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

[Brad]

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

Ok, thanks. Does that include the building and the land? The County has that assessed at $337,000. As some of you know, I am one of 12 owners in a local engineering firm. We have a third party assess the value of our company every year. The assessment is done as soon as our taxes are done. I would assume there is a similar third party that could do the same for a restaurant. That would at least give them a starting point for a asking price.

I feel bad for these people because it seems like they did actually have a succession plan and it came to a tragic end. Before I worked in the engineering world, I actually managed bars and restaurants for living. I feel like there are a lot of young energetic people that would actually like to own a bar or restaurant and they just can't pull it off financially. Heck, at one point I was probably one of those young energic people. With my current position at the engineering firm, my buy in was financed out over 5 years, and when someone retires, we pay them out over 3 years (I think, it may be 2). I'm probably over simplifying this, but if you think of it as trading one owner for another that's 7 or 8 years. I wonder how many of these younger people interested in a bar or restaurant could pull it off if they had 7 or 8 years for a transition? It would also take the right owner to let a new person (owner) come in and not feel like and owner and not just another employee.

[Louie]

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

Ok, thanks. Does that include the building and the land? The County has that assessed at $337,000. As some of you know, I am one of 12 owners in a local engineering firm. We have a third party assess the value of our company every year. The assessment is done as soon as our taxes are done. I would assume there is a similar third party that could do the same for a restaurant. That would at least give them a starting point for a asking price.

I feel bad for these people because it seems like they did actually have a succession plan and it came to a tragic end. Before I worked in the engineering world, I actually managed bars and restaurants for living. I feel like there are a lot of young energetic people that would actually like to own a bar or restaurant and they just can't pull it off financially. Heck, at one point I was probably one of those young energic people. With my current position at the engineering firm, my buy in was financed out over 5 years, and when someone retires, we pay them out over 3 years (I think, it may be 2). I'm probably over simplifying this, but if you think of it as trading one owner for another that's 7 or 8 years. I wonder how many of these younger people interested in a bar or restaurant could pull it off if they had 7 or 8 years for a transition? It would also take the right owner to let a new person (owner) come in and not feel like and owner and not just another employee.

Yeah, the listing notes nearly a half acre (0.44) as part of the sale.

[skinzfan23]

Heard a rumor on Facebook.

A couple just bought the restaurant and will be opening an Italian restaurant and try to keep it close to the same concept. it will be called "The Mio" They are planning to be open by mid-November.

[Padre]

Heard a rumor on Facebook.

A couple just bought the restaurant and will be opening an Italian restaurant and try to keep it close to the same concept. it will be called "The Mio" They are planning to be open by mid-November.

More than a rumor. Was on the old Lo Sole Mio Ristorante Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/Lo-Sole-Mio-Ri ... 139186086/

[Coyote]

“ Hello Dear Lo Sole Mio fans, we have missed you! If you have missed us, we have some exciting news!! This couple has just signed a lease to rent our building as another “ITALIAN RESTAURANT”! They will try to keep it as close to our concept as possible, so we hope that you will come and support them. They will call it “The Mio” and hopefully will be opening by mid November.
If you want a little piece of Lo Sole Mio, log into Auction Solutions, on October 7th, for an online auction of some of our art work and more. Bids will close on October 18th.
Remember to come and support another locally owned family business. Congratulations Lance and Sara Brown!!”

[Coyote]

New locally owned Italian restaurant to open at Lo Sole Mio location
Called The Mio, it will feature new recipes and have a similar concept to the original restaurant

3 News Now reached out to Julie Losole and confirmed that her family's beloved restaurant, which closed at the beginning of the summer, has been leased by Sara and Lance Brown. The Browns will open a new restaurant, but with a similar concept, called "The Mio." It may be open as soon as mid-November.

[Coyote]

Omaha’s Lo Sole Mio set to reopen with new owners, another coming nearby

Good news for food lovers: Lo Sole Mio or at least a new version of it is coming back. That’s just one development in the restaurant business for Omaha. Don and Marie Losole are passing the torch to a new generation of restaurateurs. In July, Lo Sole Mio closed its doors. The 30-year-old business joined other Omaha staples in closing shop: Anthony’s Steakhouse, Joe Tess Place, the Ethnic Sandwich Shop to name a few. “We decided to close because of our age, being 74 years old, we thought that we needed to spend more time with our grandchildren,” said Marie Losole. “Another thing that helped to make our decision was the stress of the environment for the restaurant business in this day and age.”

That includes the increased cost of goods and difficulty to find staff. “We are personal friends with Tony and Denise Fucinaro with Anthony’s Steakhouse. And they closed about six months before we did. And they also had the same reason for closing: their age and all of the environment...And you feel like let the next generation, the younger people, take care of it, because they can handle it.” The Losoles are putting that faith in Sara and Lance Brown’s family. The new owners of The Mio. The Mio will take on the same concepts as Lo Sole Mio, keeping some staples on the menu as well. Brown said that customers will definitely be welcomed with that famous bread and olive oil as they were at the original Lo Sole Mio.

Depending on how well customers support their business, the owners envision seasonal additions, like a basement wine cellar and rooftop bar. “You would be a fool not to try to carry on the tradition and pay homage to the 25, 30 plus years of Lo Sole Mio,” said Lance Brown. Across the street, another new restaurant is in the works. Elie Berchal is leasing property from the Losoles to open a Puerto Rican bistro. It’ll be called Chinchorro Caribbean Bistro.

Despite the challenges of opening a successful business, they both say it’s worth it. “Too many times we cry. We’re frustrated. We think we can’t do it. Another day you wake up, you stand up. We say, you know what. We can do it,” said Berchal. “I don’t see that the community of Omaha and the people who have the memories of what this place was would let a new restaurant fail,” said Brown. Something that these two rising restaurants have in common is family. That’s also what Don and Marie had in their secret recipe book to keep Lo Sole Mio alive for so long.

“It really just came down to this is kind of a family project,” said Brown. He said his sister and brother-in-law are moving back to Omaha to help run the business. “This business we’re making is just me and my family. My mom, my kids, my granddaughter,” said Berchal. “We will back them 100% and help them in every way that we can to make them become successful and carry on that tradition of family and food,” said Losole. Both restaurants are set to open in the coming months. Berchal hopes her Puerto Rican spot will be open in November, and the Browns hope The Mio will be open in early December.

[nativeomahan]

I’m almost more excited to see that a new Caribbean restaurant will take over the banquet building on the west side of the street.

[ita]

I’m almost more excited to see that a new Caribbean restaurant will take over the banquet building on the west side of the street.

We used to live across the street from Lo Sole Mio, so to hear that not only is Lo Sole Mio living on under a new name, but to add a second restaurant in Hanscom Park, it's such good news!

[bigredmed1]

Was told by one of the family members that the hall was going to be Peruvian food. Which would be even better than Carribean (I like both, but we have a Carribean place already.)

[ita]

Was told by one of the family members that the hall was going to be Peruvian food. Which would be even better than Carribean (I like both, but we have a Carribean place already.)

The lessee doing the Caribbean restaurant is Puerto Rican, so I think conceptually it would be different than Caribbean Delight.

[Coyote]

Former Husker to open new Italian restaurant at Lo Sole Mio location

Omaha World-Herald
Site of Lo Sole Mio restaurant soon to be the site of a new Italian restaurant after former Husker Lance Brown leases location.

[SoPo]

I'm betting the neighbors aren't going to be happy about a rooftop bar in a residential setting.

[Louie]

I'm betting the neighbors aren't going to be happy about a rooftop bar in a residential setting.

I missed the rooftop part. Is that for the Peruvian place?

[Coyote]

“ Elie Berchal is leasing property from the Losoles to open a Puerto Rican bistro. It’ll be called Chinchorro Caribbean Bistro.”

Does the Caribbean Chinchorro have a rooftop? Is it related to Chinchorro Boricua.

[swgiust]

Cant find anything on Lo Sole Mio or the new name, The Mio. News said will open in early December. Did it ever open?

[Brad]

Jeff had an update on Grow Omaha this past weekend. Opening First Quarter of this year. Finishing up renovations and still working on the liquor license.

[skinzfan23]

Jeff had an update on Grow Omaha this past weekend. Opening First Quarter of this year. Finishing up renovations and still working on the liquor license.

Great to hear

[Coyote]

Mio Italiano will open soon in former Lo Sole Mio midtown Omaha location

Work is almost complete on Mio Italiano, a long-awaited restaurant that’s opening in the former location of Lo Sole Mio.“Everything is progressing nicely,” said Tony Uphoff, who, with his wife, Jamie Uphoff, is leasing the former Lo Sole Mio space near South 32nd and Oak Streets. “All the signage is up. The front of the house is ready. It’s starting to look like a restaurant.” A soft opening will be held March 21 after staffers run through mock service for a few days, Tony said, and a grand opening will take place once the kinks are worked out. Omaha foodies have been eagerly anticipating the launch of Mio Italiano since it was announced last fall. It was initially called The Mio, which translates to "The Me."

[HskrFanMike]

Apparently Lance Brown isn't part of this venture anymore...

[Mr.Nuke]

Apparently Lance Brown isn't part of this venture anymore...

Per the original article the Uphoff's are his sister and brother-in-law and he was essentially buying the restaurant for them to run. So I'd assume he is still involved.

[NEDodger]

It’s odd to me to essentially keep the name/cuisine of a very popular restaurant, but adjust the recipes that you purchased. This feels like a sure fire way to disappoint the regulars / set this up for a negative start?

[ChadJK]

It’s odd to me to essentially keep the name/cuisine of a very popular restaurant, but adjust the recipes that you purchased. This feels like a sure fire way to disappoint the regulars / set this up for a negative start?

Agreed. They're calling it "The Mio" to cash in on the name recognition, but the down side to that is just what you said. Lo Sole Mio's regulars are going to expect same-named dishes at The Mio to taste like the ones at Lo Sole Mio did. When they walk into The Mio and it's not a photocopy experience to dining at Lo Sole Mio there will be grumbling.

[nativeomahan]

Glad to hear that this longtime restaurant building is finally “starting to look like a restaurant.”

[Linkin5]

Just have the feeling this is not going to end well for the people that bought it.

[bigredmed1]

It’s odd to me to essentially keep the name/cuisine of a very popular restaurant, but adjust the recipes that you purchased. This feels like a sure fire way to disappoint the regulars / set this up for a negative start?

It depends on what recipes. Decrease the pasta portions so spaghetti and meatballs no longer require a side of insulin? Good idea. Others are pretty good and shouldn't be messed with.

[ChadJK]

It depends on what recipes. Decrease the pasta portions so spaghetti and meatballs no longer require a side of insulin? Good idea. Others are pretty good and shouldn't be messed with.

Just because they serve it that size doesn't mean customers have to eat it all in one sitting. A little self-control goes a long way.

[bigredmed1]

It depends on what recipes. Decrease the pasta portions so spaghetti and meatballs no longer require a side of insulin? Good idea. Others are pretty good and shouldn't be messed with.

Just because they serve it that size doesn't mean customers have to eat it all in one sitting. A little self-control goes a long way.

Yes, but when I order chicken and I get a typical portion and my friends order pasta and it comes in a dump truck, I might feel like having a canoli, and not get stared at like I am insane.

[Greg S]

I think most are savvy enough to know Mio is a nod to the previous popular restaurant and are not expecting a copy of it.


Greg

[NEDodger]

I think most are savvy enough to know Mio is a nod to the previous popular restaurant and are not expecting a copy of it.


Greg

I’m going to have to respectfully disagree. I’ve already had two relatives text me to let me know that “Lo Sole Mio is reopening”. I believe the mix of grabbing a variation of the name, being (obviously) in the same location, and the chef stating he purchased (at least some) of the recipes is all building towards people expecting this to be Lo Sole Mio Redux.

[nativeomahan]

Why don’t we all just wait for the place to open, settle in to a routine after the normal 30-60 day shakedown period, then go and try it for ourselves?
The one thing I most disliked about the former restaurant was the ridiculously large dinner portions. If I go out for a dinner I expect to be served 1 dinner. Not enough for 2 additional lunches. Lots of restaurant customers can’t take leftovers “home” because their home might be hundreds or thousands of miles away. Serving them food that cannot possibly be eaten is, in my opinion, immoral.
Federal law in México requires most restaurants to list protein portion size in grams on all restaurant menus, so people know what they will be getting and can tailor their orders accordingly.

[HskrFanMike]

It depends on what recipes. Decrease the pasta portions so spaghetti and meatballs no longer require a side of insulin? Good idea. Others are pretty good and shouldn't be messed with.

Just because they serve it that size doesn't mean customers have to eat it all in one sitting. A little self-control goes a long way.

I always expected to get 3 meals out of one trip to Lo Sole Mio. Just sayin'. I'm sure some people tried to eat everything in one setting, but nearly everybody I saw took leftovers home.

[ChadJK]

Are they open? It seems you can book a reservation via OpenTable now. However, I'm still not seeing a Facebook page or website for them. Also, is it now being called "Mio Italiano" instead of "The Mio?"
https://www.opentable.com/r/mio-italiano-omaha

[nativeomahan]

Well “The Mio” was a nonsensical name. So I guess the owners figured that out.

[nebport5]

It's apparently been open for at least a week. There are fresh reviews on google. So buying the place includes taking over the reviews of the former establishment? As you might expect the reviews are very mixed. 1-2 stars or 4-5 stars. Out of eight recent reviews the average star rating is 3.25. I imagine if you think Olive Garden is acceptable food it may not disappoint. On the other hand, if you think Omaha severely lacks real Italian food it's probably best to stay away.

I think I have to agree with NEdodger about keeping the name being a mistake. One of the 1 star reviews laments two of the holdover dishes as being "nothing even close" to the former. The review ends with "RIP Lo Sole Mio."

[Greg S]

Well “The Mio” was a nonsensical name. So I guess the owners figured that out.

So what are they calling it now if it’s not “The Mio?”

[nebport5]

Well “The Mio” was a nonsensical name. So I guess the owners figured that out.

So what are they calling it now if it’s not “The Mio?”

Mio. Dropped the "The".

[Brad]

Well “The Mio” was a nonsensical name. So I guess the owners figured that out.

So what are they calling it now if it’s not “The Mio?”

Mio. Dropped the "The".

Like "The Facebook" LOL

[nativeomahan]

The signage states “Mio Italiano”.

[nebport5]

The signage states “Mio Italiano”.

This is correct. Though when being referred to I would expect most will just say "Mio".