OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Blackstone businesses are adapting to ongoing streetcar construction impacts.
A new liquor store in the district hopes to bring you back and an area favorite is trying its hand at giving you different options through ghost kitchens.
“Super excited to bring some else to our neighborhood that I think we need and want,” explained Chad Shoeman, owner and operator of Shoeman’s Liquor & More.
Shoeman’s is getting close to its grand opening in mid-November, despite streetcar construction right outside its front doors. Chad tells First Alert 6 he is optimistic relief will come just in time for opening day.
“The city of Omaha has been emailing us every week, keeping us up to date on the plans and construction,” explained Shoeman. “Weather permitting, knock on wood, we should be done by the end of November with the major work, and they say this is the biggest part of the construction. Then we will have a little relief for a while, bringing people into the neighborhood before the next phase.”
The shop will operate like a normal liquor store offering up local and national brands. Shoeman’s purchased the bay next door to its Farnam location where you can purchase wine and items for charcuterie.
Chad Shoeman tells First Alert 6 this new business is there to help support fellow neighbors. Logos of other Blackstone establishments like Scriptown and Coneflower will be seen on Shoeman’s bottle coolers. A menu board on site will let you know what food options are in Blackstone, so you can pick your next spot after grabbing your favorite beverage.
“We want to be, I guess, the mouthpiece for our neighborhood and our friends up the block that are feeling the construction woes too,” said Chad Shoeman.
While a new business takes shape, Ika Ramen’s sister restaurant, JoJo’s Dine,r is making up lost revenue through three ghost kitchens.
“It is a separate menu outside of what we do in our brick-and-mortar walls, and it’s basically just for to-go’s only,” explained Director of Operations Shannon Malone.
Two years ago, JoJo’s started smash or pass burgers at their location out west. The idea expanded to offering Ika Ramen and the newly launched Barrio Peru at the same place. You can order online, through apps like GrubHub and DoorDash or just stop by.
“We just started doing Wednesday through Sunday night as a secret menu sort to speak, which is up at the front but it has definitely caught word,” said Malone.
Shannon Malone tells First Alert 6 the new offerings, after some fees, helped make up some 50 to 60% of lost revenue at construction-impacted locations like Blackstone, Benson and downtown Omaha.
“Just in-house was an additional $1,000 for Barrio, and between smash or pass, Ika and Barrio, just on the to go platforms was a couple of grand,” said Malone.
She tells First Alert 6, the response from customers have been great.
“We get people coming in that are coming in to dine at JoJo’s, and they are like Oh wow, hey, you also have Peruvian food,” said Malone.
Shannon Malone tells First Alert 6, JoJo’s is exploring more options at its ghost kitchens and the new liquor store isn’t the only new business opening its doors in the Blackstone area.
“Jay’s Game and Beer Garden” is opening in the former Bob and Willie’s Wonderbowl location and “Fifth House Omaha” is also planning a location in the neighborhood.
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