City+Ventures and experienced restauranteurs Ryan Mann and Jon Nelson today announced the creation of Dead Presidents Group, a restaurant collection with growth plans across the Midwest.
City+Ventures’ resources and expertise developing unique communities and creating desirable destinations combined with Mann and Nelson’s unrelenting focus on quality food, atmosphere and local tastes will bring six new Dead Presidents Group-backed restaurants to the Greater Omaha area and Lincoln. More than 100 new jobs are expected as a result of the projects.
Nelson and Mann are perhaps best known for Lincoln’s Pub and Jefferson’s Lounge just east of Downtown Omaha, in Council Bluffs. Lincoln’s is a stylish but comfortable American gastropub offering steaks, burgers, inventive wood-fired pizza and wings, plus a protein-focused weekend brunch with features such as in house dry-cured bacon, smoked pastrami and country ham. Located in the historic downtown on Broadway Street, Lincoln’s Pub is connected to Jefferson’s Lounge, which offers a sports bar-cocktail lounge combination.
In both current endeavors and future concepts, Mann’s focus is operations, front-of-house systems and drink programs, while Nelson concentrates on supply chain, back-of-house operations and kitchen systems. Together they partner on building culture and providing success tools to employees, as well as creating positive environments for employees and guests.
Expanding on these successes, Dead Presidents Group’s collaborative plans include two restaurant trios, each operating from a single, highly functional and energetic central kitchen. The triad, planned to open later this year at two of City+Ventures’ premiere developments, La Vista City Centre, and the Leighton District, in Lincoln, Neb., include three restaurants at each location:
- Franco’s Fresh Mexican – fast-casual, authentic Mexican fare, with locally sourced proteins and traditional spices and sauces, and walk-up ordering for simple but tasty eats like tacos, burritos, bowls, nachos and margaritas.
- The Daq Shack, an island concept with lobster rolls, fried chicken sandwiches, island drinks and signature daiquiris. Much like a real beach, Daq Shack will have a walk-up window; at the location within Lincoln’s Leighton District, the walk-up window will be connected directly to the LD Flats pool.
- Lincoln’s Pub, an approachable, relaxed environment with wood-fired pizza, pasta, wings and burgers, plus local craft beer and cocktails.
The Leighton District restaurants in Lincoln are scheduled to be under construction this spring with a fall 2021 opening date. The timeline for the La Vista City Centre restaurant locations is fall construction and opening in 2022.
“We are thrilled to establish Dead Presidents Group as part of the City+Ventures family of companies,” said Chris Erickson, co-founder of City+Ventures. “Together we will continue our shared commitment to building thriving communities influenced and guided by the desires of local residents and businesses.”
Mann and Nelson shared, “This is a dream opportunity for us. Aligning ourselves with City+Ventures and its business platform will allow us to grow organically and showcase our strengths as restauranteurs for even more communities to enjoy.”
If you’re interested in working at a Dead Presidents Group restaurant or are interested in becoming a vendor, please contact ryan@deadpresidentsgroup.com.
About City+Ventures:
City+Ventures is a premier development and investment company focused on building companies and communities. With Omaha roots but regional and national assets, City+Ventures owns and operates a wide array of businesses, including automotive dealerships; carwashes; a private jet management and charter company; real estate management; and construction-related businesses, in addition to holding a real estate portfolio. In August 2020, City+Ventures’ proven track record of reinvention and financial success earned it the No. 71 spot on the Inc. 5000 Company list.
About Dead Presidents Group:
Dead Presidents Group is a restaurant collection focused on quality food and atmosphere, all guided by local tastes. In 2021, Dead Presidents Group plans to expand its quality-food focus and high-energy, approachable dining-and-drink concepts to communities across the Midwest. Guests at DPG restaurants can expect a laid-back environment; quality, inventive yet no frills eats; and hormone- and antibiotic-free ingredients sourced from a local community of farmers, growers and butchers, including Jon’s Naturals in McClelland, Iowa.
About LaVista City Centre:
La Vista City Centre (LVCC) is a mixed-use development in La Vista, Nebraska. City+Ventures and the City of La Vista collaborated to create a neighborhood where residents can congregate and celebrate. LVCC not only serves as the entertainment hub of Sarpy County, but also will provide office space, hotel accommodations, neighborhood services, restaurants and a 384-unit luxury apartment community. Among the City Centre’s planned offerings are an indoor/outdoor music venue and a 34-acre park. City Centre stands out by focusing on genuine self-expression, creating an authentic downtown feel to give the local community an experience unlike anything around. For more information, visit www.lavistacitycentre.com.
About Leighton District:
Leighton District is a mixed-use development in Lincoln, Nebraska. City+Ventures has crafted this neighborhood to celebrate a contemporary lifestyle by cultivating arts and entertainment experiences with eclectic energy rooted in history. Leighton District not only serves as the newest entertainment destination in Lincoln, but it also provides neighborhood services, restaurants and a 234-unit upscale apartment community. Centrally located at 48th and Leighton Avenue, Leighton District is a few minutes away from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East and City campuses, Nebraska Wesleyan University and Southeast Community College. For more information, visit www.leightondistrict.com.