Famous Dave (13015 Birch Dr ) - Closed

Post by **Brad** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 4:26 pm

Famous Daves (131 and Maple) former Chili's

http://www.omaha.com/article/20091002/E ... /710029840

Nichole Aksamit, http://www.omaha.com wrote:Franchise owner Greg Cutchall said the Famous Dave's will reopen in the former Chili's near 131st Street and West Maple Road by April.

Post by **Brad** » Thu Jun 09, 2016 7:52 pm

Flames break out at Famous Dave's restaurant in northwest Omaha

http://www.wowt.com/content/news/Flames ... OWT_6_News

GRANDPASMUCKER · Post by **GRANDPASMUCKER** » Thu Jun 09, 2016 10:47 pm

Just ate there for lunch Monday. I had 4 ribs, fries, and a salad for $20 including tip. Man those ribs were the best ones I have had anywhere in awhile. That cook may of messed up and caused that fire but he sure cooks some great ribs! The Famous Daves in Millard where I live is always packed for lunch and its too crowded for me to relax. The one on 132nd and maple is flat out dead for lunch which makes it worth the drive for me.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Fri Jun 10, 2016 12:51 pm

Yeah they really struggle at lunch.

Greg

Omababe · Post by **Omababe** » Tue Oct 02, 2018 5:04 pm

I just heard this is now closed.

Kinda surprises me since it's always been fairly busy, at least around lunch time.

Padre · Post by **Padre** » Tue Oct 02, 2018 8:07 pm

Omababe wrote: Tue Oct 02, 2018 5:04 pm I just heard this is now closed.

Kinda surprises me since it's always been fairly busy, at least around lunch time.

I'm not. I felt like Famous Daves went downhill the last couple years. Of course, it probably didn't help when we went in one time and asked the waiter what he recommended. His reply was "I don't know, I don't eat here!"

omaha79 · Post by **omaha79** » Tue Oct 02, 2018 8:22 pm

Padre wrote: Tue Oct 02, 2018 8:07 pm
Omababe wrote: Tue Oct 02, 2018 5:04 pm I just heard this is now closed.

Kinda surprises me since it's always been fairly busy, at least around lunch time.
I'm not. I felt like Famous Daves went downhill the last couple years. Of course, it probably didn't help when we went in one time and asked the waiter what he recommended. His reply was "I don't know, I don't eat here!"

I feel like Famous Daves has gone steadily downhill for about 10 years, at least. It used to be good in the early 00's. Now, it's a shell of what it was. The only reason people went there lately was the lack of solid BBQ places in Omaha and that's slowly getting better too making Famous DAve's obsolete.

The "I don't eat here" comment is funny. I went to Early Bird in Blackstone with some work people a while back. I asked the waitress (very hipster type) if the breakfast burrito was any good as it had their reccomendation on the menu. Her response was , "I don't know. I'm, like vegan and suuuuper healthy. I'm very particular about what I put into my body. I don't eat stuff like that, but I hear it's good." All I could think was does this woman even want a tip right now? Could have found a better choice of words, IMO. Some people don't think.

omaharocks · Post by **omaharocks** » Tue Oct 02, 2018 9:04 pm

"Owner Greg Cutchall said the location's lease was up and the business could not support an increase in rent. This was his last Famous Dave's location in Omaha."

https://www.omaha.com/omahadines/news/f ... 59df9.html

Omababe · Post by **Omababe** » Wed Oct 03, 2018 9:57 am

That's two in that same area closed in so many months, the other being Salt 88.

GrandpaaSmucker · Post by **GrandpaaSmucker** » Wed Oct 03, 2018 11:18 am

This is no surprise to me. For the past 3 years my rule has been Famous Daves on Maple St cool Famous Daves in Millard not cool. I like to eat there for lunch now and then but the one in Millard is always so busy that its unpleasant. I found that if I went to the one on Maple for lunch often there would be no more then 3 or 4 tables with customers in the whole place. It was heaven and I knew that it could not last. Oh well back to the one in Millard.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Wed Oct 03, 2018 5:27 pm

I’ve always thought for what it was (and is) Famous Dave’s is pretty good. I don’t recall ever having a bad meal there.. It’s always been pretty solid. That said, it’s probably been close to 3 years since I’ve eaten at Famous Dave’s..so perhaps there is some validity that it’s “gone downhill”.. In my opinion, there’s just better BBQ options in Omaha now than, say, 10 or so years ago.. That’s mainly the reason I’ve not eaten at Dave’s recently...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

bigredmed1 · Post by **bigredmed1** » Wed Oct 03, 2018 6:33 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Wed Oct 03, 2018 5:27 pm I’ve always thought for what it was (and is) Famous Dave’s is pretty good. I don’t recall ever having a bad meal there.. It’s always been pretty solid. That said, it’s probably been close to 3 years since I’ve eaten at Famous Dave’s..so perhaps there is some validity that it’s “gone downhill”.. In my opinion, there’s just better BBQ options in Omaha now than, say, 10 or so years ago.. That’s mainly the reason I’ve not eaten at Dave’s recently...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

I have had worse food at Tired Texan, by FAR. Still the last time I was at FD on 120th, it was loud, and unpleasantly so. The food was not cooked well and overall, I can find better food elsewhere. I have never had actual ash on my meat at FD. Can't say the same for Tired Texan where I have had them tell me they are out of food, and at a second visit after their opening jitters were over, I was actually served a plate of ribs that were covered in about 3 mm of black as coal ash, the underlying meat was charred, and the rib bones that were exposed were burnt to a black color not seen anywhere outside of a crematorium. So, I have to meet you part way, FD is not as good as it was 5-10 years ago, but it is not as bad as Tired Texan. Of course, I have never been inclined to report FD to the health department, cant say the same for the other place.

omaha79 · Post by **omaha79** » Wed Oct 03, 2018 11:03 pm

bigredmed1 wrote: Wed Oct 03, 2018 6:33 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Wed Oct 03, 2018 5:27 pm I’ve always thought for what it was (and is) Famous Dave’s is pretty good. I don’t recall ever having a bad meal there.. It’s always been pretty solid. That said, it’s probably been close to 3 years since I’ve eaten at Famous Dave’s..so perhaps there is some validity that it’s “gone downhill”.. In my opinion, there’s just better BBQ options in Omaha now than, say, 10 or so years ago.. That’s mainly the reason I’ve not eaten at Dave’s recently...

Ciao..LiO...Peace
I have had worse food at Tired Texan, by FAR. Still the last time I was at FD on 120th, it was loud, and unpleasantly so. The food was not cooked well and overall, I can find better food elsewhere. I have never had actual ash on my meat at FD. Can't say the same for Tired Texan where I have had them tell me they are out of food, and at a second visit after their opening jitters were over, I was actually served a plate of ribs that were covered in about 3 mm of black as coal ash, the underlying meat was charred, and the rib bones that were exposed were burnt to a black color not seen anywhere outside of a crematorium. So, I have to meet you part way, FD is not as good as it was 5-10 years ago, but it is not as bad as Tired Texan. Of course, I have never been inclined to report FD to the health department, cant say the same for the other place.

Seemed like the reviews of Tired Texan on here weren't too bad. So, I tried it a few weeks ago. I was not impressed.

bbinks · Post by **bbinks** » Thu Oct 04, 2018 12:02 pm

It will reopen soon with a different concept... Cutchall has several franchises that he operates.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Thu Oct 04, 2018 5:30 pm

omaha79 wrote: Wed Oct 03, 2018 11:03 pm
bigredmed1 wrote: Wed Oct 03, 2018 6:33 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Wed Oct 03, 2018 5:27 pm I’ve always thought for what it was (and is) Famous Dave’s is pretty good. I don’t recall ever having a bad meal there.. It’s always been pretty solid. That said, it’s probably been close to 3 years since I’ve eaten at Famous Dave’s..so perhaps there is some validity that it’s “gone downhill”.. In my opinion, there’s just better BBQ options in Omaha now than, say, 10 or so years ago.. That’s mainly the reason I’ve not eaten at Dave’s recently...

Ciao..LiO...Peace
I have had worse food at Tired Texan, by FAR. Still the last time I was at FD on 120th, it was loud, and unpleasantly so. The food was not cooked well and overall, I can find better food elsewhere. I have never had actual ash on my meat at FD. Can't say the same for Tired Texan where I have had them tell me they are out of food, and at a second visit after their opening jitters were over, I was actually served a plate of ribs that were covered in about 3 mm of black as coal ash, the underlying meat was charred, and the rib bones that were exposed were burnt to a black color not seen anywhere outside of a crematorium. So, I have to meet you part way, FD is not as good as it was 5-10 years ago, but it is not as bad as Tired Texan. Of course, I have never been inclined to report FD to the health department, cant say the same for the other place.
Seemed like the reviews of Tired Texan on here weren't too bad. So, I tried it a few weeks ago. I was not impressed.

It’s disappointing to hear this about Tired Texan.. I’ve also heard from others that they, in the past, have ran out of food.. The place is still on my list to try.. But admittedly, I’m more apprehensive about it now...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

zippy · Post by **zippy** » Thu Oct 04, 2018 6:58 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Thu Oct 04, 2018 5:30 pm
omaha79 wrote: Wed Oct 03, 2018 11:03 pm
bigredmed1 wrote: Wed Oct 03, 2018 6:33 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Wed Oct 03, 2018 5:27 pm I’ve always thought for what it was (and is) Famous Dave’s is pretty good. I don’t recall ever having a bad meal there.. It’s always been pretty solid. That said, it’s probably been close to 3 years since I’ve eaten at Famous Dave’s..so perhaps there is some validity that it’s “gone downhill”.. In my opinion, there’s just better BBQ options in Omaha now than, say, 10 or so years ago.. That’s mainly the reason I’ve not eaten at Dave’s recently...

Ciao..LiO...Peace
I have had worse food at Tired Texan, by FAR. Still the last time I was at FD on 120th, it was loud, and unpleasantly so. The food was not cooked well and overall, I can find better food elsewhere. I have never had actual ash on my meat at FD. Can't say the same for Tired Texan where I have had them tell me they are out of food, and at a second visit after their opening jitters were over, I was actually served a plate of ribs that were covered in about 3 mm of black as coal ash, the underlying meat was charred, and the rib bones that were exposed were burnt to a black color not seen anywhere outside of a crematorium. So, I have to meet you part way, FD is not as good as it was 5-10 years ago, but it is not as bad as Tired Texan. Of course, I have never been inclined to report FD to the health department, cant say the same for the other place.
Seemed like the reviews of Tired Texan on here weren't too bad. So, I tried it a few weeks ago. I was not impressed.
It’s disappointing to hear this about Tired Texan.. I’ve also heard from others that they, in the past, have ran out of food.. The place is still on my list to try.. But admittedly, I’m more apprehensive about it now...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Earlier this year, my sister visited from her home north of Austin, TX. We got takeout from Tired Texan, and she and her husband thought it was better than Salt Lick BBQ, but not as quite good as a newer place near their house. Note that the "Tumbleweeds" don't travel well.

omaha79 · Post by **omaha79** » Thu Oct 04, 2018 11:39 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Thu Oct 04, 2018 5:30 pm
omaha79 wrote: Wed Oct 03, 2018 11:03 pm
bigredmed1 wrote: Wed Oct 03, 2018 6:33 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Wed Oct 03, 2018 5:27 pm I’ve always thought for what it was (and is) Famous Dave’s is pretty good. I don’t recall ever having a bad meal there.. It’s always been pretty solid. That said, it’s probably been close to 3 years since I’ve eaten at Famous Dave’s..so perhaps there is some validity that it’s “gone downhill”.. In my opinion, there’s just better BBQ options in Omaha now than, say, 10 or so years ago.. That’s mainly the reason I’ve not eaten at Dave’s recently...

Ciao..LiO...Peace
I have had worse food at Tired Texan, by FAR. Still the last time I was at FD on 120th, it was loud, and unpleasantly so. The food was not cooked well and overall, I can find better food elsewhere. I have never had actual ash on my meat at FD. Can't say the same for Tired Texan where I have had them tell me they are out of food, and at a second visit after their opening jitters were over, I was actually served a plate of ribs that were covered in about 3 mm of black as coal ash, the underlying meat was charred, and the rib bones that were exposed were burnt to a black color not seen anywhere outside of a crematorium. So, I have to meet you part way, FD is not as good as it was 5-10 years ago, but it is not as bad as Tired Texan. Of course, I have never been inclined to report FD to the health department, cant say the same for the other place.
Seemed like the reviews of Tired Texan on here weren't too bad. So, I tried it a few weeks ago. I was not impressed.
It’s disappointing to hear this about Tired Texan.. I’ve also heard from others that they, in the past, have ran out of food.. The place is still on my list to try.. But admittedly, I’m more apprehensive about it now...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

To be fair, non-chain BBQ joints often run out of certain items due to the length of time things take to smoke. I've been to nationally rated BBQ places in KC and St. Louis and have had them be out of certain items. They'll even have a note on the door that says once items are gone, they are gone. I've seen notes in BBQ places saying things like, "we close when we run out"

It happened to me at Boyd and Charlies on Leavenworth. They were out of several items on one visit. It was also a Sunday evening and the weekend of CWS.

With that being said, I had some really good experiences at Boyd and Charlies on Leavenworth. That Sunday of CWS, the food was...not good. It was very dry. But, every other time I've been there, I've really liked it.

So, your mileage may vary visit to visit at any BBQ joint.

bigredmed1 · Post by **bigredmed1** » Fri Oct 05, 2018 3:16 am

Good point. Probably why I would rather eat elsewhere in general.

MadMartin8 · Post by **MadMartin8** » Fri Oct 05, 2018 8:54 am

omaha79 wrote: Thu Oct 04, 2018 11:39 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Thu Oct 04, 2018 5:30 pm
omaha79 wrote: Wed Oct 03, 2018 11:03 pm
bigredmed1 wrote: Wed Oct 03, 2018 6:33 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Wed Oct 03, 2018 5:27 pm I’ve always thought for what it was (and is) Famous Dave’s is pretty good. I don’t recall ever having a bad meal there.. It’s always been pretty solid. That said, it’s probably been close to 3 years since I’ve eaten at Famous Dave’s..so perhaps there is some validity that it’s “gone downhill”.. In my opinion, there’s just better BBQ options in Omaha now than, say, 10 or so years ago.. That’s mainly the reason I’ve not eaten at Dave’s recently...

Ciao..LiO...Peace
I have had worse food at Tired Texan, by FAR. Still the last time I was at FD on 120th, it was loud, and unpleasantly so. The food was not cooked well and overall, I can find better food elsewhere. I have never had actual ash on my meat at FD. Can't say the same for Tired Texan where I have had them tell me they are out of food, and at a second visit after their opening jitters were over, I was actually served a plate of ribs that were covered in about 3 mm of black as coal ash, the underlying meat was charred, and the rib bones that were exposed were burnt to a black color not seen anywhere outside of a crematorium. So, I have to meet you part way, FD is not as good as it was 5-10 years ago, but it is not as bad as Tired Texan. Of course, I have never been inclined to report FD to the health department, cant say the same for the other place.
Seemed like the reviews of Tired Texan on here weren't too bad. So, I tried it a few weeks ago. I was not impressed.
It’s disappointing to hear this about Tired Texan.. I’ve also heard from others that they, in the past, have ran out of food.. The place is still on my list to try.. But admittedly, I’m more apprehensive about it now...

Ciao..LiO...Peace
To be fair, non-chain BBQ joints often run out of certain items due to the length of time things take to smoke. I've been to nationally rated BBQ places in KC and St. Louis and have had them be out of certain items. They'll even have a note on the door that says once items are gone, they are gone. I've seen notes in BBQ places saying things like, "we close when we run out"

It happened to me at Boyd and Charlies on Leavenworth. They were out of several items on one visit. It was also a Sunday evening and the weekend of CWS.

With that being said, I had some really good experiences at Boyd and Charlies on Leavenworth. That Sunday of CWS, the food was...not good. It was very dry. But, every other time I've been there, I've really liked it.

So, your mileage may vary visit to visit at any BBQ joint.

Boyd and Charlie's is pretty much my favorite BBQ in the state. I've found the Elkhorn location to be more consistent, but I suppose that is to be expected. And good point on the availability of items, I've also had plenty of times down in KC and elsewhere where when they run out of things, they're out.

BPHusker · Post by **BPHusker** » Fri Oct 05, 2018 8:39 pm

bbinks wrote: Thu Oct 04, 2018 12:02 pm It will reopen soon with a different concept... Cutchall has several franchises that he operates.

What other franchises does he operate?

Padre · Post by **Padre** » Fri Oct 05, 2018 9:06 pm

BPHusker wrote: Fri Oct 05, 2018 8:39 pm
bbinks wrote: Thu Oct 04, 2018 12:02 pm It will reopen soon with a different concept... Cutchall has several franchises that he operates.
What other franchises does he operate?

Dominos, First Watch, Jams, Kith and Kin, Lo Lo's Chicken and Waffles, Paradise Bakery, Salty Señorita, Sonic and Tin Star. Not all of them are in Omaha.

bbinks · Post by **bbinks** » Fri Oct 05, 2018 11:42 pm

Padre wrote: Fri Oct 05, 2018 9:06 pm
BPHusker wrote: Fri Oct 05, 2018 8:39 pm
bbinks wrote: Thu Oct 04, 2018 12:02 pm It will reopen soon with a different concept... Cutchall has several franchises that he operates.
What other franchises does he operate?
Dominos, First Watch, Jams, Kith and Kin, Lo Lo's Chicken and Waffles, Paradise Bakery, Salty Señorita, Sonic and Tin Star. Not all of them are in Omaha.

Used to have Popeye's, Austin's Steakouese too.

bbinks · Post by **bbinks** » Sat Oct 13, 2018 12:12 pm

I've a friend who said he first heard about the closure 3-4 months ago. Knows someone that worked there at the time. Oklahoma Joe's was originally looking at that spot.

Post by **Brad** » Mon Jul 13, 2026 10:25 pm

Hard to believe it’s been almost 8 years and this building is still sitting there boarded up… would’ve thought at least someone would’ve tried to convert this into something different or tear it down and build new.

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Mon Jul 13, 2026 11:11 pm

Brad wrote: Mon Jul 13, 2026 10:25 pm Hard to believe it’s been almost 8 years and this building is still sitting there boarded up… would’ve thought at least someone would’ve tried to convert this into something different or tear it down and build new.

Speaking of restaurant chains that went to shat, wasn't this also an old Summer Kitchen location?

If I remember right this is a pretty good sized space which probably makes it cost prohibitive for many other potential adaptations. Being next to Walmart it would seem like a good location for something trendy like a Dave's Hot Chicken but those locations are generally small. Do people still get excited for Cheddar's? The building gives me those kind of vibes.

Post by **Brad** » Mon Jul 13, 2026 11:59 pm

nebport5 wrote: Mon Jul 13, 2026 11:11 pm
Brad wrote: Mon Jul 13, 2026 10:25 pm Hard to believe it’s been almost 8 years and this building is still sitting there boarded up… would’ve thought at least someone would’ve tried to convert this into something different or tear it down and build new.
Speaking of restaurant chains that went to shat, wasn't this also an old Summer Kitchen location?

If I remember right this is a pretty good sized space which probably makes it cost prohibitive for many other potential adaptations. Being next to Walmart it would seem like a good location for something trendy like a Dave's Hot Chicken but those locations are generally small. Do people still get excited for Cheddar's? The building gives me those kind of vibes.

No, summer Kitchen was down hill a few blocks, it’s a dr’s office now.

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Tue Jul 14, 2026 2:24 pm

Brad wrote: Mon Jul 13, 2026 11:59 pm
nebport5 wrote: Mon Jul 13, 2026 11:11 pm
Brad wrote: Mon Jul 13, 2026 10:25 pm Hard to believe it’s been almost 8 years and this building is still sitting there boarded up… would’ve thought at least someone would’ve tried to convert this into something different or tear it down and build new.
Speaking of restaurant chains that went to shat, wasn't this also an old Summer Kitchen location?

If I remember right this is a pretty good sized space which probably makes it cost prohibitive for many other potential adaptations. Being next to Walmart it would seem like a good location for something trendy like a Dave's Hot Chicken but those locations are generally small. Do people still get excited for Cheddar's? The building gives me those kind of vibes.
No, summer Kitchen was down hill a few blocks, it’s a dr’s office now.

Ok, that sounds familiar now. So was this built for F.D.'s or was it something else first?

Post by **Brad** » Tue Jul 14, 2026 2:30 pm

nebport5 wrote: Tue Jul 14, 2026 2:24 pm
Brad wrote: Mon Jul 13, 2026 11:59 pm
nebport5 wrote: Mon Jul 13, 2026 11:11 pm
Brad wrote: Mon Jul 13, 2026 10:25 pm Hard to believe it’s been almost 8 years and this building is still sitting there boarded up… would’ve thought at least someone would’ve tried to convert this into something different or tear it down and build new.
Speaking of restaurant chains that went to shat, wasn't this also an old Summer Kitchen location?

If I remember right this is a pretty good sized space which probably makes it cost prohibitive for many other potential adaptations. Being next to Walmart it would seem like a good location for something trendy like a Dave's Hot Chicken but those locations are generally small. Do people still get excited for Cheddar's? The building gives me those kind of vibes.
No, summer Kitchen was down hill a few blocks, it’s a dr’s office now.
Ok, that sounds familiar now. So was this built for F.D.'s or was it something else first?

Built as a Chili's Grill & Bar and Chili's closed in 2009.

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