Not so Official: Giordano's coming to Omaha!

[Garrett]

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.

Of course it didn’t last in Andersonville. It already has tons of great restaurants and not enough tourists or suburbanites. Really miss that place.

[guy4omaha]

If G's ever comes to Omaha I doubt I give it a chance. But I doubt it matches Omaha's best anyway. Just local bias and familiarity on my part, but I've always liked my Omaha and a few other Midwest faves over any pizza I've ever had in Chicago or New York, Boston, Philly, etc. My take: they can choose to come here or not. We don't need them. And if they do come, I won't be surprised if they're closed within two years.

[Cermak]

Agree we need to give them a chance. As Omaha does not have Many Chicago deep dish pizza restaurant’s. My guess is West Des Moines was able to assemble a development package quickly (because Iowa is just that way) and thus they now have a Giordanos before Omaha. But we should not dislike Giordanos because of this. Hopefully we will get one in the next 12-24 months.

[Omaha Cowboy]

If G's ever comes to Omaha I doubt I give it a chance. But I doubt it matches Omaha's best anyway. Just local bias and familiarity on my part, but I've always liked my Omaha and a few other Midwest faves over any pizza I've ever had in Chicago or New York, Boston, Philly, etc. My take: they can choose to come here or not. We don't need them. And if they do come, I won't be surprised if they're closed within two years.

Agreed...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Linkin5]

If G's ever comes to Omaha I doubt I give it a chance. But I doubt it matches Omaha's best anyway. Just local bias and familiarity on my part, but I've always liked my Omaha and a few other Midwest faves over any pizza I've ever had in Chicago or New York, Boston, Philly, etc. My take: they can choose to come here or not. We don't need them. And if they do come, I won't be surprised if they're closed within two years.

No Omaha pizza I’ve had can match good NY/New Jersey pizza. Closest I’ve had here is Noli’s and it’s still just not the same.

[Cermak]

We need to welcome Giordano’s with open arms, even if they are lying jerks. Not sure how Des Moines got one so fast maybe it has something with them growing so fast and Omaha slower, who knows. They also have a Nordstrom rack store and we don’t. Omaha needs to step it up in attracting some of these popular chains that people in the 18-49 age group want. I think Giordano’s would do well in Omaha.

[Louie]

We need to welcome Giordano’s with open arms, even if they are lying jerks. Not sure how Des Moines got one so fast maybe it has something with them growing so fast and Omaha slower, who knows. They also have a Nordstrom rack store and we don’t. Omaha needs to step it up in attracting some of these popular chains that people in the 18-49 age group want. I think Giordano’s would do well in Omaha.

That age group is the one that is 'killing' chains across the US. That demos draw is not chains like that.

[Cermak]

Doubt Giordano’s would invest in a stand alone restaurant for just a over 49 demo. In Des Moines Giordano’s is a big deal, like it would be in Omaha. Since it’s new and from Chicago it’s sorta a novelty in Iowa. Once the newness wears off in a few years, it will have its true test .

[Guest]

We need to welcome Giordano’s with open arms, even if they are lying jerks. Not sure how Des Moines got one so fast maybe it has something with them growing so fast and Omaha slower, who knows. They also have a Nordstrom rack store and we don’t. Omaha needs to step it up in attracting some of these popular chains that people in the 18-49 age group want. I think Giordano’s would do well in Omaha.

That age group is the one that is 'killing' chains across the US. That demos draw is not chains like that.

Agree completely. And Giordano’s didn’t hop into central Iowa because of some notion of a population growth spurt. I can assure everyone of that. Omaha is the larger and more diverse metro in every way over a DSM. The local Omaha food scene included. Giordano’s might very well locate in the Omaha metro. But because Omaha has some great local pizza eateries, it’ll be tougher for Giordano’s to be successful here both long and short term. It’ll take a serious commitment from them. In the end, who cares if they do or don’t locate here. It’s a ridiculous notion that Omaha “needs” a Giordano’s or a Nordstrom’s rack to redeem itself with the millennial crowd, lol. They’re moving here anyway because Omaha is great just as it is.

[We Don’t Coast]

We need to welcome Giordano’s with open arms, even if they are lying jerks. Not sure how Des Moines got one so fast maybe it has something with them growing so fast and Omaha slower, who knows. They also have a Nordstrom rack store and we don’t. Omaha needs to step it up in attracting some of these popular chains that people in the 18-49 age group want. I think Giordano’s would do well in Omaha.

That age group is the one that is 'killing' chains across the US. That demos draw is not chains like that.

Agree completely. And Giordano’s didn’t hop into central Iowa because of some notion of a population growth spurt. I can assure everyone of that. Omaha is the larger and more diverse metro in every way over a DSM. The local Omaha food scene included. Giordano’s might very well locate in the Omaha metro. But because Omaha has some great local pizza eateries, it’ll be tougher for Giordano’s to be successful here both long and short term. It’ll take a serious commitment from them. In the end, who cares if they do or don’t locate here. It’s a ridiculous notion that Omaha “needs” a Giordano’s or a Nordstrom’s rack to redeem itself with the millennial crowd, lol. They’re moving here anyway because Omaha is great just as it is.

We mostly lurk here. But wow. Great post. Whoever you are, you should post here more often. Agree 100%!

[Cermak]

Omaha needs national and regional chains as well like Giordano’s, Nordstrom Rack and West Elm. We are probably big enough to support these, so why not pursue them. Supporting local is great, but not every local business is top notch and they often don’t have the resources that large national chains have.

[Omahacritic]

Nordstrom Rack? Does Omaha even have a Nordstrom yet?

[Cermak]

Nordstrom Rack? Does Omaha even have a Nordstrom yet?

Nordstrom Rack is the cheaper discount version of Nordstrom’s. Omaha is not big enough for a Nordstrom’s, but cities the same size and smaller than us have Nordstrom Racks, Des Moines and Albuquerque both have Racks. Why we don’t have one yet is anybody’s guess.

[guy4omaha]

If G's ever comes to Omaha I doubt I give it a chance. But I doubt it matches Omaha's best anyway. Just local bias and familiarity on my part, but I've always liked my Omaha and a few other Midwest faves over any pizza I've ever had in Chicago or New York, Boston, Philly, etc. My take: they can choose to come here or not. We don't need them. And if they do come, I won't be surprised if they're closed within two years.

No Omaha pizza I’ve had can match good NY/New Jersey pizza. Closest I’ve had here is Noli’s and it’s still just not the same.

I am sure you're right if . . . you like NY Pizza better than Omaha Pizza. But when I am in New York I lament that they don't have Omaha pizza. NY Pizza doesn't taste the same. It's inferior in my opinion. We don't need Giordano's anymore than Chicago needs La Casa's. Again just my biased, snobby Omaha opinion.

[Omaha Cowboy]

If G's ever comes to Omaha I doubt I give it a chance. But I doubt it matches Omaha's best anyway. Just local bias and familiarity on my part, but I've always liked my Omaha and a few other Midwest faves over any pizza I've ever had in Chicago or New York, Boston, Philly, etc. My take: they can choose to come here or not. We don't need them. And if they do come, I won't be surprised if they're closed within two years.

No Omaha pizza I’ve had can match good NY/New Jersey pizza. Closest I’ve had here is Noli’s and it’s still just not the same.

I am sure you're right if . . . you like NY Pizza better than Omaha Pizza. But when I am in New York I lament that they don't have Omaha pizza. NY Pizza doesn't taste the same. It's inferior in my opinion. We don't need Giordano's anymore than Chicago needs La Casa's. Again just my biased, snobby Omaha opinion.

My tastebuds align with yours guy as it relates to pizza. But everyone has their personal preferences..

As a side note, Omaha really doesn’t need a Giordano’s, or any national chain. Like an earlier post indicated, Omaha is doing just fine without them...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Cermak]

You guys don’t have to go to Giordano’s. But maybe that person transferred or new to Omaha might like Giordano’s who happens to be from Chicago or Des Moines. I just think Omaha is losing out on not having some of these national and regional chains that I mentioned earlier. Plus they are additional jobs for the metro. Who doesn’t want that.

[Guest]

You guys don’t have to go to Giordano’s. But maybe that person transferred or new to Omaha might like Giordano’s who happens to be from Chicago or Des Moines. I just think Omaha is losing out on not having some of these national and regional chains that I mentioned earlier. Plus they are additional jobs for the metro. Who doesn’t want that.

Oh please. You make it sound like a Omaha doesn’t have any national chains at all. Of course we do. PLENTY of them. But who needs more of them? Omaha likely has many more chain places than smaller DSM doesn’t have. Regarding jobs, there are tons of jobs in Omaha already. The problem is growing the labor force to accommodate them. Luckily, the Omaha Chamber has a plan currently in place to help attract talent and fill those jobs. If chains are your thing, so be it. But Omaha needs another chain like it needs a hole in its head.

[Cermak]

Sure we have lots of chains. We have many Walmarts and TJ Maxx’s, you also need the right mix. Giordano’s entrance into the Omaha market would fill a void that we currently have for deep dish Chicago style pizza. Deep dish pizza in Omaha is not common place at all. We have plenty of thin crust NY style pizza restaurants. It’s all about obtaining the right mix ! No town wants to be overrun with Walmart’s and TJ Maxx’s.

[Omahacritic]

Nordstrom Rack? Does Omaha even have a Nordstrom yet?

Nordstrom Rack is the cheaper discount version of Nordstrom’s. Omaha is not big enough for a Nordstrom’s, but cities the same size and smaller than us have Nordstrom Racks, Des Moines and Albuquerque both have Racks. Why we don’t have one yet is anybody’s guess.

Yes, I know. Been there, done that. If Department Stores were no longer dinosaurs I think Omaha could handle a Nordstrom. But a Rack? Don’t see the point.
Besides, an Off 5th is more Omaha. But I guess it’s not really a discussion fora pizza thread.

[Cermak]

Nordstrom’s would never come to Omaha it’s to small. Nordstrom Rack would be more likely . But back to pizza. I hope the Chamber is working with Giordano’s to help them find a suitable Omaha location so Omaha can finally have a authentic Chicago style deep dish pizza ! It will be worth the wait.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Omaha has 2 authentic Chicago style pizza places already in Pizzeria Davlo and Pudgy’s Pizzeria. I’ve had Giordano’s several times and there really isn’t much of a difference between these 3 imo. Especially Davlo’s..

The stance I have on chains is this- does Omaha “need” more chains? No. But if a quality nationally respected chain decides to set up shop in the Omaha metro- great and I wish them success..

I highly doubt the Omaha Chamber is working with Giordano’s to bring their pizzeria here. The Chamber has MUCH bigger fish to fry in utilizing their time wisely to attract more high paying jobs..and talent to fill them..to the Omaha area...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Cermak]

Yes, I’ve never been to either one of those. We also have Rosati’s on West Maple that serves a deep dish pizza. I’ve never been there either and it has some bad reviews on the internet. Those two you mentioned might be good, but many Omahan’s probably don’t even know those places exist, as they are in smallish neighborhood shopping centers on secondary roads and probably spend little on advertising. Giordano’s would most likely be located on a major street like West Center or Maple and attract more attention and customers than Davlo’s or Pudgy’s does. And more Omahans would get to experience Chicago style deep dish pizza.

[guy4omaha]

Lou, which do you like better between Pudgy's and Diavlo's? I tried Diavlo's and was pretty underwhelmed. Is there a chance I would like Pudgy's better?

[bigredmed1]

Davilo’s was a one and done adventure for us as well. Pudgy’s is too far away and frankly, the carb load of deep dish pizza is off putting, so probably won’t go there. Have heard decent comments about it.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Lou, which do you like better between Pudgy's and Diavlo's? I tried Diavlo's and was pretty underwhelmed. Is there a chance I would like Pudgy's better?

I like Chicago deep dish, but like you guy, I don’t love it. That said, I had a pretty good experience at both places. I thought Davlo’s was a bit closer to what most expect a Giordano’s pizza to taste like. But I liked Pudgy’s too. I think there’s a decent chance you’d like Pudgy’s..

For what it’s worth, I’d go back to either place...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Cermak]

Neither one of these places are close to me. Doubt I will ever go to either. This is another reason I would like to see Giordano’s they would probably be in a more centralized location. Why we don’t have a Giordano’s is beyond me . I blame the mayor and the Chamber of commerce.

[Guest]

Neither one of these places are close to me. Doubt I will ever go to either. This is another reason I would like to see Giordano’s they would probably be in a more centralized location. Why we don’t have a Giordano’s is beyond me . I blame the mayor and the Chamber of commerce.

Give me a break. Blaming the mayor and the chamber of commerce is absolutely absurd. Really. Don’t you think they have bigger and better things to focus on, than trying to lure a chain restaurant to Omaha? Lol. No offense, but that’s childish .

Consider this- and this is the most likely reason- Giordano’s isn’t in Omaha because Giordano’s doesn’t want to be in Omaha. This is your answer. Oh and before you poo-poo Davlo’s or Pudgy’s for being too out of your way to try them, toughen up buttercup and get out there and try them. You just might find they are both every bit as good as your precious Giordano’s. If you’re such a big fan of a Chicago deep dish pizza and you so desperately want Giordano’s to locate here, one would think you’d want to try the actual places Omaha has that serves up a Chicago deep dish pie. Your statement that they’re not close to you is disingenuous reasoning and also childish. Just sayin.

[Omahacritic]

^ ouch

I might say it more delicate, but yeah. It’s just another pizza place. One thing about pizza ... it can be replicated. Only thing that might be difficult to replicate would be a unique to Chicago ingredient (water from Illinois River?) ... in which case you now have an answer why they can’t move here (and, make money).

[Cermak]

Maybe I was a little harsh. I still think the Mayor and Chamber could do more. Omaha has one of the most diverse and robust economies in the Midwest. I would think Giordano’s would be eager to expand their footprint into the Omaha market. And maybe they will at some point. KC doesn’t have one either. I will try to visit our two deep dish pizza restaurant’s soon and see if they are any good. So far it looks like they have mixed reviews.

[bigredmed1]

Maybe I was a little harsh. I still think the Mayor and Chamber could do more. Omaha has one of the most diverse and robust economies in the Midwest. I would think Giordano’s would be eager to expand their footprint into the Omaha market. And maybe they will at some point. KC doesn’t have one either. I will try to visit our two deep dish pizza restaurant’s soon and see if they are any good. So far it looks like they have mixed reviews.

I agree with others, I would rather see the city and the chamber work on bigger ticket items.

[Cermak]

Maybe just a phone call to Giordano’s from the Chamber, obviously not going to put a lot of hours into it. Maybe work with them to find a suitable location or if they even plan to expand here. But yes Chamber should focus on getting the big fish. Giordano’s is not a big fish.

[NEDodger]

I think this forum has put in more hours talking about this chain pizza place than Giordano's has put in actually trying to find a place to expand to here.

[nebugeater]

Maybe just a phone call to Giordano’s from the Chamber, obviously not going to put a lot of hours into it. Maybe work with them to find a suitable location or if they even plan to expand here. But yes Chamber should focus on getting the big fish. Giordano’s is not a big fish.

And to just play Devil's Advocate How do we know the Chamber hasn't done this?

[ChadJK]

Going on 2 years since Omaha won their contest. Get the feeling they're a little disappointed in which city won? What was that new tourism slogan for Nebraska that made headlines a year ago? "Honestly, it's not for everyone."

[Omaha Cowboy]

Going on 2 years since Omaha won their contest. Get the feeling they're a little disappointed in which city won? What was that new tourism slogan for Nebraska that made headlines a year ago? "Honestly, it's not for everyone."

It’s been said before in this thread, I don’t believe Giordano’s wanted to be in Omaha in the first place..

I moved past caring whether they locate here in Omaha LONG ago...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Cermak]

I agree I think we need to move on. Maybe they will put a restaurant in Omaha at some point. Hard to figure this company out.

[bigredmed1]

I agree I think we need to move on. Maybe they will put a restaurant in Omaha at some point. Hard to figure this company out.

Yep. Don't care, won't use them if they do as the deep dish pizza thing is a non starter for us.

[ChadJK]

I agreed with the late Anthony Bourdain. Deep Dish Pizza isn't pizza.

[Cermak]

I disagree it’s definitely Pizza, and some of the best. Bourdain loved Chicago dogs I’ve heard.

[Bob from Omaha]

Maybe they are waiting for Avenue One. It's the next big thing & I'm sure so far they have a Jimmy Johns, a Subway, a vape store, & one of Paladino's storage places. The rendering are great. The final product will be blah.