Shoppes at Aksarben

[nebport5]

last I knew there was still space available here. Anyone have anything new from this list?



Caribou Coffee
Big O Bookstore
Hairmasters
Qdoba Grill
Complete Nutrition
Quizno's Subs
Wine Styles
Eileen's Cookies
The Donut Professor
Joey's Seafood Grill
Bed Bath & Beyond

[Uffda]

I was told by a worker from Joey's Seafood that he was informed last night that Joey's had locked their doors for good last night.

[Stargazer]

You're kidding? That place was always busy... my wife and I just ate there last week... it was good too!

[djc311]

You're kidding? That place was always busy... my wife and I just ate there last week... it was good too!

That's very unfortunate to hear. Obviously, from personal experience, the rent rates that are popping up around Omaha are crazy high. Maybe they're justified, but wasn't that part of a franchise system? Or no? But, in any case, it's very tough to pay $25-$30 sq.ft. rents for bays that size.

Case in point, look at Tivoli - Greek Islands closed, then it turned into a Cheeburger Cheeburger, and now it's Aunt Emma's Home Cookin'. All of these places probably have good food, but rent kicks your butt! And, the Mutual of Omaha project is talking about $30-$35 sq. ft. rents - that's crazy. It's hard to lure businesses, especially locally owned ones, for that kind of expense.

Unless of course, you open up the top performing Jimmy John's restaurants in the country. But, be honest here, the odds of hitting the big one are slim to none.

D

[Uffda]

The person who told me said he had worked there quite awhile. he was kind of in shock himself.

[nativeomahan]

What a bummer. And the place always seemed busy.

[omahastylee459]

one of my good friends works at Joey's and I talked to him and he said he hadn't heard that the place was closing, he said they are still hiring new people and business seems good. Im pretty sure the place is still open.

[Stargazer]

Let's hope that's the case.

[Omaha Cowboy]

A rumor started most likely by a disgruntled employee..

We've heard the same song and dance before regarding the West Omaha Upstream and other restaurants possibly closing. They've all, for the most part, proved to be bogus..

Somebody walk in there Thursday and see if the doors are indeed closed for good..I mean, the place just opened not even 1 year ago for goodness sakes..

..Ciao..LiO....Peace

[nebugeater]

You're kidding? That place was always busy... my wife and I just ate there last week... it was good too!

That's very unfortunate to hear. Obviously, from personal experience, the rent rates that are popping up around Omaha are crazy high. Maybe they're justified, but wasn't that part of a franchise system? Or no? But, in any case, it's very tough to pay $25-$30 sq.ft. rents for bays that size.

Case in point, look at Tivoli - Greek Islands closed, then it turned into a Cheeburger Cheeburger, and now it's Aunt Emma's Home Cookin'. All of these places probably have good food, but rent kicks your butt! And, the Mutual of Omaha project is talking about $30-$35 sq. ft. rents - that's crazy. It's hard to lure businesses, especially locally owned ones, for that kind of expense.

Unless of course, you open up the top performing Jimmy John's restaurants in the country. But, be honest here, the odds of hitting the big one are slim to none.

D

Small Clarification here, the Greek Islands and the Cheeburger Cheeburger were in two different bays. The GI closed and became an Insurance agency. The CB CB closed and is now Aunt Emma's as stated.

[djc311]

You're kidding? That place was always busy... my wife and I just ate there last week... it was good too!

That's very unfortunate to hear. Obviously, from personal experience, the rent rates that are popping up around Omaha are crazy high. Maybe they're justified, but wasn't that part of a franchise system? Or no? But, in any case, it's very tough to pay $25-$30 sq.ft. rents for bays that size.

Case in point, look at Tivoli - Greek Islands closed, then it turned into a Cheeburger Cheeburger, and now it's Aunt Emma's Home Cookin'. All of these places probably have good food, but rent kicks your butt! And, the Mutual of Omaha project is talking about $30-$35 sq. ft. rents - that's crazy. It's hard to lure businesses, especially locally owned ones, for that kind of expense.

Unless of course, you open up the top performing Jimmy John's restaurants in the country. But, be honest here, the odds of hitting the big one are slim to none.

D

Small Clarification here, the Greek Islands and the Cheeburger Cheeburger were in two different bays. The GI closed and became an Insurance agency. The CB CB closed and is now Aunt Emma's as stated.

I was hoping someone would catch that - because after I posted it, I realized I was off a bay or two - honestly, with the absence of Moe's out here, Greek Islands, CB CB, and of course the vacant 2nd Wind Fitness it's easy to get thrown off a bit. But, I also figured I'd observe and see if anyone else on here was in west Omaha often enough to notice the mix up - considering even this post is supposed to be about AkSarBen.

BTW, why and how did Samurai Sam's leave their space by Wal Mart on 182nd & Center and pop into the Subway nextdoor to co-exist in a single space? It's very disappointing to see so many shops have to close out here, considering the population base to work with and the household incomes in the area.

D

[Big E]

It's very disappointing to see so many shops have to close out here, considering the population base to work with and the household incomes in the area.

You might want to look at the mortgage ratio to income on most of those households, as well. Throw in two or three brand new cars that are just a little bit nicer than the neighbors' two or three brand new cars, and there you go.

I can't remember what the commercial was for, but the guy was riding around on his giant mower with a big phony grin saying "Please help me. I'm mortgaged to my eyeballs." Or some such thing.

-Big E

[nebugeater]

You're kidding? That place was always busy... my wife and I just ate there last week... it was good too!

That's very unfortunate to hear. Obviously, from personal experience, the rent rates that are popping up around Omaha are crazy high. Maybe they're justified, but wasn't that part of a franchise system? Or no? But, in any case, it's very tough to pay $25-$30 sq.ft. rents for bays that size.

Case in point, look at Tivoli - Greek Islands closed, then it turned into a Cheeburger Cheeburger, and now it's Aunt Emma's Home Cookin'. All of these places probably have good food, but rent kicks your butt! And, the Mutual of Omaha project is talking about $30-$35 sq. ft. rents - that's crazy. It's hard to lure businesses, especially locally owned ones, for that kind of expense.

Unless of course, you open up the top performing Jimmy John's restaurants in the country. But, be honest here, the odds of hitting the big one are slim to none.

D

Small Clarification here, the Greek Islands and the Cheeburger Cheeburger were in two different bays. The GI closed and became an Insurance agency. The CB CB closed and is now Aunt Emma's as stated.

I was hoping someone would catch that - because after I posted it, I realized I was off a bay or two - honestly, with the absence of Moe's out here, Greek Islands, CB CB, and of course the vacant 2nd Wind Fitness it's easy to get thrown off a bit. But, I also figured I'd observe and see if anyone else on here was in west Omaha often enough to notice the mix up - considering even this post is supposed to be about AkSarBen.

BTW, why and how did Samurai Sam's leave their space by Wal Mart on 182nd & Center and pop into the Subway nextdoor to co-exist in a single space? It's very disappointing to see so many shops have to close out here, considering the population base to work with and the household incomes in the area.

D

I missed the Samurai Sams Move? When did this happen? There is a Subway in WalMart, is that were you mean or are tehy located with t he Blimpies that is in the same strip as SS? The Blimpies used to have an Ice Cream place in with them ( Ashby's or something) and I see that their sign is gone.

My projection o the next place to close in W Omaha on ( near) Center is Ruby Tuesday's. The last two times I have been there the service has been terrible. The most recent has been earlier this week when there were three of us. The order was messed up to the point we all ate at different times. We had the wrong food brought when it did come and when it was all done and over we were told, without asking for anything that part of the meal would be comped. When we got the bill it too was wrong and for the wrong table. IT did not match the first food that was brought either. When we got the correct bill the comp was not on there. The prices there have gone up over 25% and the food quality is down in my opinion. The experience was not much different a few weeks back when we were there and over 1/2 the place is empty when it use to have a wait any night of the week. Hope they get it straightened out because the OLD RT was a place I liked.

[Swift]

Who cares, it's just another chain restaurant. Upstream, locally owned, is literally right across the street from this place, so why not go there instead? Help bolster local culture and what not.

[nebugeater]

Who cares, it's just another chain restaurant. Upstream, locally owned, is literally right across the street from this place, so why not go there instead? Help bolster local culture and what not.

I do go to Upstream, Actually go to Roja and Lazlo's more often, other local establishments but I also take in Ruby Tuesdays, TGI Fridays and Applebees among others. As far as a chain they can be good too and as far as those that care I am sure some employees do. It is nice to have a mix. If you chose to not go fine, but to not care that is another story. Like it or not the chains ARE part of the local culture today. Some people come in from out of town and all they want is a chain that they are familiar with, other s want a local only to try. Bottom line is there are and we need choices. There are MANY MANY MANY example on this board alone where people seem to think Omaha is inadequate because we do not have a chain or some other place has it first. Do I need to start pointing them out. There are examples of restaurants, clothing stores, grocery stores, entertainment venues and the list goes on.


Sorry for my part in getting this off topic.

[Brad]

That, and I lot of chains are locally or regionally owned by franchises. They also employ local people and offer Insurance to local people something a lot of local restaurants don't.

[omahastylee459]

i retract my previous statement, apparently Joey's HAS closed, not sure of the reason though, i guess the rumor is the owner was losing money. Too bad I suppose, their food was awesome especially the coconut shrimp

[Uffda]

A rumor started most likely by a disgruntled employee..

I guess it wasn't :lol:

[Omaha Cowboy]

A rumor started most likely by a disgruntled employee..

I guess it wasn't :lol:

Perhaps. Perhaps not..

In any case, this is unfortunate news..

Just for clarification (maybe I missed it in a previous post), did someone actually go to the restaurant and validate it's closing as 100% true?..

If so, I wouldn't be laughing too loudly..

But that's me..

..Ciao..LiO....Peace

[omahastylee459]

Just for clarification (maybe I missed it in a previous post), did someone actually go to the restaurant and validate it's closing as 100% true?

Yes I did, I was at Pipeline yesterday (my 21st birthday :D ) and there were no cars in the parking lot from what I could see from the window. Occasionally I would see a car pull up, and someone would go to the door but after reading the sign on the door they would leave.

[Coyote]

Yes I did, I was at Pipeline yesterday (my 21st birthday :D )

Well then - Happy Birthday Mick

:cheers:

[Brad]

Not only is it closed:

Omaha Seafood Restaurant Closes Without Warning

http://www.wowt.com/home/headlines/9300281.html

A popular Omaha seafood restaurant has gone under without warning, leaving customers wondering if they'll have to eat the cost of their gift certificates.

Tom Weisbecker says it seemed fishy to find Joey's Seafood restaurant closed at lunchtime.

Weisbecker says, "We called for many days. Nobody answered the phone and finally the phone was disconnected."

Joey's is closed, though wine still sits in the restaurant, as if ready to serve and the tables are still set for customers.

"I think they need, when they close the doors, to give people more information about what's going on," Weisbecker said.

Tom and his parents have $70 in gift certificates to the restaurant.

We called the corporate office in Minnesota. They told us they're not sure why the franchisee closed the doors but they will honor the customers' gift certificates with a full refund.

Weisbecker is happy with corporate's answer.

"That's upstanding for them to do that," Weisbecker says.

Joey's Seafood says there are no plans to re-open the Omaha restaurant.

Anyone with gift cards can contact the national headquarters by e-mail for a refund.

[joeglow]

I have spent a little bit of time looking at Franchise opportunities and can say it looks REAL daunting. Spend 50-100k just for the right to restaurant. Next, add in low six figures to get the place opened. Then look at a ton of advertising (some places require up to $5,000 a month to be spent on advertising). Finally, as mentioned, add it a 5 year lease on a building charging $20-30 a square foot (not including $4-5 in CAM fees) and it is real easy to see how a business can go under.

The biggest conclusion I have come to is that if you want a good chance of having a successful franchise, you need to be able to pay cash for at least your first store and then get another 2-4 open to spread out advertising costs (and drive down franchise fees on a per location basis).

[Brad]

I have spent a little bit of time looking at Franchise opportunities and can say it looks REAL daunting. Spend 50-100k just for the right to restaurant. Next, add in low six figures to get the place opened. Then look at a ton of advertising (some places require up to $5,000 a month to be spent on advertising). Finally, as mentioned, add it a 5 year lease on a building charging $20-30 a square foot (not including $4-5 in CAM fees) and it is real easy to see how a business can go under.

The biggest conclusion I have come to is that if you want a good chance of having a successful franchise, you need to be able to pay cash for at least your first store and then get another 2-4 open to spread out advertising costs (and drive down franchise fees on a per location basis).

Or go free standing, then up that to 7 figures.

[Maverick]

Sad to see... I liked this place. However, this article said "Minnesota", so I looked, and there's two of them in the Twin Cities. That made my day.

[Uffda]

There is also one opening in Sioux Falls soon.

[Ben]

Caribou Coffee's location in the Shops at Aksarben has closed as well. I went by there today, and there were a few employees inside packing up remaining inventory and removing the tables/chairs.

[Stargazer]

I see very few people at the Legacy location... wouldn't be surprise if they folded there too (if they haven't already... haven't looked lately).

[Swift]

Location location location....

That's too bad though, as I really like Caribou Coffee.

[Brad]

Shops at Aksarben seems like a good location. Walking distance for hundreds of FDR employees and UNO students.

[Swift]

Shops at Aksarben seems like a good location. Walking distance for hundreds of FDR employees and UNO students.

Walking distance perhaps, but that's not necessarily a walking-culture neighborhood. Did this location have a drive through?

[Brad]

I just got report that all four Omaha locations closed.

More on the closings over here:
http://eomahaforums.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=1535

[omahastylee459]

Shops at Aksarben seems like a good location. Walking distance for hundreds of FDR employees and UNO students.

Walking distance perhaps, but that's not necessarily a walking-culture neighborhood. Did this location have a drive through?

There are tons of people that walk around here. Everytime I am around 72nd street i see a lot of FDR employees walking to the local food places. There are also quite a few students, mostly I have noticed that live in and around Crosswinds Apts that walk to this area. Its a little bit too far to walk from my house, but there are plenty of people who walk in my neighborhood including me to UNO, Elmwood, and local businesses. I think things will really change once Aksarben Village takes off.

[Coyote]

Wow. No post for 10 years?
The small bay next to Wing Stop will be a Kung Fu Tea Restaurant...

[Brad]

Wow. No post for 10 years?

Hasn't been too much new at this shopping center, for the most part they have had some great long term tenants. All the "new" stuff was in Aksarben Center next door and it has its own thread. I think First Watch or whatever the breakfast place is has its own thread too.

[almighty_tuna]

[Omaha Cowboy]

"The Don's" face is smiling brightly ...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Coyote]