Lost Restaurants of Omaha

Omaha is known for its beef, but the history of its most famous restaurants goes far beyond. The French Cafe was the place to go to celebrate. Piccolo Pete’s, Mister C’s and Bohemian Cafe helped shape neighborhoods in Little Italy, North Omaha and Little Bohemia. The tales of restaurateurs like the tragic Tolf Hanson; the ever-optimistic Ross Lorello; Anthony Oddo, once a resident at Boys Town; and Giuseppa Marcuzzo, a former bootlegger, also tell the story of the city. Restaurants played a prominent role as history unfolded in Omaha during prohibition, wartime rations, the fight for equal rights and westward expansion. Author Kim Reiner details the fascinating history behind Omaha’s classic eateries.