Between immigration raids, economic downturns, and prohibitive construction projects, staff and patrons alike are being kept from some of Nebraska’s beloved dining establishments. For some, like Sgt. Peffers, this is becoming a real-time threat to their ability to do business. For others, help has proven to be coming too late. As the year comes to a close, we wanted to take a moment to say farewell to a few of the local establishments we’ve lost this year.
Bad Seed Coffee and Supply
5015 Dodge St.
2452 Harney St.
Opened initially as Muglife Coffee in 2015, Bad Seed was a funky spot that maintained an eclectic following for over a decade. Customers were loyal, merch was – kinda weird, and caffeine and vibes were always on. A fairly cryptic message still managed to leave little to the imagination while announcing the closure, establishing that September was simply time to close up shop. Both locations served mugs, merch, and magic to the last drop.
Backswing Brewing Co
3669 N. 129th St.
In a bittersweet shift, Backswing leadership shuttered the Omaha location to devote their energy on their Lincoln store, stating, “In the current economic climate, we have decided that it would be in our best interest not to renew the lease at the Omaha location and focus solely on the brewery instead. Our beers will still be available at bars and restaurants all over Omaha, and we look forward to continuing to providing beer across the state.”
Backswing Omaha officially closed on Oct. 31, 2025.
Burger Detour
18308 Evans St.
1220 S. 203rd St.
Opened in February and August of 2024, Burger Detour closed both locations without notice on Aug. 4, 2025. Owner Chad McMahon invested the establishment’s profits into marketing, which created a fun atmosphere for customers while an absolutely top-tier staff delivered an experience that lived up to the hype. Unfortunately, the behind-the-scenes drama and overspending seem to have bested this burger. Staff woke to a mass text informing them of the establishment’s immediate and permanent closure. The Facebook post announcing the closure stated, “We found ourselves unable to keep up with the rising costs and the challenges facing small businesses today” and the owner of the page limited comments.
Copal Mexican Cuisine
3623 N. 129th St.
Built on traditions and dedicated to the owner’s grandmother, Copal was a welcome table to every family in Omaha. Owners announced their end-of-November closure, but ultimately had to end service early as customers arrived in droves to say goodbye. A teaser on Copal’s social media states that a new partnership has been formed and another concept is on its way. Keep your eyes on Copal for further announcements.
Countryside Cones
8721 Countryside Plaza
After three years in business and the best Dole Whip I have ever enjoyed, Countryside Cones announced via social media that they were closing up shop at the end of September. Unlike many places that are wildly esthetic, Countryside Cones had the flavors to back up the vibes. The ice cream was inventive, messy, and fun and the staff truly seemed to harbor a desire to show up every day.
Frosty’s Ice Cream and More
17330 W. Center Road
The family that brought you Javi’s Tacos used Frosty’s as an outlet and canvas to explore their confectionary creativity. While the establishment was a wild success at creating craveable cones in an environment people enjoyed, the hobbled economy proved too cunning a foe. Frosty’s permanently closed their doors half past October.
Modern Love
3157 Farnam St.
While most of these really stung, the closure of Modern Love felt almost like a nail in a coffin. While Omaha spent years learning to accept a menu that didn’t center meat, a devoutly vegan establishment could have been too-big a bite. Instead, the creative and delectable plant-based dishes became a hit, enticing a fully omnivorous crowd to happily choose the mac and shews. While we were still drying our tears over this closure came the announcement that in its place we would have Fifth House, located at 3901 Farnam St. in Blackstone. A dramatic five-day opening festival over Halloween welcomed this vegan queen back onto the scene.
Proving that rebirth requires death, reincarnation requires – uh. An end? I don’t know, I need someone who knows how to read Tarot to think of something deep here, I’m just excited for the tiramisu.
Nebraska Brewing Company
6950 S. 108th St.
Oct. 19 was the last day for Nebraska Brewing Company’s Taproom, but the devoted team kept the party going hard from the moment they announced their decision to final call. Music, games, food trucks, and events kept the beloved NBC a raging love fest instead of the weeks-long funeral the impending closure could have devolved into. After 19 years, staff ensured that every loyal customer had a chance to say goodbye in style.
Kamp Blackstone
3618 Farnam St.
Formerly The Switch, Kamp isn’t a singular restaurant closure. Rather, this food hall represented the jobs and livelihoods of a revolving roster of restauranteurs, their staff, and loyal patrons who were given only days’ notice of the decision. While the convenient location made it a popular destination for a quick bite, a pre-event meal, mid-week drinks, or the occasional trivia night, streetcar construction and inconsistent hours were the top two opinions shared by patrons about the waning attendance that resulted in the closure. Said construction is expected to continue into 2028, and future plans for the expansive bay have not yet been made public.
Pizzeria Davlo
14220 Fort St.A late in the year closure, Pizzeria Davlo had a successful 12 year run before announcing via social media that Dec. 6 would be their final day of service. The pizzeria has been beloved for their generous toppings, buttery dough, and friendly staff, and truly were alone in their class in the Chicago-style market. This will be a hard one to stomach.
Shaheen’s Aghan Cuisine
6121 Maple St.
With four years of serving beautiful biryani, kabob, kofta, and karai, Shaheen’s has announced that they will close their doors on Dec. 7. Until the final day of service, staff will serve their signature buffet, plus a few “special” menu items. I personally find the qualifier offensive, as every dish on Shaheen’s menu was, in fact, extremely special.
Starbucks – Multiple Locations
In spite of a Business Insider article claiming that only one location had been closed in Nebraska, 90th and Maple streets, 90th and Fort streets, 72nd and Dodge streets, and 72nd and L street in Omaha and 12th and P street in Lincoln all closed at the end of September. Starbucks still operates 97 locations in Nebraska.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, and we are doing our best to passionately patronize those on the bubble. It’s also important to foster hope as we approach a new year. There is plenty to continue looking forward to, and the opening of the following establishments reminds us that while the circumstances that affect the ebb and flow of business may change, there are always intrepid entrée-preneurs out there keeping the local food scene thriving. Use your presence, your patronage, and your loud online support to keep these and other beloved Nebraska establishments thriving.
Africa on a Plate
301 S. 16th St.
My algorithm has been showing me endless Fufu and Egusi videos, causing a craving I’ve never had before. My social media has been preparing me for the opening of Africa on a Plate, which opened on the 15th of November.
Bora Bora Juice
4002 N. 203rd St.
A third location is a clear sign that patrons want More-a of Bora Bora. Sorry guys, I get paid by the pun and bonuses for alliteration. The establishment deals in smoothies, juices, coffee, and light breakfast fare.
Clase Codigo
3350 S. 143rd Plaza
An elegant take on Mexican cuisine, ingredients are treated with reverence, and your dining experience as sacred. Clase Codigo’s inventive, flavorful cocktails and beautifully balanced dishes make every visit a special occasion.
Curry in a Hurry
2527 N. 72nd St.
Food Truck at 2221 Main St. in Bellevue
We were truly upset about this closure. Curry in a Hurry has been our go-to real food fast favorite, and the closure left an enormous hole in our stomach – er. Heart. This summer we welcomed them back with wide open arms in the former Lufti’s location. Welcome back, CIH!
La Chime
By the owners of Isla del Mar, La Chime is excited to put your cravings on ice (cream). Coming to the Stockyards Plaza by the end of 2026, it’s certain to be worth the wait.
North Italia
17151 Davenport St.
Opened at Village Pointe in November, North Italia has already earned a loyal following. Is it the squid ink pasta? The garlic knot sliders? Maybe it’s just the playful approach to traditional Italian cuisine that’s made this a West O must-try.
Tradishish
Food Truck
A traditional-ish Indigenous style food truck is hitting the road. Tradishish has served out of Bushwackers at 7401 Main St. in Ralston. This isn’t blessed bison, but the post-colonization native cuisine the indigenous culture adopted to survive. Fry breads, burgers, and NDN tacos when the food truck launches this spring.
Very Important Pizza
2502 Farnam St.
Taking over the space formerly occupied by Voodoo Taco, VIP will focus on “authentic, foldable slices and whole pies” according to a social media post by OMNE Partners.
Vino Mas
2835 S. 170th Plaza
Patrons demanded Mas, and owners have officially delivered. After 12 successful years, Vino Mas has opened another location at the Shops of Legacy in the former Cellar 44 bay.