For years an old bank building sat vacant on the corner of 30th and Ames, but this week, new life has been breathed into the building. A new resident has moved into the building and the community is already taking full advantage of the unique space.
On Tuesday, the newest Scooter's Coffee opened its doors, welcomed in and embraced the northeast Omaha community. Owner Julian Young tells NewsRadio 1110 KFAB that there aren't many places for residents in North Omaha to get a drink, sit down and have a place to work. That, Young says, is why he and his wife felt so strongly about opening a new business in that part of the metro. "To see non-profit organizations using our meeting space, or to see small business owners and entrepreneurs working in one of our booths. So much different activity and different dynamics when you come in there, it means everything."
Young is hoping that their shop on the corner of one of the busiest intersections in the city will be an example of the business possibilities, and opportunities, in North Omaha. "There's that perception that there isn't money to spend in that part of the city, or you can't build a successful business there, which is totally untrue. There is a tremendous amount of buying power in North Omaha."
Although the store has only been open a few short days, Young says the response has already been overwhelming. "This community has shown us so much love. There have been so many different stories that this is impacting people already. People who said, 'Oh, I've been waiting for this,' or 'I don't have to go outside my community to do this, I can spend my money here.'"
A grand opening will be held all day on Friday from 6:00 AM till 10:00 PM, with an official ribbon cutting at 12:00 PM.