Oklahoma Joe's - Both Omaha Locations Closed

[thenewguy]

I've had the original in KC and the one here. Obviously the one in KC is the best (I think it's my favorite bbq of anywhere in the world) but the one in AV is pretty good. I think a lot of it has to do with years of seasoning and tons and tons food having gone through the KC one. Maybe in time, the one here will get to that level of seasoning... Either way, it was pretty good, and the beans were some of the best I've ever had, too!

[nativeomahan]

I believe that the one in KCK is called Joe’s Kansas City, and is no longer connected in any way with the Oklahoma Joe’s in Omaha.

[Greg S]

This is not affiliated with Joe's Kansas City at all. It does include the same owner that years ago, that had the location in Stillwater and his partner had the one in KC. He only last a year. This place may be good but really doesn't share anything with Joe's Kansas City.

We lived in Tulsa when Oklahoma Joe's opened their Broken Arrow location there back in 2011. Joe Davidson (the "Joe" in Oklahoma Joe's) would be standing there in the dining room and you could chat him up while you waited in line to order. The Broken Arrow location was his first restaurant after the split from KC. IIRC, he was one of the partners in KC's original "Oklahoma Joe's" but when that partnership broke-up and Joe wanted to go into the restaurant business for himself years later he reached an agreement with the KC location so that they would change their name to "Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que." So, there's an old affiliation there, but they went their separate ways like 30 years ago.

I really liked the Broken Arrow Oklahoma Joe's and ate there regularly until we moved away in 2013. I've not tried the Omaha locations yet. Honestly, I don't have a lot of faith that BBQ made outside of Joe Davidson's supervision is going to be on par with what I ate back in the day. I'll give it a try one of these days.

If I am ever in the Tulsa area will need to try it. My wife is from OKC and we still go there at least once a year to visit.

Almost all up here think of the Joe's in KC when they hear the name. We eat there and several other BBQ places every time we go to KC.

Greg

[nativeomahan]

I ate lunch today at Oklahoma Joe’s at Ak Village, while at the Summer Arts Fair. The ribs were very very good, and the burnt ends were decent.
A manager there told me that there are plans to open a second location later this year near 204th and Pacific.

[Brad]

A manager there told me that there are plans to open a second location later this year near 204th and Pacific.

I believe they are taking the old Green Belly space out there?

[nebugeater]

A manager there told me that there are plans to open a second location later this year near 204th and Pacific.

I believe they are taking the old Green Belly space out there?

Yes, that is it. I believe I posted it elsewhere when the sign went up saying coming soon

[Omaha Cowboy]

A manager there told me that there are plans to open a second location later this year near 204th and Pacific.

I believe they are taking the old Green Belly space out there?

Yes, that is it. I believe I posted it elsewhere when the sign went up saying coming soon

This place is really solid. They’ll do well in Elkhorn..

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[nativeomahan]

You just hope that they won’t stumble with a second location…which calls for a second head chef, and another set of prep cooks, line staff, etc. So many places that branch out see their branches break under the weight.

[nebugeater]

Oklahoma Joe's facebook page says the Elkhorn location is now open for drive-through only.

The grand opening is scheduled for Wed Sept 6.

[ChadJK]

You just hope that they won’t stumble with a second location…

Technically, this would be their 5th location.

[nebugeater]

Has anyone eaten at the Elkhorn location? I drive by a lot, and some of the times should be times when they could be busy. I never see anyone there that amounts to many people inside. Also, with the online call in order for pickup at the drive-through, I do not see it with car(s) in there often. Granted, it does not take long to drive through and pick up. I'm not sure if you can order at the drive-through at this location.

I have heard verbally from a couple of people that their offerings are really inconsistent from one visit to another. Are they smoking meat there or bringing it from the AV location?

WItht he little I have hard combined with the lack of seeing it busy or even close I have not tried it. I will stick with Will Smoke You in Gretna for a close-to-home BBQ option.

[ChadJK]

Has anyone eaten at the Elkhorn location? I drive by a lot, and some of the times should be times when they could be busy. I never see anyone there that amounts to many people inside.

I was just pointing that out to my wife a few days ago. For a new location of a popular brand, it's oddly empty. Also, I've never noticed the smoke (or its associated aroma) of a meat smoker emanating from the place.

[nebugeater]

I drove by at 5:30 PM on Sunday. Lights were on and they were open. Not a single customer in the store that I cound see. One car in the drive-through.

[bbinks]

I was just pointing that out to my wife a few days ago. For a new location of a popular brand, it's oddly empty. Also, I've never noticed the smoke (or it's associated aroma) of a meat smoker emanating from the place.

Maybe they use an electric smoker like Dickey's does.

[nebugeater]

I was just pointing that out to my wife a few days ago. For a new location of a popular brand, it's oddly empty. Also, I've never noticed the smoke (or it's associated aroma) of a meat smoker emanating from the place.

Maybe they use an electric smoker like Dickey's does.

Any Elect. Smoker still needs smoldering wood chips to create some smoke and flavor. The elect is just the controllable heat source.

Without any source of wood to create some smoke, it is just an oven.

[nebugeater]

Sort of locked in on looking over at Oklahoma Joe's near Elkhorn every time I drive by.

I drove by Saturday at 6:15 PM. There was exactly one table with people at it in the store. I did not see anyone else in front of the order counter or at the drive-through pickup.

To me, this is a time of day/day of the week that they should be busy.

As a comparison of sorts, although it is more challenging to see inside on a drive-by, Addy's was busy, Double Zero Pizza had people in it, and Pickleman's had what looked to be good business.

As I got further down the road towards Gretna, Rusty Toco, and Runza had people in them.

Then, more similar in style, the Good Life Sports bar and the New Hurrdat location were both very busy.


I hope that the Oklahoma Joe is successful, but I do not like what I see.

[nativeomahan]

I spoke with someone who is very knowledgeable about both of their Omaha stores. The Aksarben store does more than twice the volume of the west store, and doesn’t have near the staff turnover. About the only people the west location can get to apply for work are local high school kids, who don’t seem to want to learn the job or stick around long. In contrast the Aksarben location has a bit more career oriented staff. Most speak English as a second language.
This story plays out across the metro, and might be why so many far west Omaha restaurants have closed after fairly short lifespans. Just a guess on my part.

[nebugeater]

Facbook post from this AM

Wish I could say this is a surprise, but based on my observation, it is more like amazing they held on this long.

Our Elkhorn location will close permanently on Tuesday, December 31, at 4pm. Thank you to all of our Elkhorn customers; you will be missed. Our Aksarben location will remain open, so we hope to see you there!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/12Feg7xCJRQ/

[ChadJK]

Facbook post from this AM

Wish I could say this is a surprise, but based on my observation, it is more like amazing they held on this long.

Our Elkhorn location will close permanently on Tuesday, December 31, at 4pm. Thank you to all of our Elkhorn customers; you will be missed. Our Aksarben location will remain open, so we hope to see you there!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/12Feg7xCJRQ/

Shocking.

[Big E]

I was just pointing that out to my wife a few days ago. For a new location of a popular brand, it's oddly empty. Also, I've never noticed the smoke (or it's associated aroma) of a meat smoker emanating from the place.

Maybe they use an electric smoker like Dickey's does.

The problem with electric smokers is they only smoke 2/3 the amount of meat as regular freedom smokers, they take four times as long to smoke, and are socialism. Or something.

[omaha79]

I spoke with someone who is very knowledgeable about both of their Omaha stores. The Aksarben store does more than twice the volume of the west store, and doesn’t have near the staff turnover. About the only people the west location can get to apply for work are local high school kids, who don’t seem to want to learn the job or stick around long. In contrast the Aksarben location has a bit more career oriented staff. Most speak English as a second language.
This story plays out across the metro, and might be why so many far west Omaha restaurants have closed after fairly short lifespans. Just a guess on my part.

Just saw this. Funny. that's what I hypothesized for years as to why Gretna or Elkhorn struggle to keep restaurants, etc. You're only going to get high school kids and maybe a bored mom or two. You're not going to get people to drive out that way where they can't afford to actually live just to work a job they drive by 50 other options of on their way.

[djc311]

I spoke with someone who is very knowledgeable about both of their Omaha stores. The Aksarben store does more than twice the volume of the west store, and doesn’t have near the staff turnover. About the only people the west location can get to apply for work are local high school kids, who don’t seem to want to learn the job or stick around long. In contrast the Aksarben location has a bit more career oriented staff. Most speak English as a second language.
This story plays out across the metro, and might be why so many far west Omaha restaurants have closed after fairly short lifespans. Just a guess on my part.

Just saw this. Funny. that's what I hypothesized for years as to why Gretna or Elkhorn struggle to keep restaurants, etc. You're only going to get high school kids and maybe a bored mom or two. You're not going to get people to drive out that way where they can't afford to actually live just to work a job they drive by 50 other options of on their way.

One of the reasons I had to close my business out west... I'd be the first to double down on this as being a problem. The majority of the teenagers that did get hired were lazy, unreliable and couldn't care less as to whether or not they had a job. As a matter of fact, one of them that I distinctly recall working for me came from a very well-off family and they only worked because their parents made them get out of the house to do something. They didn't need the money, and it showed. They did not last long at my place... and unfortunately a lot of others were in similar situations.

Honestly I don't know how places like McDonald's, Runza, etc stay open and retain staff because IMO the work environment would be much more stressful than mom and pop-type places. Also, they're certainly going to expect more out of their employees when they're on the clock.

[Stan]

I spoke with someone who is very knowledgeable about both of their Omaha stores. The Aksarben store does more than twice the volume of the west store, and doesn’t have near the staff turnover. About the only people the west location can get to apply for work are local high school kids, who don’t seem to want to learn the job or stick around long. In contrast the Aksarben location has a bit more career oriented staff. Most speak English as a second language.
This story plays out across the metro, and might be why so many far west Omaha restaurants have closed after fairly short lifespans. Just a guess on my part.

Just saw this. Funny. that's what I hypothesized for years as to why Gretna or Elkhorn struggle to keep restaurants, etc. You're only going to get high school kids and maybe a bored mom or two. You're not going to get people to drive out that way where they can't afford to actually live just to work a job they drive by 50 other options of on their way.

One of the reasons I had to close my business out west... I'd be the first to double down on this as being a problem. The majority of the teenagers that did get hired were lazy, unreliable and couldn't care less as to whether or not they had a job. As a matter of fact, one of them that I distinctly recall working for me came from a very well-off family and they only worked because their parents made them get out of the house to do something. They didn't need the money, and it showed. They did not last long at my place... and unfortunately a lot of others were in similar situations.

Honestly I don't know how places like McDonald's, Runza, etc stay open and retain staff because IMO the work environment would be much more stressful than mom and pop-type places. Also, they're certainly going to expect more out of their employees when they're on the clock.

Don't get me wrong, I slacked off when I could working at a grocery store as a kid, but I still showed up and did what was expected of me. All for 5.15 an hour too. These kids have the ability to make $12 plus an hour easily now.

Starbucks Barista at Target making 15.50 here - https://jobs.target.com/job/omaha/starb ... 2412850016

I get what you're saying though and I have seen it with a lot of young interns. Almost a lack of will to survive on their own now. It's frustrating going to a business with young adults and teenagers that don't give a |expletive| about being there or take any pride in doing an honest days work. (I'm only 40, but channeling my inner old man)

[djc311]

I spoke with someone who is very knowledgeable about both of their Omaha stores. The Aksarben store does more than twice the volume of the west store, and doesn’t have near the staff turnover. About the only people the west location can get to apply for work are local high school kids, who don’t seem to want to learn the job or stick around long. In contrast the Aksarben location has a bit more career oriented staff. Most speak English as a second language.
This story plays out across the metro, and might be why so many far west Omaha restaurants have closed after fairly short lifespans. Just a guess on my part.

Just saw this. Funny. that's what I hypothesized for years as to why Gretna or Elkhorn struggle to keep restaurants, etc. You're only going to get high school kids and maybe a bored mom or two. You're not going to get people to drive out that way where they can't afford to actually live just to work a job they drive by 50 other options of on their way.

One of the reasons I had to close my business out west... I'd be the first to double down on this as being a problem. The majority of the teenagers that did get hired were lazy, unreliable and couldn't care less as to whether or not they had a job. As a matter of fact, one of them that I distinctly recall working for me came from a very well-off family and they only worked because their parents made them get out of the house to do something. They didn't need the money, and it showed. They did not last long at my place... and unfortunately a lot of others were in similar situations.

Honestly I don't know how places like McDonald's, Runza, etc stay open and retain staff because IMO the work environment would be much more stressful than mom and pop-type places. Also, they're certainly going to expect more out of their employees when they're on the clock.

Don't get me wrong, I slacked off when I could working at a grocery store as a kid, but I still showed up and did what was expected of me. All for 5.15 an hour too. These kids have the ability to make $12 plus an hour easily now.

Starbucks Barista at Target making 15.50 here - https://jobs.target.com/job/omaha/starb ... 2412850016

I get what you're saying though and I have seen it with a lot of young interns. Almost a lack of will to survive on their own now. It's frustrating going to a business with young adults and teenagers that don't give a |expletive| about being there or take any pride in doing an honest days work. (I'm only 40, but channeling my inner old man)

I agree - I grew up near Target on Saddle Creek, parents worked, older brother worked... and I started a PT job at Pefferoni's on 50th & Dodge when I was 14. I liked making money, trying to save up for my first crappy car, being able to buy something here or there. And I've worked ever since.

I'm not saying all people that don't work are lazy. There are legitimate reasons. But I would never have just walked out of a job and acted like I didn't care. It happens all the time nowadays. I don't get it.

[omaha79]

I spoke with someone who is very knowledgeable about both of their Omaha stores. The Aksarben store does more than twice the volume of the west store, and doesn’t have near the staff turnover. About the only people the west location can get to apply for work are local high school kids, who don’t seem to want to learn the job or stick around long. In contrast the Aksarben location has a bit more career oriented staff. Most speak English as a second language.
This story plays out across the metro, and might be why so many far west Omaha restaurants have closed after fairly short lifespans. Just a guess on my part.

Just saw this. Funny. that's what I hypothesized for years as to why Gretna or Elkhorn struggle to keep restaurants, etc. You're only going to get high school kids and maybe a bored mom or two. You're not going to get people to drive out that way where they can't afford to actually live just to work a job they drive by 50 other options of on their way.

One of the reasons I had to close my business out west... I'd be the first to double down on this as being a problem. The majority of the teenagers that did get hired were lazy, unreliable and couldn't care less as to whether or not they had a job. As a matter of fact, one of them that I distinctly recall working for me came from a very well-off family and they only worked because their parents made them get out of the house to do something. They didn't need the money, and it showed. They did not last long at my place... and unfortunately a lot of others were in similar situations.

Honestly I don't know how places like McDonald's, Runza, etc stay open and retain staff because IMO the work environment would be much more stressful than mom and pop-type places. Also, they're certainly going to expect more out of their employees when they're on the clock.

It's quite ironic. Those bedroom areas wonder why they can't keep nice restaurants, but the people that live out there often actively moved that direction to avoid living near the people they need to cook and wash dishes for them. Those people have no real motivation or need to drive out there for the same wage when they can just stay closer to the city and make as much, probably more, in town.

I think the cheaper restaurants like fast food have a leg up on staying alive as they can have more ability to pay more and have some leverage to get people transferred out to those locations. But, also, they just succeed more because mom and dad out there have their young kids in 20 activities and sports along with the big Gretna or Elkhorn mortgage. Less time and disposable income for anything but McDonalds and Burger King.

[Brad]

Those bedroom areas wonder why they can't keep nice restaurants,

Nice? It was an order at the counter chain that served very average BBQ...

Also people on the FB are saying this stip mall is "Cursed" and can't keep restaurant's... What, because Joes and Green Belly (Also another order at the counter restaurant with what most people said were expensive average salads) both closed? I think Addy's would like to disagree...

[nebugeater]

Next up for the Oklahoma Joe's location that closed at 1405 South 204th Street is Qdoba, per the Grow Omaha report

https://growomaha.com/news-briefs/

Qdoba to Replace Oklahoma Joes
Mar 3, 2025

Qdoba plans to open in the former Oklahoma Joe’s barbeque space at 1405 South 204th Street. Oklahoma Joe’s closed the restaurant on December 31st but continues to operate a store at Aksarben Village. We don’t have an estimated opening date. Interior renovations have not yet begun. Qdoba has 10 existing Omaha-area locations.

[ChadJK]

I received word that one of my go to BBQ places is closing this weekend. Oklahoma Joe’s at Aksarben Village.

They already closed the one that was near 204th & Pacific. So, I suppose not super surprising.

I ate at their Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, location a lot when we lived in Tulsa. It was his first location after splitting with what is now Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que. I see that Broken Arrow location is closed now too. I haven't been there in 12 years.

I believe they had three Nebraska locations at one time: Haymarket in Lincoln, Aksarben Village in Omaha, and the Elkhorn location off 204th. Aksarben Village is the last one still open.

I know some people felt the quality wasn't the same as their locations in Oklahoma. I never went to any of the Nebraska locations, so I really can't say.

[nebugeater]

I received word that one of my go to BBQ places is closing this weekend. Oklahoma Joe’s at Aksarben Village.

They already closed the one that was near 204th & Pacific. So, I suppose not super surprising.

I ate at their Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, location a lot when we lived in Tulsa. It was his first location after splitting with what is now Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que. I see that Broken Arrow location is closed now too. I haven't been there in 12 years.

I believe they had three Nebraska locations at one time: Haymarket in Lincoln, Aksarben Village in Omaha, and the Elkhorn location off 204th. Aksarben Village is the last one still open.

I know some people felt the quality wasn't the same as their locations in Oklahoma. I never went to any of the Nebraska locations, so I really can't say.

The Lincoln location was not open long. Just a few months if I remember correctly

EDIT TO ADD

Just found this

Opened at the end of July 2017 and closed late Jan 2018 six months

https://www.1011now.com/content/news/Ok ... 66773.html

[WiinterU]

Are they just struggling here, or is this a nationwide issue?

[nebugeater]

Are they just struggling here, or is this a nationwide issue?

They are a long way from a nationwide chain

[ChadJK]

Are they just struggling here, or is this a nationwide issue?

They are a long way from a nationwide chain

I had heard they were going to start franchising and that the Omaha locations were the first of those, but either that fizzled out or I was misinformed.

Just imagine, Oklahoma Joe's coast-to-coast with 100+ locations similar to Famous Dave's.

[omaha79]

There are just too many decent local options for BBQ now that a franchised chain would have to be really good to make it worth it. BBQ is a tough business either way, but I don't know that I'd want to be in that spot for a BBQ spot. 15 years ago, there was basically nothing worthwhile in Omaha and now there are a handful that I'd consider go to spots.

[nativeomahan]

Apparently there is some affiliation with Jams restaurant, as Jams will supposedly be incorporating some Oklahoma Joes recipes into their menu. Some staff is switching to Jams as well.

[bbinks]

Apparently there is some affiliation with Jams restaurant, as Jams will supposedly be incorporating some Oklahoma Joes recipes into their menu. Some staff is switching to Jams as well.

PDave's because both were under Cutchall Management at one point, as was some of the Famous Daves.

[Greg S]

I can't say I am disappointed. I know they were initially affiliated with the original Oklahoma Joe's in KC, now Joe's Kansas City. It created a lot of confusion. When they arrived here, so many thought it was a direct connection to the restaurants in KC and it wasn't. I tried to explain, different owners and menu's and such. They had a brief connection decades ago and that was it. For example, you weren't going to walk in and be able to order a Z Man.

Greg

[Athomsfere]

I never went. As a reformed Texan there are some things I still care deeply about and "Oklahoma Joe's" just didn't seem like my jam. Like no one wants to go to OK for BBQ/ smoked meats. And KC style is too sweet and saucy for me.

That said, my offset is an Oklahoma Joe's and its OK...

[almighty_tuna]

That said, my offset is an Oklahoma Joe's and its OK...

[Athomsfere]

That said, my offset is an Oklahoma Joe's and its OK...

The pun was not originally planned, but once I wrote that I was thought: "yea, that's decent enough of a joke"