OMAHA, Neb. —
Valentine’s Day dinner will cost more in 2023 than in past years. Still, restaurants say diners are paying.
Restaurants across Omaha prepare to put their love on display as others celebrate theirs
Still rebounding off the COVID-19 pandemic, managers said they are thriving despite staffing setbacks.
Ajenor said she’s stepping in where the staff is short and asking others to do the same.
“We’ve been leaning into so many of our family and our friends to help us out just because of it. So, they’ve been a big help and we’re all just kind of going where we can to make it work,” Ajenor said.
“We’re doing a tasting menu and doing smaller portions. If it makes it easier to absorb some of those costs instead of having an eight-ounce filet you might get two or three ounces, so it balances itself out in extended variety,” Murphy said.
These restaurants said they won’t sacrifice experience.
“We have a master sommelier, the ambiance, the food, the wine, just bringing everything together, trying to showcase something a little bit different than maybe everybody else is doing,” Murphy said.
Ajenor had a similar idea.
“We’re bringing something different to Omaha and it’s an experience for people. We do a fully imported wine list, so we love to educate our guests when they’re here. It’s not just come in, give us your money and leave. It’s come in and get to know us, get to know the wine, get to the menu, and leave you satisfied and happy,” Ajenor said.