The pandemic pushed restaurant owners to their financial, emotional and mental limits. But from that same chaos rose a young, diverse slate of Omahans who either opened their own food businesses after March 2020, or found new meaning behind why they make their meals while in the COVID-19-induced solitude.
Throughout the month of July, The Reader and El Perico will highlight four Omahans and their local food businesses. Each week will bring a new story about the visionary leaders behind Little Ve’s, Grainolia, Ital Vital Living and Nice Rollz.
As many young BIPOC Omahans flee the city to seek opportunities elsewhere, these entrepreneurs decided to put roots down in Omaha and build businesses within their communities. Their food doesn’t just reflect culinary invention, but pays homage to their families’ stories and finds solutions to static issues facing Omahans, such as accessing good, nutritious meals.
René Guzmán and his vegan Latin food at Little Ve’s.
Obed Sanchez-Liborio makes beauty from scarcity and struggle through Grainolia.
Check back here each week for new stories of community investment through food and entrepreneurship in Omaha.