Nebraska Hospitality Association

05/28/2026

Today is the final day of giving! Help support our educational programs today! Gifts starting at just $10! https://www.givetolincoln.com/nonprofits/nebraska-restaurant-association-educational-foundation

Nebraska Hospitality Educational Foundation

05/27/2026

Students, are you ready to take your culinary skills to the next level?

Metropolitan Community College’s Culinary Competition Boot Camp is designed for teens ages 14–18 who are serious about cooking, competition teams, and building real kitchen experience.

Students will spend three days learning how to:
• Plan a competition-ready menu
• Prep and organize ingredients
• Work in a commercial kitchen environment
• Execute a finished culinary presentation

Hosted at the Institute for the Culinary Arts at MCC Fort Omaha Campus.

📍 Fort Omaha Campus
📅 June 15–17, 2026
⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
🎓 Ages 14–18

Spots are still available.
https://coned.mccneb.edu/wconnect/CourseStatus.awp?course=26UTEEN590A

05/25/2026

Omaha food stories and James Beard glory. 🍽️ This week on The Book Drop, OPL’s podcast, we’re sitting down with Brian O’Malley for a conversation about the 2026 James Beard Awards and the local nominees. Find the new episode on your favorite streaming platform or visit omahalibrary.org/podcast.

05/24/2026

05/24/2026

Protect your team, your guests, and your business with ServSafe® Food Safety Training for Managers!

The Nebraska Hospitality Association, Nebraska Extension, and industry partners are proud to offer this nationally recognized certification program designed to strengthen food safety knowledge and Active Managerial Controls in hospitality operations.

📍 Food Innovation Center – Lincoln
📅 Upcoming 2026 Course Dates:
- June 15, August 10, October 12, November 9

⏰ Schedule:
Check-in: 7:45 AM
Instruction: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Exam: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

💲 Course Fees:
• NEHA Members: $199
• Non-members: $225

Registration includes:
✔️ ServSafe Course Book
✔️ Full Day Instruction
✔️ Certification Exam
✔️ Lunch Provided

Whether you are training a new manager or renewing certification, this course helps hospitality professionals build safer operations and stronger food safety practices.

https://www.nebraskahospitality.org/servsafe

05/24/2026

Step into the glamour of the Roaring 20’s at the Nebraska Hospitality Awards Celebration!

Join hospitality leaders from across Nebraska for an evening of recognition, networking, cocktails, small plates, entertainment, and celebration as we honor the people and businesses helping shape our industry.

📍 Marriott Regency – Omaha
📅 Sunday, July 12, 2026
⏰ 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Enjoy:
• Cocktail Reception
• Silent Auction benefiting HEF
• Annual Awards Presentation
• Guest Speaker Dan Hoppen of the Restaurant Hoppen Podcast
• Roaring 20’s inspired atmosphere & attire

🎟️ $85 Individual Tickets
🎟️ $800 Table of 10

Whether you come dressed for the era or simply ready to celebrate Nebraska hospitality, this will be one of the industry’s signature events of the year.

More Information Here: https://www.nebraskahospitality.org/annual-awards-celebration

05/24/2026

We love seeing Nebraska hospitality talent recognized, especially when it is one of our lodging members!

Congratulations to Chef Garrett Kasper and the team at Arbor Day Farm on this outstanding feature in Omaha Magazine.

Located at Arbor Day Farm’s Lied Lodge in Nebraska City, Chef Kasper has transformed the culinary program into a true scratch kitchen experience, with an incredible focus on seasonal ingredients grown right on the property. From orchard to table, the story highlights the innovation, sustainability, and passion helping elevate Nebraska hospitality.

Stories like this showcase the talent, creativity, and dedication found across Nebraska’s lodging and hospitality industry every day. We are proud to have Arbor Day Farm as a NEHA member and celebrate the work they are doing to create unforgettable guest experiences.

Read the full story here: https://www.omahamagazine.com/fooddrink/garrett-kasper-builds-a-scratch-kitchen-at-arbor-day-farm/


Omaha Magazine Arbor Day Farm

Garrett Kasper was driving back to Kansas to see his parents when his phone rang. He wasn't looking for a

05/18/2026

A huge THANK YOU to our sponsors for supporting today’s ProStart Golf Tournament and helping invest in the future of Nebraska hospitality.

Because of partners like these, we continue supporting hospitality education, scholarships, and industry opportunities across Nebraska. We appreciate your partnership, generosity, and commitment to growing the next generation of hospitality leaders. 💚