Directions 2022: New Lincoln Chamber of Commerce president says he’s home | Local Business News
7 min read![Directions 2022: New Lincoln Chamber of Commerce president says he’s home | Local Business News Directions 2022: New Lincoln Chamber of Commerce president says he’s home | Local Business News](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/a0/5a059dbf-10a4-5ac2-a4be-fba7f84b8ba5/62019b543a0f7.image.jpg?crop=1602,843,0,0&resize=1200,631&order=crop,resize)
For Jason Ball, this has been a moment of “coming home,” back to Lincoln where he and his family wanted to be, back here to “keep things moving” in a city already on the move.
“To be a small part of Lincoln’s really big story,” the newly named president of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce says a week and two days into his new job.
Lincoln has changed since he left a decade ago just before completion of Pinnacle Bank Arena, before the Haymarket blossomed into a vibrant business, entertainment and sports center, before the startups, before the Telegraph District began to emerge, before the surge of student housing and apartments downtown, before all the energy.
“It’s a community that has matured and come into its own,” Ball said as he sat across the table in the Chamber offices along Lincoln Mall where another big office building is under construction just across the street.
“It’s very rewarding to come back to a place I love and see it thrive,” he said.
Now, it’s his turn to keep the ball rolling as he follows in the footsteps of Wendy Birdsall, who made the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce a big and vital part of the city’s story of growth and development, perhaps particularly in working hard to successfully secure virtually united business support for the sports and entertainment arena.
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“Lincoln’s home,” Ball said. “I’m from rural Nebraska — Sidney — but I grew up here.”
Ball graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University and he was director of business development at the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development for five years before he set sail.
Now, he said, he is grateful to “face the challenges and have the opportunities to make an impact” in Lincoln, dealing with issues that confront every growing city.
The challenge of workforce availability and development is huge, Ball said, and he will focus on “a much more broad and robust workforce development program.”
Continued investment in transportation and other infrastructure will be important, he said.
“I love seeing that construction of the South Beltway is underway,” Ball said, and he is casting an eye now on timely construction of the East Beltway as Lincoln continues to develop a circumferential freeway system around the city.
![Haymarket and Pinnacle Bank Arena view](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/14/51486139-6635-5c3c-bd41-58026e87dae5/62019b56aa575.image.jpg?resize=150{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/14/51486139-6635-5c3c-bd41-58026e87dae5/62019b56aa575.image.jpg?resize=200{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/14/51486139-6635-5c3c-bd41-58026e87dae5/62019b56aa575.image.jpg?resize=225{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/14/51486139-6635-5c3c-bd41-58026e87dae5/62019b56aa575.image.jpg?resize=300{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/14/51486139-6635-5c3c-bd41-58026e87dae5/62019b56aa575.image.jpg?resize=400{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/14/51486139-6635-5c3c-bd41-58026e87dae5/62019b56aa575.image.jpg?resize=540{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/14/51486139-6635-5c3c-bd41-58026e87dae5/62019b56aa575.image.jpg?resize=640{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C427 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/14/51486139-6635-5c3c-bd41-58026e87dae5/62019b56aa575.image.jpg?resize=750{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/14/51486139-6635-5c3c-bd41-58026e87dae5/62019b56aa575.image.jpg?resize=990{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C660 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/14/51486139-6635-5c3c-bd41-58026e87dae5/62019b56aa575.image.jpg?resize=1035{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/14/51486139-6635-5c3c-bd41-58026e87dae5/62019b56aa575.image.jpg?resize=1200{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/14/51486139-6635-5c3c-bd41-58026e87dae5/62019b56aa575.image.jpg?resize=1333{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/14/51486139-6635-5c3c-bd41-58026e87dae5/62019b56aa575.image.jpg?resize=1476{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/14/51486139-6635-5c3c-bd41-58026e87dae5/62019b56aa575.image.jpg?resize=1763{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C1175 2008w)
When Pinnacle Bank Arena opened in 2013, it added new life to an already bustling Haymarket District.
The South Beltway will connect U.S. 77 to Nebraska 2; the planned East Beltway would extend from Interstate 80 east of the Waverly interchange to Nebraska 2 approximately along 127th Street.
Meanwhile, Lincoln has made substantial and successful strides in flood control, Ball said.
But there are challenges — and air service comes quickly to mind now that Delta Air Lines has withdrawn from the city and left Lincoln with passenger service by a single carrier, United Airlines, with flights limited to daily service to Chicago and Denver.
“There are some potential alternatives,” Ball said, “and I’m trying to get educated on options now. Lincoln should expect more air service going forward.”
Ball expects to propose initiatives and priorities for the Chamber to pursue in coming days, but his first task is to “reconnect and form new relationships and make sure business has a voice.”
Lincoln has some advantages as it pursues its future, Ball said, and one clearly is the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
“The university is essential,” he said, “a workforce development partner and the source of new technological innovation” as well as a major employer.
Peering into the future, Ball sees the proposed new lake between Lincoln and Omaha envisioned by the Legislature’s so-called STARWARS Committee as “a potential real benefit” for Lincoln in terms of tourism and recreational development.
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Lincoln will be alert to protection of its water supply from wells along the Platte River near Ashland, Ball said, but so is Speaker of the Legislature Mike Hilgers of Lincoln, who is spearheading the study committee’s recommendations.
“We will want to see the details,” Ball said.
Looking ahead, he said, “I am optimistic about the future” as Lincoln, along with the rest of the nation, continues to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic with a cautious eye alert to the possibility of emerging or potential new strains of the virus.
“There are still many businesses, particularly small businesses, that have not gotten back to their same level of activity,” Ball said.
“But we’re getting to the point where people feel comfortable about being with each other,” he said. “We’re close; I’m optimistic that we are close.”
And before long the Ball family will be back together again; his wife and two school-age children remain in Texas, where he led the Chamber of Commerce in an Austin suburb, in order to finish the school year.
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Outgoing Lincoln Chamber of Commerce President Wendy Birdsall smiles as she is honored at the Celebrate Business awards in December.
His parents still live in Sidney and his wife’s parents live in Omaha, and Ball says now he is home.
You might find him running on the city’s trails, he says.
“I’m slow,” Ball said, “but I’m dedicated.”
Following Wendy Birdsall is a big challenge, Ball said.
“She was one of the best in the nation and she and I stayed in touch after I left. Wendy called me when she made the announcement that she was leaving.
“Think about it,” she told me. “When I moved on from here, it was not a realistic expectation I ever had.
“I’m truly humbled. I’m so honored. I’m home.”
PhotoFiles: Do you remember these Lincoln favorites?
Rock ‘n’ Roll Runza
![Rock 'n' Roll Runza](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/7e/47e7ffd8-3d61-5e0c-8c2b-6e7d19d43033/5d94098f051da.image.jpg?resize=150{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C112 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/7e/47e7ffd8-3d61-5e0c-8c2b-6e7d19d43033/5d94098f051da.image.jpg?resize=200{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C150 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/7e/47e7ffd8-3d61-5e0c-8c2b-6e7d19d43033/5d94098f051da.image.jpg?resize=225{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C169 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/7e/47e7ffd8-3d61-5e0c-8c2b-6e7d19d43033/5d94098f051da.image.jpg?resize=300{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C225 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/7e/47e7ffd8-3d61-5e0c-8c2b-6e7d19d43033/5d94098f051da.image.jpg?resize=400{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C300 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/7e/47e7ffd8-3d61-5e0c-8c2b-6e7d19d43033/5d94098f051da.image.jpg?resize=540{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C405 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/7e/47e7ffd8-3d61-5e0c-8c2b-6e7d19d43033/5d94098f051da.image.jpg?resize=558{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C418 640w)
Waiter Joey Davis (left) looks on while soda jerk Rob Ford and waitress Carey Breckner ferry a banana split to hungry customers at Rock ‘n’ Roll Runza in 1991.
Chi-Chi’s
![Chi-Chi's](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/55/e5536b64-e5bc-593a-921b-cd4498644fe9/574dd4cddf10d.image.jpg?resize=150{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C115 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/55/e5536b64-e5bc-593a-921b-cd4498644fe9/574dd4cddf10d.image.jpg?resize=200{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C153 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/55/e5536b64-e5bc-593a-921b-cd4498644fe9/574dd4cddf10d.image.jpg?resize=225{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C173 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/55/e5536b64-e5bc-593a-921b-cd4498644fe9/574dd4cddf10d.image.jpg?resize=300{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C230 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/55/e5536b64-e5bc-593a-921b-cd4498644fe9/574dd4cddf10d.image.jpg?resize=400{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C307 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/55/e5536b64-e5bc-593a-921b-cd4498644fe9/574dd4cddf10d.image.jpg?resize=537{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C412 540w)
Chi-Chi’s proved to be a popular restaurant from day one. This picture of their packed dining room was taken a week after the restaurant opened in 1982.
P.O. Pears
![P.O. Pears](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/ac/9ac63631-d1ef-5bcf-9138-796122360244/574dd556929cd.image.jpg?resize=150{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C101 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/ac/9ac63631-d1ef-5bcf-9138-796122360244/574dd556929cd.image.jpg?resize=200{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C134 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/ac/9ac63631-d1ef-5bcf-9138-796122360244/574dd556929cd.image.jpg?resize=225{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C151 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/ac/9ac63631-d1ef-5bcf-9138-796122360244/574dd556929cd.image.jpg?resize=300{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C201 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/ac/9ac63631-d1ef-5bcf-9138-796122360244/574dd556929cd.image.jpg?resize=400{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C268 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/ac/9ac63631-d1ef-5bcf-9138-796122360244/574dd556929cd.image.jpg?resize=540{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C362 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/ac/9ac63631-d1ef-5bcf-9138-796122360244/574dd556929cd.image.jpg?resize=543{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C364 640w)
Scott Mercer (left), Bob Scura and Kurt Cameron work on assembling some of the wild decor that once filled the interior of P.O. Pears in 1980.
A&W
![A&W](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/ed/4ed43baa-3768-5cd1-8a4b-2c2bbdbf9739/574dd52e70dfb.image.jpg?resize=150{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C109 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/ed/4ed43baa-3768-5cd1-8a4b-2c2bbdbf9739/574dd52e70dfb.image.jpg?resize=200{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C146 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/ed/4ed43baa-3768-5cd1-8a4b-2c2bbdbf9739/574dd52e70dfb.image.jpg?resize=225{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C164 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/ed/4ed43baa-3768-5cd1-8a4b-2c2bbdbf9739/574dd52e70dfb.image.jpg?resize=300{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C218 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/ed/4ed43baa-3768-5cd1-8a4b-2c2bbdbf9739/574dd52e70dfb.image.jpg?resize=400{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C291 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/ed/4ed43baa-3768-5cd1-8a4b-2c2bbdbf9739/574dd52e70dfb.image.jpg?resize=540{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C393 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/ed/4ed43baa-3768-5cd1-8a4b-2c2bbdbf9739/574dd52e70dfb.image.jpg?resize=544{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C396 640w)
Debra North gives service with a smile at A&W, one of the last genuine drive-in restaurants in Lincoln in 1981. The other was a Runza.
Waldo’s
![Waldo's](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/71/b7149e30-6e36-5cf3-80d6-73aaeeaf40c7/574dd5c91e5a7.image.jpg?resize=150{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C95 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/71/b7149e30-6e36-5cf3-80d6-73aaeeaf40c7/574dd5c91e5a7.image.jpg?resize=200{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C127 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/71/b7149e30-6e36-5cf3-80d6-73aaeeaf40c7/574dd5c91e5a7.image.jpg?resize=225{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C143 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/71/b7149e30-6e36-5cf3-80d6-73aaeeaf40c7/574dd5c91e5a7.image.jpg?resize=300{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C191 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/71/b7149e30-6e36-5cf3-80d6-73aaeeaf40c7/574dd5c91e5a7.image.jpg?resize=400{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C254 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/71/b7149e30-6e36-5cf3-80d6-73aaeeaf40c7/574dd5c91e5a7.image.jpg?resize=540{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C343 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/71/b7149e30-6e36-5cf3-80d6-73aaeeaf40c7/574dd5c91e5a7.image.jpg?resize=551{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C350 640w)
Lincoln Pius X students leave the newly-constructed Waldo’s Drive-Thru in 1989. The restaurant at 53rd and O streets was once a popular high school hangout.
Johnson’s Cafe
![Johnson's Cafe](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/03/303ae7a0-6776-5d5f-9432-a6ca2f3bd117/574dd5682e95f.image.jpg?resize=150{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C91 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/03/303ae7a0-6776-5d5f-9432-a6ca2f3bd117/574dd5682e95f.image.jpg?resize=200{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C121 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/03/303ae7a0-6776-5d5f-9432-a6ca2f3bd117/574dd5682e95f.image.jpg?resize=225{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C136 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/03/303ae7a0-6776-5d5f-9432-a6ca2f3bd117/574dd5682e95f.image.jpg?resize=300{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C181 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/03/303ae7a0-6776-5d5f-9432-a6ca2f3bd117/574dd5682e95f.image.jpg?resize=400{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C241 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/03/303ae7a0-6776-5d5f-9432-a6ca2f3bd117/574dd5682e95f.image.jpg?resize=540{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C326 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/03/303ae7a0-6776-5d5f-9432-a6ca2f3bd117/574dd5682e95f.image.jpg?resize=550{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C332 640w)
The last view from Johnson’s Cafe, which closed the night this picture was taken in 1987 after 20 years in business.
The Rotisserie
![The Rotisserie](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/61/161f4223-6767-5e07-9fb7-7e09a8383e75/574dd55dda511.image.jpg?resize=150{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C119 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/61/161f4223-6767-5e07-9fb7-7e09a8383e75/574dd55dda511.image.jpg?resize=200{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C159 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/61/161f4223-6767-5e07-9fb7-7e09a8383e75/574dd55dda511.image.jpg?resize=225{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C179 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/61/161f4223-6767-5e07-9fb7-7e09a8383e75/574dd55dda511.image.jpg?resize=300{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C239 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/61/161f4223-6767-5e07-9fb7-7e09a8383e75/574dd55dda511.image.jpg?resize=400{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C318 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/61/161f4223-6767-5e07-9fb7-7e09a8383e75/574dd55dda511.image.jpg?resize=540{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C430 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/61/161f4223-6767-5e07-9fb7-7e09a8383e75/574dd55dda511.image.jpg?resize=543{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C432 640w)
Waiter Herb Thomas gives dessert options to lone customer Lucy Buntain at The Rotisserie in 1992.
Pontillo’s
![Pontillo's](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/1b/21b243c3-6216-5dc2-b28a-a4a1dea9b035/574dd4f894520.image.jpg?resize=150{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C93 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/1b/21b243c3-6216-5dc2-b28a-a4a1dea9b035/574dd4f894520.image.jpg?resize=200{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C124 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/1b/21b243c3-6216-5dc2-b28a-a4a1dea9b035/574dd4f894520.image.jpg?resize=225{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C139 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/1b/21b243c3-6216-5dc2-b28a-a4a1dea9b035/574dd4f894520.image.jpg?resize=300{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C185 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/1b/21b243c3-6216-5dc2-b28a-a4a1dea9b035/574dd4f894520.image.jpg?resize=400{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C247 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/1b/21b243c3-6216-5dc2-b28a-a4a1dea9b035/574dd4f894520.image.jpg?resize=540{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C334 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/1b/21b243c3-6216-5dc2-b28a-a4a1dea9b035/574dd4f894520.image.jpg?resize=565{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C349 640w)
Lincoln’s first sidewalk cafe was Pontillo’s Pizzeria downtown. Pictured in 1984.
K’s Restaurant
![K's Restaurant](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/80/880af3dd-39c0-5486-be79-13b949bafc74/574dd46ebda2e.image.jpg?resize=150{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C108 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/80/880af3dd-39c0-5486-be79-13b949bafc74/574dd46ebda2e.image.jpg?resize=200{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C144 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/80/880af3dd-39c0-5486-be79-13b949bafc74/574dd46ebda2e.image.jpg?resize=225{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C162 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/80/880af3dd-39c0-5486-be79-13b949bafc74/574dd46ebda2e.image.jpg?resize=300{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C216 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/80/880af3dd-39c0-5486-be79-13b949bafc74/574dd46ebda2e.image.jpg?resize=400{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C288 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/80/880af3dd-39c0-5486-be79-13b949bafc74/574dd46ebda2e.image.jpg?resize=538{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C387 540w)
Live music by Paul Burner entertains diners at K’s Restaurant in 1979.
e11even
![e11even](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/5b/a5b44c99-3f6a-5d7c-8b78-b022b6d9ff9f/574dd51d104e9.image.jpg?resize=150{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C190 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/5b/a5b44c99-3f6a-5d7c-8b78-b022b6d9ff9f/574dd51d104e9.image.jpg?resize=200{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C253 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/5b/a5b44c99-3f6a-5d7c-8b78-b022b6d9ff9f/574dd51d104e9.image.jpg?resize=225{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C285 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/5b/a5b44c99-3f6a-5d7c-8b78-b022b6d9ff9f/574dd51d104e9.image.jpg?resize=300{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C380 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/5b/a5b44c99-3f6a-5d7c-8b78-b022b6d9ff9f/574dd51d104e9.image.jpg?resize=400{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C507 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/5b/a5b44c99-3f6a-5d7c-8b78-b022b6d9ff9f/574dd51d104e9.image.jpg?resize=427{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C541 540w)
The view east from 11 floors up could not be beat at awkwardly named e11even in 1989.
Lone Oak Cafe
![Lone Oak Cafe](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/bc/4bc51593-d7eb-5ef5-ad3e-ac27583b44fb/574dd5af5a7c1.image.jpg?resize=150{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C184 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/bc/4bc51593-d7eb-5ef5-ad3e-ac27583b44fb/574dd5af5a7c1.image.jpg?resize=200{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C246 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/bc/4bc51593-d7eb-5ef5-ad3e-ac27583b44fb/574dd5af5a7c1.image.jpg?resize=225{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C277 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/bc/4bc51593-d7eb-5ef5-ad3e-ac27583b44fb/574dd5af5a7c1.image.jpg?resize=300{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C369 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/bc/4bc51593-d7eb-5ef5-ad3e-ac27583b44fb/574dd5af5a7c1.image.jpg?resize=400{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C492 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/bc/4bc51593-d7eb-5ef5-ad3e-ac27583b44fb/574dd5af5a7c1.image.jpg?resize=448{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C551 540w)
1950s nostalgia exudes from this 1958 photo of Lone Oak Cafe near Emerald, west of Lincoln. Unfortunately the crowd of classic cars was mostly media, gathered because the owner and manager had been found dead on the floor by an employee earlier that day. Their deaths were attributed to a gas leak.
McDonald’s
![McDonald's](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/cf/7cf085ab-2b28-5c58-b961-01148f1c221c/574dd5c06e2ed.image.jpg?resize=150{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C103 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/cf/7cf085ab-2b28-5c58-b961-01148f1c221c/574dd5c06e2ed.image.jpg?resize=200{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C137 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/cf/7cf085ab-2b28-5c58-b961-01148f1c221c/574dd5c06e2ed.image.jpg?resize=225{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C154 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/cf/7cf085ab-2b28-5c58-b961-01148f1c221c/574dd5c06e2ed.image.jpg?resize=300{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C206 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/cf/7cf085ab-2b28-5c58-b961-01148f1c221c/574dd5c06e2ed.image.jpg?resize=386{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C265 400w)
Lincoln’s first McDonald’s was built in 1959 at 53rd and O streets.
The Coffee House
![The Coffee House](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c0/dc0bd38b-8ef5-5194-ac24-b0861329071a/574dd498b8b06.image.jpg?resize=150{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C109 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c0/dc0bd38b-8ef5-5194-ac24-b0861329071a/574dd498b8b06.image.jpg?resize=200{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C145 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c0/dc0bd38b-8ef5-5194-ac24-b0861329071a/574dd498b8b06.image.jpg?resize=225{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C163 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c0/dc0bd38b-8ef5-5194-ac24-b0861329071a/574dd498b8b06.image.jpg?resize=300{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C217 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c0/dc0bd38b-8ef5-5194-ac24-b0861329071a/574dd498b8b06.image.jpg?resize=400{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C290 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c0/dc0bd38b-8ef5-5194-ac24-b0861329071a/574dd498b8b06.image.jpg?resize=540{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C391 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c0/dc0bd38b-8ef5-5194-ac24-b0861329071a/574dd498b8b06.image.jpg?resize=558{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C404 640w)
Neon glow from The Coffee House, a longtime staple of downtown Lincoln, beckons late-night pedestrians to stay up a little later in 1989.
Imperial Palace
![Imperial Palace](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/26/6267abfe-4208-534f-948e-9630b4c60bb5/574dd50584c0f.image.jpg?resize=150{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C117 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/26/6267abfe-4208-534f-948e-9630b4c60bb5/574dd50584c0f.image.jpg?resize=200{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C157 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/26/6267abfe-4208-534f-948e-9630b4c60bb5/574dd50584c0f.image.jpg?resize=225{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C176 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/26/6267abfe-4208-534f-948e-9630b4c60bb5/574dd50584c0f.image.jpg?resize=300{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C235 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/26/6267abfe-4208-534f-948e-9630b4c60bb5/574dd50584c0f.image.jpg?resize=400{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C313 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/26/6267abfe-4208-534f-948e-9630b4c60bb5/574dd50584c0f.image.jpg?resize=515{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C403 540w)
The newly renovated Imperial Palace casts a glow over evening diners in 1993.
To be continued…
![To be continued...](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/b5/db51a867-5d6b-5e39-aa51-cc1b04717126/574dd57edb891.image.jpg?resize=150{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C108 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/b5/db51a867-5d6b-5e39-aa51-cc1b04717126/574dd57edb891.image.jpg?resize=200{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C145 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/b5/db51a867-5d6b-5e39-aa51-cc1b04717126/574dd57edb891.image.jpg?resize=225{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C163 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/b5/db51a867-5d6b-5e39-aa51-cc1b04717126/574dd57edb891.image.jpg?resize=300{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C217 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/b5/db51a867-5d6b-5e39-aa51-cc1b04717126/574dd57edb891.image.jpg?resize=400{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C289 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/b5/db51a867-5d6b-5e39-aa51-cc1b04717126/574dd57edb891.image.jpg?resize=537{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82}2C388 540w)
Chef Peter Wang works his culinary mastery at the original Imperial Palace in 1984, but what is he making? See the finished result in the next installment of PhotoFiles.
Reach the writer at 402-473-7248 or [email protected].
On Twitter @LJSdon