November 9, 2002

Omaha's Riverfront is inaugurated through opening of new restaurant

lthough construction delays have postponed the grand opening of the first development project along Omaha's new riverfront, several invited guests were given the first glimpse of what is to come Thursday night.

Rick's Cafe Boatyard was host to a private grand opening that featured live jazz music and a taste of some of the appetizers that will be featured at the restaurant when they open - hopefully November 19th.

Rick's is situated right on banks of the Missouri River and adjacent to the new riverfront park - Lewis and Clark Landing. On what was once a large industrial smelting and metal refinery complex, a scenic walkway now leads you to the front door of what will become one of Omaha's most premier restaurants. 

Seating for up to 500 people inside of the restaurant will be complimented by additional seating outside and 30 some boat slips on the river to accommodate boaters. Menu items vary from wood fired pizzas to an extensive seafood selection and USDA prime steaks. Prices do not seem to be out of range for this type of venue. 

Lewis and Clark Landing will eventually host other live music concerts plus special events and the new convention center / arena that is being developed just a few blocks west should attract many people 'Back to the River'. 

Also nearing completion is a 320,000-square-foot office building and training center that will be known as Gallup University. The Gallup Organization, a worldwide public-opinion polling and management-training firm About 650 to 700 people are expected to move into their new quarters on the riverfront by next August. An additional 4,000 business executives will also train at this facility each year. 

By the end of next year, folks will be able to take a leisurely walk through Omaha's Old Market area then eastward through the Heartland of America Park and on to the riverfront. If you have grown up in this area, you probably thought this development along the Missouri River was just a dream that would never take form. Wake up Omaha - the dream has now become a reality and it is definitely something we should all be proud of.