The Mio / Lo Sole Mio (3001 S. 32nd Ave.) - BOTH CLOSED

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sat Aug 16, 2014 11:02 am

Don Losole was on What's Cooking this morning. David has taken over the kitchen after Dino passed, and sounds like they are doing as great as ever.

At the end of the program Don talked about their homemade Pizzas. I've never had one there, since I love taking home 2 pasta meals after eating there. Has anyone tried their pizzas?

Post by **Brad** » Sat Aug 16, 2014 11:51 am

Great news! I am glad to hear that!

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Wed Aug 20, 2014 7:15 am

We had dinner there two weeks ago. It was wonderful.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Mon Oct 12, 2020 10:41 am

Is Lo Sole Mio taking reservations? They traditionally have not, but I wasn't sure if they changed their policy due to the pandemic.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Tue Apr 05, 2022 4:53 pm

https://www.crexi.com/properties/797161 ... te-italian

For sale or lease, biz and land.

TheSeventhBrat · Post by **TheSeventhBrat** » Tue Apr 05, 2022 7:16 pm

Big E wrote: Tue Apr 05, 2022 4:53 pm https://www.crexi.com/properties/797161 ... te-italian

For sale or lease, biz and land.

Oh, no.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Wed Apr 06, 2022 8:15 am

I really hope someone who gets this knows what they are doing. Love that place.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Wed Apr 06, 2022 9:17 am

Does this affect Virtuoso as well? I believe its the same owners.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Wed Apr 06, 2022 11:29 pm

Damn.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Thu Apr 07, 2022 8:57 am

We used to hit them up for lunch occasionally when they still had weekday lunch hours. For years my sister's birthday lunch was always at Lo Sole Mio. That stopped when their lunch hours stopped.

I always avoided the place at dinner. They don't take reservations and driving from Gretna to 32nd & Oak just to wait an hour to be seated was just not something I was ever interested in doing.

They used to sell some tasty Italian anise hard candy at the register, but I haven't seen it in years.

Hopefully, a buyer emerges that can make some necessary changes but also maintain the important things.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Thu Apr 07, 2022 9:43 am

This news just tells me that the existing owners want out, and if they cannot sell the business (who wants to purchase a huge restaurant, and own all the hassles that goes with that?) the restaurant will close.
Locally owned restaurants often go out of business when the owner dies or retires or gets tired of all the hassles (All of the Caniglia’s places, Venice Inn, Piccolos, Mr. C’s, Ross’, Sparetime, Anthony’s, Cliff’s, Gerda’s, Amato’s, Jack and Mary’s, China Road, Marchio’s, Bohemian Cafe come to mind)

NEDodger · Post by **NEDodger** » Sat May 07, 2022 9:58 pm

I'm hearing a June closure. Guessing post-CWS.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Mon May 09, 2022 9:30 am

nativeomahan wrote: Thu Apr 07, 2022 9:43 am Locally owned restaurants often go out of business when the owner dies or retires or gets tired of all the hassles (All of the Caniglia’s places, Venice Inn, Piccolos, Mr. C’s, Ross’, Sparetime, Anthony’s, Cliff’s, Gerda’s, Amato’s, Jack and Mary’s, China Road, Marchio’s, Bohemian Cafe come to mind)

I think there's this misconception that because they own their own business that they're wealthy and if it's a beloved business that's been around a while they must be really wealthy. Unfortunately, that's frequently not true. Once you subtract the expenses from the revenue many business owners net income would be considered a "working class" income. There's a reason the 3rd and 4th generation don't want to take it over. They don't want to work 80 hours a week for less (or similar) take home pay than they'd get sitting in a cubicle for only 40 hours a week.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon May 09, 2022 10:23 am

ChadJK wrote: Mon May 09, 2022 9:30 am
nativeomahan wrote: Thu Apr 07, 2022 9:43 am Locally owned restaurants often go out of business when the owner dies or retires or gets tired of all the hassles (All of the Caniglia’s places, Venice Inn, Piccolos, Mr. C’s, Ross’, Sparetime, Anthony’s, Cliff’s, Gerda’s, Amato’s, Jack and Mary’s, China Road, Marchio’s, Bohemian Cafe come to mind)
I think there's this misconception that because they own their own business that they're wealthy and if it's a beloved business that's been around a while they must be really wealthy. Unfortunately, that's frequently not true. Once you subtract the expenses from the revenue many business owners net income would be considered a "working class" income. There's a reason the 3rd and 4th generation don't want to take it over. They don't want to work 80 hours a week for less (or similar) take home pay than they'd get sitting in a cubicle for only 40 hours a week.

This is unfortunate. But also very true..

We really need to NOT take for granted all the excellent locally owned restaurants we have in the Omaha area. Because if we do, as we’ve seen lately (enhanced by the pandemic), they will go away.. We’re already being overrun by chain eateries.. About the only chance there is to slow the trend, is with our consistent patronage..

Sadly I suspect, even that won’t be enough in many cases (Lo Sole Mio being a prime example)…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

bigredmed1 · Post by **bigredmed1** » Mon May 09, 2022 12:50 pm

Definitely need to keep our local places going. But they need to meet part way. Take reservations! Have a balanced menu such that people eating pasta don't have a dump truck full and people eating other food have normal portions. Definitely annoying trying to go out as a couple.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon May 09, 2022 1:39 pm

I agree with the reservations part. Popular places like Maria’s (for example) is standing room only chaos. Especially on Friday and Saturday’s..

And I’d say portion balance is important too. Portion sizes today have gotten so out of control that in many cases today, what would be an individual size dinner order..would equal what 2 people would get in the 1970’s and 80’s…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

swgiust · Post by **swgiust** » Mon May 09, 2022 1:54 pm

It is unfortunate but after working for years and not getting rich, owners tend to ask to much for their businesses. For what they are asking you could open a brand new restaurant in a better location. And I love the Pasta Reggiano!

Padre · Post by **Padre** » Thu May 12, 2022 6:04 pm

The owners posted on FB that the banquet business is closing June 30, but the restaurant will remain open until a buyer is found.

bigredmed1 · Post by **bigredmed1** » Fri May 13, 2022 11:23 am

Good luck to them

U R my Helix · Post by **U R my Helix** » Fri May 13, 2022 4:40 pm

Location, Location, Location. Like others that have posted here, I have visited, enjoyed and waited in the line. The problem here is that you are in a residential neighborhood near someone's front yard. Its just odd for Omaha. I cant see a buyer for this at the current location. My prediction for the future .... row houses.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Mon May 16, 2022 8:55 am

They're in a similar predicament that Piccolo Pete's was at their original location. The neighborhood has changed around them and they really don't fit in there anymore. Nostalgic boomers (and probably some Gen-X'ers) have been keeping them in business, but that can't last.

NEDodger · Post by **NEDodger** » Mon May 16, 2022 11:38 am

I disagree with this. They've only been there since like 1992 - it's not like it's a 65 year and up crowd that had been going there since the late 50's. I was there last week and you were just as likely to find under 30's in there than over 65's.

ita · Post by **ita** » Mon May 16, 2022 12:04 pm

I think it would be awesome if someone bought their banquet hall and convert it to multiple tenant commercial building.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Mon May 16, 2022 12:46 pm

NEDodger wrote: Mon May 16, 2022 11:38 am I disagree with this. They've only been there since like 1992 - it's not like it's a 65 year and up crowd that had been going there since the late 50's. I was there last week and you were just as likely to find under 30's in there than over 65's.

So, not as old as I thought. Though, if you were a married couple with a young family (say, in your 30s) and discovered the place when it was new you'd be on social security now. 1992 was 30 years ago. Tempus fugit.

Post by **Brad** » Wed Jun 15, 2022 12:32 pm

Lo Sole Mio Ristorante Italiano wrote:To Our Most Precious, Valued and Loyal Employees and Customers,
“And Now the End is Near, and So I Face the Final Curtain. Regrets, I have a Few, but then Again too Few to Mention”, so goes the lyrics in the song, “My Way.” We did this venture “Our Way”, we have few regrets, but the most heartbreaking one, is losing our son Dino. We started the restaurant, for and with our 6 children, but little by little, they left. Only Dino and Julie wanted to take over the restaurant. Sadly, when Dino lost his life, we lost ours. This business was too much for one person to take over, and Julie eventually left too. As what happens to most mom-and-pop places, the parents’ passion is not the children’s passion, and no one wants to carry on such hard work. But what an honor and privilege it has been to see our passion and goal come to fruition. It has been our pleasure to serve you!
We have been blessed and humbled by this honor, and could never
TRULY THANK ALL of YOU ENOUGH!!
You have all been aware that Lo Sole Mio has been for sale. Well, we have not sold it, and that is probably a good thing. We have worked long and hard to build a reputation of quality, quantity, service, and friendless. We know everyone doesn’t like us, but as Abraham Lincoln famously said, “You can please some of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time.” Hopefully we have pleased many! We began over 30 years ago at this location, and have been in the restaurant business since we were both 14 years of age.
In November of 2021, we posted a notice to our employees, that vacations were not allowed in the month of December. We also informed them that we planned to duplicate an all-employee vacation time in July, as we took last year. Many of our employees have already made plans to take the almost two-week closure, going on vacations or just relaxing. At the time we posted that, we did not plan on selling LSM. But, as time went on, it has become harder and harder for us to continue with joy in our hearts. The broken supply chains, cost increases, and labor shortages, have taken a toll and put stress on the world, and has affected us as well.
Being almost 74 years of age, (in early August) we know we don’t have much time left in this precious world. Our energy is running out, and our stress level is building up. We have achieved our dream, our goal, our passion, and now it’s time to move on to the next chapter in our lives. We have decided to close. We plan on taking care of our loyal and hardworking employees, and most have already made plans for their next chapter. We are so proud of all of them!
Our last day in business will be Saturday, July 2nd, 2022.
Lo Sole Mio’s Mission Statement has always been,
To be a Part of Creating a Special Memory for our Customers, by Welcoming Them into a Clean and Friendly Atmosphere, Where They Can Enjoy Quality Food and Excellent Service, Making Them Feel Like Our Family.
Providing a Work Place for Our Employees Where They Feel Appreciated and are Treated with Respect, As They Take Pride in Their Service and the Products That We Serve Making Them Feel as a Part of Our Family.
We had a dream, and all of you, family, friends and foes, bankers, vendors, past and present employees, and so many awesome customers that have become such good friends, have made everything come true for us! We wanted to create a memory for you, but it has really been YOU, that has created the most wonderful and lasting memory for us! Un Milione di Grazie, a Million Thanks!!!
And in the beginning there was…..
Don, Marie, Julie, Don Jr, David, Dino, Dion, and Jenna Losole, along with some of their spouses, parents, nephew and niece, cousins, and then grandchildren.
P.S. We have 17 grandchildren that we can now enjoy even more, and I will have time to finish my book. A story of my life. How I went from a starving child in the streets of Italy, stealing food to selling food. The book will have stories, recipes, pictures, and even some of my corny poetry. I will let you know when it is published via our Facebook page and website, losolemio.com Copyrights pending. Title….
“Life is a Recipe, but God Keeps Changing the Ingredients.”
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU, AS HE HAS BLESSED US!

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Wed Jun 15, 2022 1:34 pm

That is sad to hear. This restaurant will be missed.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Wed Jun 15, 2022 3:50 pm

Yes it is an Omaha landmark. It will be terribly missed.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed Jun 15, 2022 10:24 pm

Beloved Omaha restaurant Lo Sole Mio announces near-future closure

KMTV 3 News Now

Another staple of Omaha's restaurant scene is closing its doors.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Thu Jun 16, 2022 6:33 am

I haven't been there in over 10 years. But every time it was very good. One of Omaha's classic restaurants. Sad to see it go.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Thu Jun 16, 2022 6:57 am

Restaurateur Dino Losole killed in motorcycle crash

KETV NewsWatch 7

A south Omaha businessman is killed in a motorcycle crash, the Lo Sole Mio restaurant said on its Facebook page.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Thu Jun 16, 2022 9:46 am

Tough times for that family. Yikes.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Thu Jun 16, 2022 11:43 am

Didn't Dino pass 5 years ago?

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Thu Jun 16, 2022 12:31 pm

skinzfan23 wrote: Thu Jun 16, 2022 11:43 am Didn't Dino pass 5 years ago?

A quick google search confirms that. Wonder why KETV posted that video just now?

Post by **Brad** » Thu Jun 16, 2022 1:53 pm

Louie wrote: Thu Jun 16, 2022 12:31 pm
skinzfan23 wrote: Thu Jun 16, 2022 11:43 am Didn't Dino pass 5 years ago?
A quick google search confirms that. Wonder why KETV posted that video just now?

5? I thought it was 9. - August 2013.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Thu Jun 16, 2022 2:26 pm

Brad wrote: Thu Jun 16, 2022 1:53 pm
Louie wrote: Thu Jun 16, 2022 12:31 pm
skinzfan23 wrote: Thu Jun 16, 2022 11:43 am Didn't Dino pass 5 years ago?
A quick google search confirms that. Wonder why KETV posted that video just now?
5? I thought it was 9. - August 2013.

Math is hard, man

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Fri Jun 17, 2022 9:27 am

Lo Sole Mio owners drop plan to sell, say July 2 is restaurant's last day

Lo Sole Mio, a longtime Omaha favorite restaurant, will close for good in a couple of weeks. The iconic Italian restaurant’s final day will be July 2. Owners Don and Marie Losole listed the restaurant for sale several weeks ago, but no buyer has been found. Both are nearly 74 years old and are eager to retire. “We have achieved our dream, our goal, our passion and now it’s time to move on to the next chapter in our lives,” they said in a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

The Losoles also said that in recent days, issues with supplies, rising costs and labor shortages have been adding to the already stressful business of running a restaurant. Both of them have been in the restaurant business since they were 14 years old and Lo Sole Mio has been at its present location at 3001 S. 32nd Ave. for 30 years. They are the parents of six children, but none want to take over the business.

“As what happens to most mom-and-pop places, the parents’ passion is not the childrens’ passion and no one wants to carry on such hard work,” their Facebook statement said. They had planned for son Dino to succeed them, but he died in a motorcycle accident in 2013. The restaurant has hosted a number of famous people over the years, especially during the College World Series and the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting. Former Louisiana State University baseball coach Paul Mainieri visited every time his team came to Omaha and told reporters it was his favorite place to eat in Omaha. The couple plan to spend more time with their 17 grandchildren.

swgiust · Post by **swgiust** » Fri Jun 17, 2022 3:46 pm

If you truly want to save a legacy, you need somebody young to take over. Somebody young cannot get nor pay that kind of dept. To save a restaurant like this they would have to significantly lower the price.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Fri Jun 17, 2022 7:38 pm

swgiust wrote: Fri Jun 17, 2022 3:46 pm If you truly want to save a legacy, you need somebody young to take over. Somebody young cannot get nor pay that kind of dept. To save a restaurant like this they would have to significantly lower the price.

Yeah i’m curious how they got that valuation.

Post by **Brad** » Fri Jun 17, 2022 9:18 pm

Louie wrote: Fri Jun 17, 2022 7:38 pm
swgiust wrote: Fri Jun 17, 2022 3:46 pm If you truly want to save a legacy, you need somebody young to take over. Somebody young cannot get nor pay that kind of dept. To save a restaurant like this they would have to significantly lower the price.
Yeah i’m curious how they got that valuation.

I missed it, what was the valuation?

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Fri Jun 17, 2022 11:48 pm

Brad wrote: Fri Jun 17, 2022 9:18 pm
Louie wrote: Fri Jun 17, 2022 7:38 pm
swgiust wrote: Fri Jun 17, 2022 3:46 pm If you truly want to save a legacy, you need somebody young to take over. Somebody young cannot get nor pay that kind of dept. To save a restaurant like this they would have to significantly lower the price.
Yeah i’m curious how they got that valuation.
I missed it, what was the valuation?

It listed at $1.775M