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Restaurant Hoppen

Restaurant Hoppen

Hosted by Hurrdat Media

BusinessArtsFoodInterviews guests

Episodes

370

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN

About the show

Dan Hoppen breaks down the Nebraska cuisine scene one bite at a time. He talks to local chefs, media members, and just interesting people about what's going on in the Cornhusker State when it comes to food, where people need to eat, and how food relates to Nebraska sports.

Listen to episodes

60 recent
August 13, 202659 min

Creating Community Through Coffee & Custard w/ Cup & Cone

Bennington wouldn't be the same without Cup & Cone, the custard/coffee shop that has become a community hub since it opened in 2023. But getting the shop up and running wasn't easy; in fact, owners Amber and Jeremy Tkaczuk knew almost nothing about ice cream and coffee when they started it! The couple, along with their oldest daughter, Thea, discuss the difficulties and joys of opening and operating the shop, the R&D process behind their inventive lattes and coffees, and how the family dynamic has evolved now that they're in business together. Restaurant: Cup & Cone 🌐 https://cupandconebennington.com/ This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to Hurrdat ONE Website or visit Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel!  Follow Restaurant Hoppen for more conversations with the chefs, restaurateurs and food creators shaping Omaha's incredible dining scene. #RestaurantHoppen #Coffee #FrozenCustard #Omaha #Bennington #SmallBusiness #CoffeeShop #NebraskaFood #FoodPodcast 00:00 Welcome & Why Cup & Cone Feels Like "Nirvana" 01:11 How Cup & Cone Was Born 03:00 Building Community in Bennington 05:18 Supporting Other Local Businesses 06:58 Frozen Custard vs. Ice Cream 10:12 Signature Sundaes & Customer Favorites 13:02 Creating Seasonal Coffee Drinks 18:15 Behind the Scenes of Recipe Development 22:18 Running a Business While Working Full-Time Jobs 25:15 Taking the Leap Into Entrepreneurship 30:45 The Chaotic Grand Opening 36:05 Lessons Learned From Opening Week 40:22 Working Together as a Family 46:42 Celebrating Every Anniversary 50:07 Favorite Drinks & Future Plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 6, 20261 hr 4 min

Creating a Brand New Food & Rescuing a Business w/ Nichole Taff & Vincent Rissell (OCookieOs)

Nichole created a brilliant gluten-free cookie/donut mash-up in 2020, but the business was on the brink of collapsing earlier this year. Now it's thriving inside a brand new brick and mortar location! Hear how Nichole and her son, Vincent, created and built the brand and ultimately saved it when it appeared they might be done. 🌐 Learn more about OCookieOs: www.ocookieos.com 📍 OCoockieOs 2575 S 171st Ct Omaha, NE 68130 This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 3, 20261 hr 2 min

TV Cooking Competitions and the Culture of Food Media w/ Christian Alquiza (First We Feast)

After nearly 20 years in restaurant kitchens, Christian has transitioned to life as a media and social media chef. We discuss what the term "chef" means in this age and how, for some, it brings more balance. We also go deep into his experience competing on FOX's Next Level Chef and what it's really like to be a part of those crazy competition TV shows. References Restaurant Hoppen – Hosted by Dan Hoppen First We Feast – First We Feast Bastos Sauce – Follow for updates on this all-purpose sauce at @certifiedbastos This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to Hurrdat ONE Website or visit Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel! #RestaurantHoppen #ChristianAlciza #NextLevelChef #FirstWeFeast #FilipinoCuisine #CulinaryJourney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 30, 20261 hr 8 min

Uprooting One's Life for the Love of Baking w/ Damie Elder-Hiscock

Fariner Bakery is a magical space, a cafe with a gravitational pull that makes you want to stay for hours. That's because of the love people like Damie put into it and every bread and pastry that comes out of the kitchen. You won't believe the crazy road that brought Damie from Lincoln hospital to Fariner in Ashland or the struggles she and her husband endured to get here, but their perseverance has helped create one of the most special spaces in the greater Omaha area. 🌐 Learn more about Fariner Bakery: www.farinerbakery.com 📍 Fariner Bakery 120 N 14th St Ashland, NE 68003 This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 23, 20261 hr 7 min

Bringing Jamaican Cuisine and Culture to Omaha with Shava Jackson (Jerk Makin Shack)

Shava Jackson left her home of Jamaica to attend medical school with no thoughts of entering the hospitality industry, but her food truck has become one of the hotspots in Omaha. It's incredibly meaningful for Shava to share her food and culture with Omaha, and customers love it so much that some have said they've booked trips to Jamaica after visiting Jerk Makin Shack! Hear Shava's story and better understand the beauty of this cuisine. 📍 Jerk Makin Shack 7100 Dodge Street Omaha, Nebraska This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠ or visit ⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠! #RestaurantHoppen #OmahaFood #JamaicanCuisine #FoodTruck #OmahaRestaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 20, 20261 hr 4 min

Top Chef Takeaways and the Power of Food Memories w/ Anthony Jones

As the Executive Chef at Marcus Samuelsson's Washington DC restaurant and a contestant on the most recent Top Chef season, Anthony Jones is one of America's rising culinary stars. His success comes from his humility and the unique way in which he's able to connect his food with culture and memories. We discuss his restaurant goals now compared to when he started cooking and get into all kinds of fun Top Chef discussion. References Restaurant Hoppen – Hosted by Dan Hoppen Marcus Samuelsson's Restaurant – ⁠Marcus Samuelsson⁠ This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! #RestaurantHoppen #TopChef #OmahaFood #CulinaryJourney #AnthonyJones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 16, 20261 hr 3 min

Where Omaha's Food Comes From—LIVE Panel w/ Local Producers

We hear about how important it is to shop and eat locally produce meats and vegetables, but do we really know why? Three local producers—Tiff Clifton (Long Walk Farms), Roger Morgan (Morgan Ranch), and Kevin Novak (Flavor Country Farms)—joined me to discuss the benefits of eating and buying local products, both for the individual and the economy. We also discussed the need for farming education, what types of conversations they have with restaurant chefs, and so much more! References Tiff Clifton - https://www.longwalkfarm.com/ Roger Morgan - https://morganranchinc.com/ Kevin Novak - https://flavorcountryfarms.com https://www.facebook.com/p/Flavor-Country-Farms-100063458495359/ This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 9, 20261 hr 3 min

Defining Hospitality & Following Restaurant Trends w/ Daniel Bello (Koji)

Daniel worked in some of America's most well-known restaurants in San Francisco and now brings those unique experiences and what he learned to Koji. We talk through his career and unpack the different levels of service he's overseen. From Michelin stars to mismatched forks, personalized tasting menus, and more, Daniel's had a fascinating career, and I learned a lot from retracing his steps. If you've ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at great restaurants, this episode offers a fascinating look into the mindset, philosophy, and passion that drive exceptional dining experiences. References Restaurant Hoppen – Hosted by Dan Hoppen Koji Omaha – Koji Omaha This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!  Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Daniel Bello & Koji 01:15 – How Daniel describes Koji 03:10 – Falling in love with wine 05:00 – Mentorship, hospitality & wine education 07:15 – What wine certification exams are really like 10:05 – Moving from California to Omaha 11:45 – Working at Town Hall in San Francisco 14:15 – Michael Mina & the Michelin-star experience 18:00 – State Bird Provisions and redefining hospitality 21:15 – Creating approachable tasting menu experiences 25:00 – Adapting to new restaurants and leadership roles 29:00 – What made Omaha's food scene stand out 34:30 – Michelin stars, awards, and staying grounded 38:00 – Why Daniel moved to Omaha 40:10 – Omaha's restaurant scene exceeds expectations 42:20 – Why restaurants are competing with fast food 46:00 – Hospitality vs. service 49:00 – Leading Koji without changing its identity 52:00 – What Daniel wishes every diner understood 54:15 – His favorite part of the restaurant industry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 2, 202639 min

Achieving Mom's Dream with Ma' Mona—Manuel & Juan Gonzalez

Margartia Gonzalez's food has always thrilled her family; so much so that it became a goal to open a food truck since they came to the United States from Jalisco in 2010. That dream was finally realized in 2023, and Omaha has absolutely fallen in love with the tacos, tortas, tamales, and especially the vampiro tacos coming off this truck! Hear the story of this family-run business and how they're using the food truck to share their culture with Omaha. 📍 Ma Mona Food Truck 3536 Q Street Omaha, Nebraska +1 402-706-1424 Mamonaomaha@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/mamonaomaha https://www.facebook.com/p/Ma-Mona-Omaha-100091494742488/ This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!  Timestamps: 00:00 – Omaha's Taco Truck Hidden Gem: Meet Ma Mona 01:05 – The Meaning Behind "Ma Mona" & A Mother's Dream 02:15 – Bringing Authentic Jalisco Mexican Food to Omaha 04:10 – Moving from Mexico to Nebraska & Building a New Life 05:02 – Margarita Gonzalez: The Inspiration Behind Everything 06:15 – Why Food Has Always Been the Heart of This Family 08:00 – Everything Is Made From Scratch Every Single Day 09:15 – Launching Ma Mona Food Truck & Learning the Business 11:30 – Customers Started Building the Menu 13:05 – What Is a Huarache? Traditional Mexican Street Food Explained 14:15 – Creating a Small Menu With Big Flavor 15:20 – Omaha's Obsession With The Vampiro Taco 17:10 – How the Vampiro Taco Was Created 19:00 – The Best Proteins to Order at Ma Mona 21:05 – When Restaurant Hoppen Sent Omaha To Ma Mona 22:15 – Going Viral & Selling Mountains of Vampiro Tacos 23:20 – Running a Food Truck as a Family Business 24:30 – Working With Family Without Losing Your Mind 25:15 – The First Three Months Were Brutal 27:05 – Faith, Persistence & Refusing to Quit 28:35 – Finding the Perfect Food Truck Location 30:05 – The Dream of Opening a Brick-and-Mortar Restaurant 31:20 – Recipes Passed Down Through Generations 33:00 – Why Sharing Mexican Culture Through Food Matters 34:20 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up #RestaurantHoppen #OmahaFood #MexicanFood #FoodTruck #OmahaRestaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June 25, 202652 min

Dumpling, Hawaiian food, & Sharing Aloha Culture w/ Jian "Peter" Pan

He was born in China and grew up in Hawaii, so Peter has a great desire to bring those cuisines to Omaha. But it was actually his wife and their shared love of food that got him into the restaurant industry! The owner of Bobo's Noodles & Dumplings, Blue Hawaii, and Bo Bo China tells his story and what inspired him to open 3 restaurants, all of which bring something very unique to the Omaha restaurant scene. If you love Omaha food, restaurant stories, dumplings, Hawaiian cuisine, or hearing how entrepreneurs chase the American Dream — this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 🍜🌺🥟 Try all three restaurants for yourself! 🥟 Bobo's Noodles & Dumplings: https://www.bobosnoodlesdumplings.com/ Blue Hawaii: https://www.bluehawaiifood808.com/ Bo Bo China https://www.bobochina888.com/ This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!  Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro | The Omaha Restaurateur Running 3 Unique Restaurants 00:01 – Peter Pan’s Food Journey Begins With His Wife 00:03 – Why Omaha Needed an Authentic Chinese Dumpling Restaurant 00:05 – Inside Bobo’s Handmade Dumpling & Noodle Process 00:07 – Why Dumplings Are “Comfort Food” in Chinese Culture 00:09 – Northern China vs Southern China Food Traditions 00:11 – The Beef Pancake Rolls That Stole the Show 00:13 – The RIGHT Way to Eat Soup Dumplings (According to Peter Pan) 00:16 – How Hawaii’s “Aloha Spirit” Changed Peter’s Life 00:18 – Peter’s Journey From China to Honolulu at Age 15 00:20 – Learning Restaurant Life Working 14-Hour Days in Hawaii 00:23 – How Food Helped Peter Build His Relationship With His Wife 00:26 – Why Peter Left Hawaii for Omaha, Nebraska 00:29 – The Reality of Owning Multiple Restaurants 00:32 – Why Peter Keeps Opening Restaurants Despite the Stress 00:35 – Inside Blue Hawaii’s Hawaiian Food Philosophy 00:37 – How Omaha Restaurants Get Fresh Sushi-Grade Fish 00:39 – The Story Behind Omaha’s Viral Sushi Tacos 00:41 – Why Unique Viral Dishes Matter for Restaurants 00:42 – Peter Pan on Family, Sacrifice & the American Dream 00:44 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up #OmahaRestaurants #ChineseFood #HawaiianFood #RestaurantHoppen #OmahaFoodie #Dumplings #SushiTacos #OmahaEats #FoodPodcast #SmallBusiness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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