Not so Official: Giordano's coming to Omaha!

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Tue Sep 17, 2019 10:09 am

Should we move this thread to the "Projects Never Built" category? lol

Padre · Post by **Padre** » Tue Sep 17, 2019 9:35 pm

ChadJK wrote: Tue Sep 17, 2019 10:09 am Should we move this thread to the "Projects Never Built" category? lol

Next month will be two years since this thread started and Omaha “won” the poll. Seems long enough to me.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Wed Sep 18, 2019 5:35 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: 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..

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Here is your answer (from a post I submitted here on August 20th)...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

OmahaFan · Post by **OmahaFan** » Thu Dec 05, 2019 6:39 am

Any updates?

OmahaFan · Post by **OmahaFan** » Thu Dec 05, 2019 6:50 am

So it’s almost been a year since they announced they were coming. Last thing they said is that they were scouting a location. What’s going on with it?

damonhynes · Post by **damonhynes** » Thu Dec 05, 2019 8:01 am

As was mentioned elsewhere, I think they're hoping Omaha will forget about them and their fake 'poll'. Total PR dumpster-fire. If they ever built here, they'd get no traffic due to the way they treated Omaha.

Post by **nebugeater** » Thu Dec 05, 2019 8:55 am

damonhynes wrote: Thu Dec 05, 2019 8:01 am As was mentioned elsewhere, I think they're hoping Omaha will forget about them and their fake 'poll'. Total PR dumpster-fire. If they ever built here, they'd get no traffic due to the way they treated Omaha.

I believe you are wrong here. a large % never heard of the pole and a % of those that did will have forgotten. If they were to come to Omaha it would be new and THE place to go and they would be busy. The % of people that stay away because of this would be small.

43county · Post by **43county** » Thu Dec 05, 2019 9:19 am

I went to Des Moines a few weeks ago, it was fine and not really all that busy for lunch. An OK meal, but I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to go back. I'd have rated it 3/5 on the Yelp scale, which would apparently be higher than average:

https://www.yelp.com/biz/giordanos-west-des-moines

I don't think we are missing much, honestly.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Thu Dec 05, 2019 9:55 am

The original thread about Giordano's was moved here:
https://eomahaforums.com/viewtopic.php? ... &start=240

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Thu Dec 05, 2019 6:51 pm

I messaged them today on facebook.

Here's the response. A HUUUUUUGE steaming pile of.....
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hi Larry - We hear you, your messages, and your disappointments regarding the delay in our Omaha project. Please know that we are still actively seeking the perfect location. We know that this is taking longer than expected, which is not fair to our patient and loyal customers. We do hope to have an update for you all sooner than later and we appreciate your patience as we work through the arrangements.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

My reply:

It's funny. I've been involved in the restaurant and real estate industries, among others, for over 35 years and I've never taken this long to find a location or work out the financial details. As for your "patient and loyal" customers, they have lost patience & weren't really that loyal to begin with. To use a college phrase, you've used up whatever political capital long ago. The majority of those with a passing interest feel that you never thought Omaha would win and hope that Omahans just forget about the whole idea of an Omaha location.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

It's weird. They responded right away when I just messaged "Omaha?". I haven't heard back regarding me last message. You don't think I hurt their feelings, do you?

damonhynes · Post by **damonhynes** » Thu Dec 05, 2019 7:31 pm

I'd bet a buck that was cut 'n pasted; replace "Omaha" with "St. Louis", "Kansas City", "Atlanta", ad nauseum.

Post by **Brad** » Sat Dec 07, 2019 10:27 pm

I work with a guy from Chicago. He swears Pizzeria Davlo on 144th and Fort is the same recipe as Giordano and is just as good.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sun Dec 08, 2019 2:17 am

Brad wrote: Sat Dec 07, 2019 10:27 pm I work with a guy from Chicago. He swears Pizzeria Davlo on 144th and Fort is the same recipe as Giordano and is just as good.

Sounds like I need to try Pizzeria Davlo.. and Giordano’s can go |expletive| themselves..

...

CiO..LiO...Peace

garyomaha · Post by **garyomaha** » Sun Dec 08, 2019 8:26 am

Brad wrote: Sat Dec 07, 2019 10:27 pm I work with a guy from Chicago. He swears Pizzeria Davlo on 144th and Fort is the same recipe as Giordano and is just as good.

In my opinion, it does not taste the same. Perhaps it's the same recipe, but something is different. We went to Davlo twice, a few years ago. The pizza was just okay -- but my dining companion and I immediately agreed it didn't have something that Giordano's (and, for that matter, Lou Malnati's) has.

I am eager for Giordano's (or Malnati's, or even Uno's) to join Omaha's long list of pizza styles. I don't begrudge chains (although I do prefer local ownership).

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Sun Dec 08, 2019 11:25 am

damonhynes wrote: Thu Dec 05, 2019 7:31 pm I'd bet a buck that was cut 'n pasted; replace "Omaha" with "St. Louis", "Kansas City", "Atlanta", ad nauseum.

Funny. Like the camel that was designed by a committee of blind people, the response I received was designed by a committee designated by an executive with nothing better to do.

Yeah, it's BS. Now, I like Des Moines and I've done business in both cities. I find it impossible to believe that finding, researching, financing, building out and opening a restaurant in Omaha is so hard that you literally can get to the opening part in Des Moines years faster than in Omaha. Of course, you have to have a minimum amount of desire. I think we found the problem.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Mon Dec 09, 2019 1:32 pm

garyomaha wrote: Sun Dec 08, 2019 8:26 am
Brad wrote: Sat Dec 07, 2019 10:27 pm I work with a guy from Chicago. He swears Pizzeria Davlo on 144th and Fort is the same recipe as Giordano and is just as good.
In my opinion, it does not taste the same. Perhaps it's the same recipe, but something is different. We went to Davlo twice, a few years ago. The pizza was just okay -- but my dining companion and I immediately agreed it didn't have something that Giordano's (and, for that matter, Lou Malnati's) has.

I am eager for Giordano's (or Malnati's, or even Uno's) to join Omaha's long list of pizza styles. I don't begrudge chains (although I do prefer local ownership).

A friend of mine from Chicago went and said if he closed his eyes he'd swear he was at Giordano's when eating Davlo. He said he hated to admit that. Because of Con Agra he did move back there.

Greg

garyomaha · Post by **garyomaha** » Mon Dec 09, 2019 1:53 pm

Greg S wrote: Mon Dec 09, 2019 1:32 pm A friend of mine from Chicago went and said if he closed his eyes he'd swear he was at Giordano's when eating Davlo. He said he hated to admit that.

I'm open-minded, especially when dealing with pizza! I haven't been back to Davlo's for several years, so perhaps they've tweaked the recipe or perhaps we were there on "off" nights. It's worth trying again! Thanks, Greg.

Omababe · Post by **Omababe** » Tue Dec 10, 2019 7:55 am

I must admit that Giordanos is much better than most chains.

However, if they don't open in Omaha, I really won't be disappointed. I would much rather that somebody local, such as the mentioned Davlo (Is it local or a chain? I don't know) would do their version of Chicago cuisine, rather than have yet another chain invade the area.

I would much rather have Giordanos be something semi-special to go to when visiting Chicago than just another one of many chain options here.

Post by **Brad** » Tue Dec 10, 2019 8:30 am

Omababe wrote: Tue Dec 10, 2019 7:55 am I would much rather that somebody local, such as the mentioned Davlo (Is it local or a chain? I don't know)

Based on their very basic and almost homemade feeling website, and no mention of other locations on there, I would say its local.

Uffda · Post by **Uffda** » Tue Dec 10, 2019 9:15 am

Brad wrote: Tue Dec 10, 2019 8:30 am
Omababe wrote: Tue Dec 10, 2019 7:55 am I would much rather that somebody local, such as the mentioned Davlo (Is it local or a chain? I don't know)
Based on their very basic and almost homemade feeling website, and no mention of other locations on there, I would say its local.

They definitely could use assistance on their web page. I did find this. “We are independently owned, and family operated.”

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Dec 17, 2019 10:59 pm

Giordano’s did actually give a response to an Omaha resident on its FB page the other day indicating that contrary to popular belief, they’re closer to an announcement on an Omaha location than most think..

Yippee

.. They’ve lost my interest and business anyway...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

GrandpaaSmucker · Post by **GrandpaaSmucker** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 12:07 am

I forgive Giordano's for hurting folks feelings and all that. Thats ok they will get over it. Now if they think they are going to put that place downtown and guys like me are going to go to it much they got another thing coming. Read my lips Giordanos NO DOWNTOWN!

bigredmed1 · Post by **bigredmed1** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 7:58 am

GrandpaaSmucker wrote: Wed Dec 18, 2019 12:07 am I forgive Giordano's for hurting folks feelings and all that. Thats ok they will get over it. Now if they think they are going to put that place downtown and guys like me are going to go to it much they got another thing coming. Read my lips Giordanos NO DOWNTOWN!

I am with you. Too concentrated down there and cross town travel means Uber or parking hassles. Omaha is at it's peak when it stays local and organic. Build some good spots all over the city (and to be organic to our city, build with parking lots).

Post by **nebugeater** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 8:44 am

I have out the pieces put together.

Now that we see on another thread Granite City Food & Brewery is filing bankruptcy we can piece together that THIS is the location by the Westroads that Giordano's has been holding out for!

Padre · Post by **Padre** » Wed Dec 18, 2019 11:12 am

nebugeater wrote: Wed Dec 18, 2019 8:44 am I have out the pieces put together.

Now that we see on another thread Granite City Food & Brewery is filing bankruptcy we can piece together that THIS is the location by the Westroads that Giordano's has been holding out for!

Good thinking! At last their amazing master plan has become clear!

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Thu Dec 19, 2019 6:47 pm

Padre wrote: Wed Dec 18, 2019 11:12 am
nebugeater wrote: Wed Dec 18, 2019 8:44 am I have out the pieces put together.

Now that we see on another thread Granite City Food & Brewery is filing bankruptcy we can piece together that THIS is the location by the Westroads that Giordano's has been holding out for!
Good thinking! At last their amazing master plan has become clear!

I mentioned Westroads as a possible Giordano’s location well over a year ago in the old Joes Crab Shack parcel. But that was before most of us (including yours truly) realized they were playing us and had no intent opening here..

That said, even though I have doubts this will ever happen, the thought process makes sense and is completely logical...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Fri Jan 24, 2020 8:47 am

Speaking of Giordano's...Was in Chicago last weekend and went to a Blackhawks game. At the United Center you can get personal size Giordano's pizza in cheese, sausage or pepperoni. Decided to try it. Low expectations since it had to be mass produced. Was surprised how good it was. Still ordered a regular one on the way back to go from one of their locations. So good. If they ever do make it to Omaha, I will definitely be a customer.

Greg

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sat Jan 25, 2020 6:21 pm

Greg S wrote: Fri Jan 24, 2020 8:47 am Speaking of Giordano's...If they ever do make it to Omaha, I will definitely be a customer.

Greg

I understand what you’re saying. You love their product. The rub for me, if by chance they do wind up opening here, is their lack of transparency and honesty as a company will make it extremely difficult for them to earn my business.. Regardless how much I like their food..

To each their own...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Omahacritic · Post by **Omahacritic** » Fri Mar 27, 2020 7:13 pm

It’s not pizza ... but Giordano’s Deli looks to be coming to downtown. Next to Paxton.

HskrFanMike · Post by **HskrFanMike** » Sun Dec 20, 2020 11:31 pm

In the annual December update from Giordanos...

@GiordanosPizza what is the latest on the promised Omaha location?
Hi, @JBukowskiOmaha! We will have an update for you sooner rather than later. We appreciate your patience.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon Dec 21, 2020 12:17 am

HskrFanMike wrote: Sun Dec 20, 2020 11:31 pm In the annual December update from Giordanos...

@GiordanosPizza what is the latest on the promised Omaha location?
Hi, @JBukowskiOmaha! We will have an update for you sooner rather than later. We appreciate your patience.

Lol

..

They’re still selling that turd of an answer?..

In all honesty, since the pandemic started back in March, I haven’t given one thought to Giordano’s..and that ship sailed nearly a year before that...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

bigredmed1 · Post by **bigredmed1** » Mon Dec 21, 2020 2:15 pm

Given the number of places that sell deep dish pizza now open, and at least to my eye, they seem to sell it, but for every deep dish pie, there are 2-3 regular or thin crust pies being sold, and the trend to carb restriction for health and for blood surgar management, I admit, it may be just me, but I can't see this place being viable even if they are serious about coming to town.

As you have said, they have played this game too many times and have missed the boat on Omaha.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Tue Jan 26, 2021 10:10 am

bigredmed1 wrote: Mon Dec 21, 2020 2:15 pm Given the number of places that sell deep dish pizza casserole now open...

I fixed that for you.

[youtube][/youtube]

Fort Calhoun · Post by **Fort Calhoun** » Wed Jan 27, 2021 11:15 am

Giordanos just announced they were open three new locations in the Denver area.

Post by **nebugeater** » Wed Jan 27, 2021 1:00 pm

Fort Calhoun wrote: Wed Jan 27, 2021 11:15 am Giordanos just announced they were open three new locations in the Denver area.

Does this include the Denver suburb of Omaha?

bbinks · Post by **bbinks** » Fri Jun 18, 2021 6:46 pm

Hiring for a General Manager for the Omaha location.

https://m.facebook.com/giordanospizzaomaha/

Padre · Post by **Padre** » Fri Jun 18, 2021 6:51 pm

bbinks wrote: Fri Jun 18, 2021 6:46 pm Hiring for a General Manager for the Omaha location.

https://m.facebook.com/giordanospizzaomaha/

I just saw that. Right now it fits somewhere between “Believe it when I see it.” and “When heck freezes over!” And even if they come, have they burned their market to the ground? We shall see.

bbinks · Post by **bbinks** » Fri Jun 18, 2021 6:57 pm

Padre wrote: Fri Jun 18, 2021 6:51 pm
bbinks wrote: Fri Jun 18, 2021 6:46 pm Hiring for a General Manager for the Omaha location.

https://m.facebook.com/giordanospizzaomaha/

I just saw that. Right now it fits somewhere between “Believe it when I see it.” and “When heck freezes over!” And even if they come, have they burned their market to the ground? We shall see.

I'm not holding my breath

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Fri Jun 18, 2021 7:32 pm

Lol

The deception never ends.. After they hire their GM, they’ll probably take another 2-3 years scouting for a location

..

In any case, I’m so far beyond caring about this anymore…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

jag42 · Post by **jag42** » Sat Jun 19, 2021 9:49 am

$22-$28 per hour? That's roughly $44,000 to $56,000 per year to be the GM of a Giordano's? No way.

Just for fun, I clicked the apply button on the post, and they are claiming they will be at 1012 Douglas Street.