, 2019 3:11 pm

The last great OWH Food Critic was "Nichole Aksamit" (2007-2011)

She had the ability to relate to other people's tastes, not just her own.

http://eomahaforums.com/search.php?keyw ... le+Aksamit

Nichole is now the Executive Editor, Allrecipes magazine.

bigredmed1 · Post by **bigredmed1** » Tue May 28, 2019 3:21 pm

lonnie wrote: Mon May 27, 2019 3:11 pm The last great OWH Food Critic was "Nichole Aksamit" (2007-2011)

She had the ability to relate to other people's tastes, not just her own.

http://eomahaforums.com/search.php?keyw ... le+Aksamit

Nichole is now the Executive Editor, Allrecipes magazine.

She did a good job with helpful reviews. We had some movie and art critics before her that were good, but I don't recall any good food critics.

Padre · Post by **Padre** » Wed Jul 24, 2019 10:08 pm

Bob from Omaha suggested previously that Giordanos probably hopes that the idea of opening a restaurant in Omaha quietly goes away. I, for one, don’t think it should be that easy for them.

They just opened a restaurant in West Des Moines this week.

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story ... 794636001/

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Wed Jul 24, 2019 11:30 pm

Padre wrote: Wed Jul 24, 2019 10:08 pm Bob from Omaha suggested previously that Giordanos probably hopes that the idea of opening a restaurant in Omaha quietly goes away. I, for one, don’t think it should be that easy for them.

I understand what you’re saying.. But I’m at the point now, if this outfit actually opened in Omaha, they’d get NO business from me. In fact, they never will again.. They played Omaha, they were deceptive and completely non transparent..

Omaha wins that poll vote in November of 2017 with numbers so overwhelming, it held a 40,000 vote advantage over the 2nd place finisher (Coincidentally, it was Des Moines, IA), and they play Omaha like we’re a bunch of fools..they never intended to open up shop here..

They can take their deep dish, and shove it...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

bigredmed1 · Post by **bigredmed1** » Thu Jul 25, 2019 4:49 pm

I wouldn’t bet on any chain outfit serving deep dish, too many people here who have metabolic syndrone or actual diabetes and that much carbohydrate is just not doable. Think about families raising kids with carb restrictions as just a part of life, think they want an inch thick dough bomb?

Best to paraphrase Ray Willie Hubbard: Screw You, We’re from Omaha!

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Fri Jul 26, 2019 8:54 pm

bigredmed1 wrote: Thu Jul 25, 2019 4:49 pm I wouldn’t bet on any chain outfit serving deep dish, too many people here who have metabolic syndrone or actual diabetes and that much carbohydrate is just not doable. Think about families raising kids with carb restrictions as just a part of life, think they want an inch thick dough bomb?

Best to paraphrase Ray Willie Hubbard: Screw You, We’re from Omaha!

Deep Dish pizza is alive and well in other bastions of unhealthy lifestyles, such as Chicago.

bigredmed1 · Post by **bigredmed1** » Fri Jul 26, 2019 9:46 pm

nativeomahan wrote: Fri Jul 26, 2019 8:54 pm
bigredmed1 wrote: Thu Jul 25, 2019 4:49 pm I wouldn’t bet on any chain outfit serving deep dish, too many people here who have metabolic syndrone or actual diabetes and that much carbohydrate is just not doable. Think about families raising kids with carb restrictions as just a part of life, think they want an inch thick dough bomb?

Best to paraphrase Ray Willie Hubbard: Screw You, We’re from Omaha!
Deep Dish pizza is alive and well in other bastions of unhealthy lifestyles, such as Chicago.

Really think so? How many of these do you eat in 2 months? How many burgers do you eat in a week? How many regular pizzas do you eat in 2 months. I have family there and have gone there on business several times over the last 5 years. Never do I hear any of the Chicagoans talk about deep dish pizza.

Given the aversion to chain restaurants in the area and the so so market for them here, I will stick with my bet.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Fri Jul 26, 2019 10:17 pm

Who travels to Chicago to eat thin crust pizza? I always make a stop at Gino’s or Uno or Due when I am in town.
(Apropos of nothing, but I don’t eat more than one burger a month, as I am trying to eliminate red meat from my diet.)

SabrinaFaire · Post by **SabrinaFaire** » Fri Aug 16, 2019 7:25 am

nativeomahan wrote: Fri Jul 26, 2019 10:17 pm Who travels to Chicago to eat thin crust pizza? I always make a stop at Gino’s or Uno or Due when I am in town.
(Apropos of nothing, but I don’t eat more than one burger a month, as I am trying to eliminate red meat from my diet.)

Native Chicagoans

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Fri Aug 16, 2019 8:42 am

SabrinaFaire wrote: Fri Aug 16, 2019 7:25 am
nativeomahan wrote: Fri Jul 26, 2019 10:17 pm Who travels to Chicago to eat thin crust pizza? I always make a stop at Gino’s or Uno or Due when I am in town.
(Apropos of nothing, but I don’t eat more than one burger a month, as I am trying to eliminate red meat from my diet.)
Native Chicagoans

I'd amend that to just Chicagoans. Native or not. Chicago this crust is actually very good. I've had Giordano's & I really don't think I could do even one slice more than once a year. One slice is like 2-3 pounds. I don't want to weigh 500 lbs. On the other hand, by all appearances Giordano's isn't coming to Omaha so it isn't an issue.

Post by **nebugeater** » Fri Aug 16, 2019 2:13 pm

I follow Giordano's on FB and once in a while I look at their page. They sure are having it taken to them on some of their threads about the lack of an Omaha update.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Fri Aug 16, 2019 7:40 pm

I Was just in West Des Moines today, they have a Giordanos right near Jordan Creek town center. It looks to be a stand alone structure and appears to be brand new. But doesn’t look particularly big. I’ve never had Giordano’s not sure how good it is. I’ll have to try it sometime. I also checked Kansas City and St Louis neither have a Giordanos, the Twin Cities has two and Indy three.

Post by **nebugeater** » Sun Aug 18, 2019 8:56 am

Cermak wrote: Fri Aug 16, 2019 7:40 pm I Was just in West Des Moines today, they have a Giordanos right near Jordan Creek town center. It looks to be a stand alone structure and appears to be brand new. But doesn’t look particularly big. I’ve never had Giordano’s not sure how good it is. I’ll have to try it sometime. I also checked Kansas City and St Louis neither have a Giordanos, the Twin Cities has two and Indy three.

According to a facebook post a few weeks ago it just opened in DM. There were a lot of Omaha comments on that thread.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sun Aug 18, 2019 1:50 pm

nebugeater wrote: Sun Aug 18, 2019 8:56 am
Cermak wrote: Fri Aug 16, 2019 7:40 pm I Was just in West Des Moines today, they have a Giordanos right near Jordan Creek town center. It looks to be a stand alone structure and appears to be brand new. But doesn’t look particularly big. I’ve never had Giordano’s not sure how good it is. I’ll have to try it sometime. I also checked Kansas City and St Louis neither have a Giordanos, the Twin Cities has two and Indy three.
According to a facebook post a few weeks ago it just opened in DM. There were a lot of Omaha comments on that thread.

As little as 1 hour ago on their Facebook page, they replied to an Omaha poster stating they’re “still actively searching” for an Omaha location. It’s been 20 months and counting they’ve been spewing that same rhetoric..

They’re not honest, not transparent..

Even if they do get around to opening here in Omaha, as I’ve stated before, they will NOT get my business..

Bridge burned...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Post by **nebugeater** » Sun Aug 18, 2019 2:02 pm

WHen I was searching their page a few weeks ago I bet I saw that reply 25 times

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sun Aug 18, 2019 2:29 pm

Yeah..

Giordano’s is full of doggy-do do...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

garyomaha · Post by **garyomaha** » Sun Aug 18, 2019 4:07 pm

As one who has enjoyed Giordano's multiple times, I, for one, was looking forward to the flavor of their Chicago style pizza added to the mix here. I say, bring on the options and let the marketplace decide!

Are Giordano's folks jerks or full of it? It's too bad their marketing folks allow that image to exist. I suspect the product people have their ducks in a row but perhaps those handling online inquiries are still searching for the right ducks.

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Sun Aug 18, 2019 4:16 pm

I've probably said it a couple times in this thread, but you can do much better deep dish than Giordanos anyway. While it's the most widespread one, it is definitely not in the same tier as the others.

lonnie · Post by **lonnie** » Sun Aug 18, 2019 6:49 pm

Garrett wrote: Sun Aug 18, 2019 4:16 pm I've probably said it a couple times in this thread, but you can do much better deep dish than Giordanos anyway.

One example:
UNO Pizzeria and Grill
https://www.unos.com/

buildomaha · Post by **buildomaha** » Mon Aug 19, 2019 9:57 am

I was also just in Des Moines and saw the giordanos and my first thought was “welp I will never give them my business now”

Omahacritic · Post by **Omahacritic** » Mon Aug 19, 2019 11:17 pm

“Good” Pizza is 99% hype. Anything good is replicated. And then it’s a matter of personal taste. And the company you keep.

I have had dozens of “you gotta try” pizzas in my life. Most were good. But in the long run, none were unique.

Bad pizza though ... have had lots of those.

Support local owned businesses and bid Giordano adieu.

bbinks · Post by **bbinks** » Tue Aug 20, 2019 2:52 pm

Garrett wrote: Sun Aug 18, 2019 4:16 pm I've probably said it a couple times in this thread, but you can do much better deep dish than Giordanos anyway. While it's the most widespread one, it is definitely not in the same tier as the others.

I'd visit Lou Malnati's when I'd travil to Chicago.

bbinks · Post by **bbinks** » Tue Aug 20, 2019 2:56 pm

Side note..

How long until this thread can get moved to the "Projects never built" section?

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Tue Aug 20, 2019 5:17 pm

bbinks wrote: Tue Aug 20, 2019 2:52 pm
Garrett wrote: Sun Aug 18, 2019 4:16 pm I've probably said it a couple times in this thread, but you can do much better deep dish than Giordanos anyway. While it's the most widespread one, it is definitely not in the same tier as the others.
I'd visit Lou Malnati's when I'd travil to Chicago.

NOW you're talking! Lou Malnati's is a legend.

Wrightfan · Post by **Wrightfan** » Tue Aug 20, 2019 5:43 pm

Bob from Omaha wrote: Tue Aug 20, 2019 5:17 pm
bbinks wrote: Tue Aug 20, 2019 2:52 pm
Garrett wrote: Sun Aug 18, 2019 4:16 pm I've probably said it a couple times in this thread, but you can do much better deep dish than Giordanos anyway. While it's the most widespread one, it is definitely not in the same tier as the others.
I'd visit Lou Malnati's when I'd travil to Chicago.
NOW you're talking! Lou Malnati's is a legend.

I prefer Giordano's to Malnati's (something about Lou's crust that I'm not a fan of). About 4-5 years ago, a Giordano's opened in my neighborhood (Andersonville), then closed a couple of years later. Strange. I don't care for the carb overload of their deep dish, but really, REALLY like the thin crust pepperoni, mushroom, and green pepper pie.

Omaha: If Giordano's ultimately opens up, give it a fair shake. Could be that the vagaries of corporate expansion/contraction just have Omaha in a bit of a holding pattern.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Aug 20, 2019 6:38 pm

bbinks wrote: Tue Aug 20, 2019 2:56 pm Side note..

How long until this thread can get moved to the "Projects never built" section?

I’m going to let this thread remain in Rumors for the next 6 months. Then I’ll either trash it, or move it to the “never built” forum..

Although they’ve lost my respect and my business, there is a small shred chance Giordano’s will actually open up in Omaha.. Their BS reasoning for not opening here makes that chance pretty nil to be honest.. 6 more months is the sweet spot...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

EastCB · Post by **EastCB** » Tue Aug 20, 2019 7:13 pm

Why are we still talking about this??? It's a chain.

Omababe · Post by **Omababe** » Wed Aug 21, 2019 7:48 am

EastCB wrote: Tue Aug 20, 2019 7:13 pmWhy are we still talking about this??? It's a chain.

Omaha folks tend to LOVE chains!

Look at the conversations here, people go all gaga when yet another chain invades (or is rumored to invade) Omaha.

Padre · Post by **Padre** » Wed Aug 21, 2019 10:03 am

Omababe wrote: Wed Aug 21, 2019 7:48 am
EastCB wrote: Tue Aug 20, 2019 7:13 pmWhy are we still talking about this??? It's a chain.
Omaha folks tend to LOVE chains!

Look at the conversations here, people go all gaga when yet another chain invades (or is rumored to invade) Omaha.

Chain Invaders!

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Wed Aug 21, 2019 10:27 am

Chalien Invaders!