Restaurant Hoppen

4.8 (84)
FOOD
UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

2D AGO

Omed & Waheed Shah—Shaheen's Afghan Cuisine

Afghan food has a rich history and a unique blend of spices that make it particularly delicious, but there aren't many places in Omaha that offer it. Thankfully we have Shaheen's Afghan Cuisine to showcase this wonderful spectrum of food. Omed and Waheed, the sons of chef/owner Shahen Shah, joined me to discuss what makes Afghan food special and how their family brought it to Omaha. Taste the flavors of this sensational restaurant for yourself, then comment on the episode and answer Dan's question! https://www.shaheensafghancuisine.com/ This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito! This episode was also sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Taste the difference quality beef products can make! 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!

1h 6m
APR 17

Zarina Boardman—Las Chilenas

When sisters Zarina Boardman and Debora Aguilar moved to Nebraska, they were disappointed they couldn't find any Chilean food... so they decided to make it themselves! This pair hustled like crazy to get into events, pop-ups, and other opportunities to showcase their brilliant homemade empanadas, and now they have a beautiful cafe where they get to showcase their food and culture. Hear their story and why this food is so meaningful to them on this podcast episode! This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito! This episode was also sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Taste the difference quality beef products can make! 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!

59 min
APR 10

Erick & Jeni Miranda—Miranda Omaha

The Miranda family is passionate about bringing Salvadoran food and their culture to Omaha, but they had no idea how quickly it would all come together! Erick and Jeni discuss what makes the cuisine so meaningful to them, why they're passionate about sharing it with Omaha, and how, in a matter of months, their family went from thinking about starting a restaurant to it being opening day. Is your mouth salivating after this episode? Check out Miranda's now for some amazing pupusas! https://mirandarestaurant.com This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito! This episode was also sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Taste the difference quality beef products can make! 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!

44 min
APR 3

Donald Everett Jr & Becky Perrett—Runza

Few, if any restaurants, are as synonymous with Nebraska food than Runza. Donald (President) and Becky (Director of Marketing) take me down memory lane to the very beginning when Donald's grandmother opened the first Runza in 1949. 75 years later, the restaurant has grown to 91 locations, introduced chili & cinnamon rolls to the menu, had limited runs of breakfast Runzas, received celebrity taste tests, catered weddings, partnered with Nebraska athletics... and so much more! We talk about it all on this incredible episode that you simply can't miss! This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito! This episode was also sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Taste the difference quality beef products can make! 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!

1h 8m
MAR 27

Francisca Sacasa & Rosa Quezada Sacasa (QS Grill Steak)

Francisca may not be a trained chef (she was a doctor in Nicaragua), but she has a deep passion for cooking and helping others experience Nicaraguan food and culture. That's why she opened QS Grill Steak in 2021, and Omaha's food scene is better for it. Francisca and her daughter explain why it was important for them to showcase Nicaraguan food to Omahans and how the restaurant (and food in general) have connected and impacted their family in incredible ways. Oh, and Rosa could basically run the restaurant already at 15 years old. This family is amazing, and you have to hear their story! This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito! This episode was also sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Taste the difference quality beef products can make! 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!

1h 1m
MAR 20

Moses Moseley & Dan Whalen —Dirty Birds (LIVE)

In just a few years, these buddies went from line cooks at another restaurant to owning their other concept in one of Omaha's most historic buildings. How did they create the Dirty Birds empire so quickly? What about their fried chicken resonates so strongly with people? And what was it like to meet Guy Fieri and be featured on the Food Network?! Dan and Whalen answer all those questions and more in this fascinating, illuminating episode. This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito! This episode was also sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Taste the difference quality beef products can make! 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!

1h 3m
MAR 13

Kim & Paul Kavulak—Nebraska Brewing Company

The stories that formed one of Omaha's most beloved breweries are priceless. The rage recipe that created NBC's flagship Cardinal Pale Ale. The lunch where Paul, then just a home brewer, quit his job to pursue brewing full time. The award ceremony where NBC won a competition over their idols. Paul & Kim share those stories and the dream that turned a home brewing passion into a full-scale brewery that has fully embraced the local community. This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito! This episode was also sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Taste the difference quality beef products can make! This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

1h 1m
MAR 6

John Anderson - AJ’s Cafe

John and Lisa Anderson had no experience in the restaurant business… so how did they create a beloved diner that’s thrilled guests for over a decade? John discusses their journey and how he got AJ’s off the ground, as well as the importance of making guests feel loved and creating a homey atmosphere. This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito! This episode was also sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Taste the difference quality beef products can make! This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

54 min

See All (297)

4.8

out of 5

84 Ratings

Next stop Omaha!

06/22/2024

Joe's View

I don’t live anywhere near Omaha but I love Dan Hoppen’s podcast for its insights into good food and the restaurant business (material that can apply to almost anywhere in the country). Hoppen asks great questions and clearly loves his city and its eateries. The recent episode about an innovative couple who run a food truck was especially good. Omaha is now near the top of my bucket list thanks to this podcast.
Never let’s me down!

03/07/2023

NEgirl60

I’ve been motivated to try several of the restaurants featured in Restaurant Hoppen and never been disappointed! Keep up the great work!
Unbearable

06/21/2024

MmmorgannRene

If Dan didn’t have followers from his church no one would be listening to this. His hot takes are just plain lame. Mediocre dude who appeals to old people and raves over crappy food.
Bagel Bin

08/25/2022

2SmithsFPU

I’m not sure why this episode “hit” me a little different; EXCELLENT episode in my opinion. Thank you

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.