Neal Franklin
@nealhfranklin.bsky.social
Business Reporter at the Lincoln Journal Star. Story ideas: [email protected]
Business is: restaurants, manufacturing, tech, jobs, aviation, health, vice, ag and economics
Business is: restaurants, manufacturing, tech, jobs, aviation, health, vice, ag and economics
Pinned
What's going up? Here's where construction projects stand in Lincoln
A hotel, apartments, an art studio expansion and a potential franchise restaurant are among the buildings rising up across Lincoln.
journalstar.com
I wrote a roundup of some of Lincoln's most visible construction projects for people like me who always wonder what's going up there?
Highlights include a hotel, several apartment buildings, an arts studio and maybe a Taco Bell? #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Highlights include a hotel, several apartment buildings, an arts studio and maybe a Taco Bell? #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Ali Baba Gyros is coming to a place that has fascinated my family, who live in the Indian Village area, in Lincoln for years.
A bank that became a CBD shop is becoming a Mediterranean restaurant. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
A bank that became a CBD shop is becoming a Mediterranean restaurant. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
Indian Village getting new restaurant in early 2026
Ali Baba Gyros will be opening a location near the corner of 13th and Arapahoe streets in 2026.
journalstar.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Ali Baba Gyros is coming to a place that has fascinated my family, who live in the Indian Village area, in Lincoln for years.
A bank that became a CBD shop is becoming a Mediterranean restaurant. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
A bank that became a CBD shop is becoming a Mediterranean restaurant. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
A significant part of my week has been devoted to covering empty Burger Kings and what comes next. There's more Lincoln Burger King news than you would think.
Here's the latest on the restaurants being demolished and coming back in #LNK:
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Here's the latest on the restaurants being demolished and coming back in #LNK:
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Another Burger King bites the dust in Lincoln. Here's what is replacing it.
A Burger King site that was located at 1448 N. 48th St. is set to become a gasoline station.
journalstar.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:40 PM
A significant part of my week has been devoted to covering empty Burger Kings and what comes next. There's more Lincoln Burger King news than you would think.
Here's the latest on the restaurants being demolished and coming back in #LNK:
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Here's the latest on the restaurants being demolished and coming back in #LNK:
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
This NYT story mentions Sower Books in Lincoln and Magic City Books in Tulsa (my hometown).
Book stores across the country set themselves up as food banks for people impacted by the government shutdown.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/b...
Book stores across the country set themselves up as food banks for people impacted by the government shutdown.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/b...
To Help SNAP Recipients, Bookstores Set Up as Food Banks
www.nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:54 PM
This NYT story mentions Sower Books in Lincoln and Magic City Books in Tulsa (my hometown).
Book stores across the country set themselves up as food banks for people impacted by the government shutdown.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/b...
Book stores across the country set themselves up as food banks for people impacted by the government shutdown.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/b...
I wrote a roundup of some of Lincoln's most visible construction projects for people like me who always wonder what's going up there?
Highlights include a hotel, several apartment buildings, an arts studio and maybe a Taco Bell? #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Highlights include a hotel, several apartment buildings, an arts studio and maybe a Taco Bell? #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
What's going up? Here's where construction projects stand in Lincoln
A hotel, apartments, an art studio expansion and a potential franchise restaurant are among the buildings rising up across Lincoln.
journalstar.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:07 PM
I wrote a roundup of some of Lincoln's most visible construction projects for people like me who always wonder what's going up there?
Highlights include a hotel, several apartment buildings, an arts studio and maybe a Taco Bell? #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Highlights include a hotel, several apartment buildings, an arts studio and maybe a Taco Bell? #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
I'm working to track canceled flights to and from Nebraska airports. They include:
* United 1778, Friday 8:50 a.m., Chicago (ORD) to Omaha
* American 3673, Friday 9:21 a.m., Omaha to Chicago (ORD)
* United 5831, Friday 9:40 a.m., Denver to Lincoln
* United 1778, Friday 8:50 a.m., Chicago (ORD) to Omaha
* American 3673, Friday 9:21 a.m., Omaha to Chicago (ORD)
* United 5831, Friday 9:40 a.m., Denver to Lincoln
November 7, 2025 at 6:01 PM
I'm working to track canceled flights to and from Nebraska airports. They include:
* United 1778, Friday 8:50 a.m., Chicago (ORD) to Omaha
* American 3673, Friday 9:21 a.m., Omaha to Chicago (ORD)
* United 5831, Friday 9:40 a.m., Denver to Lincoln
* United 1778, Friday 8:50 a.m., Chicago (ORD) to Omaha
* American 3673, Friday 9:21 a.m., Omaha to Chicago (ORD)
* United 5831, Friday 9:40 a.m., Denver to Lincoln
Two openings and three closings:
Sakura Japanese Restaurant is opening where in South Lincoln.
The site used to be home to Tavern 180 which closed earlier this year. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
Sakura Japanese Restaurant is opening where in South Lincoln.
The site used to be home to Tavern 180 which closed earlier this year. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
Japanese restaurant at former Tavern 180 spot: Keep it simple and good
Garlands of cherry blossom flowers and banners hanging over the bar showcase the location’s new focus on Japanese food.
journalstar.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Two openings and three closings:
Sakura Japanese Restaurant is opening where in South Lincoln.
The site used to be home to Tavern 180 which closed earlier this year. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
Sakura Japanese Restaurant is opening where in South Lincoln.
The site used to be home to Tavern 180 which closed earlier this year. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
The Lincoln Airport and Breeze Airways are adding flights to Las Vegas and Orange County after bookings to Orlando came back better than expected. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
November 4, 2025 at 6:59 PM
The Lincoln Airport and Breeze Airways are adding flights to Las Vegas and Orange County after bookings to Orlando came back better than expected. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Halted SNAP benefits and missed paychecks for federal workers have put people's next meals at risk.
These businesses and organizations in Lincoln are trying to help out during the government shutdown:
#LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/a...
These businesses and organizations in Lincoln are trying to help out during the government shutdown:
#LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/a...
Food crisis looms: These restaurants, businesses helping to feed Lincoln
With federal food aid expected to run dry, Lincoln restaurants, organizations and businesses are providing free food to the community. Here's where Nebraskans can go to find a warm meal.
journalstar.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Halted SNAP benefits and missed paychecks for federal workers have put people's next meals at risk.
These businesses and organizations in Lincoln are trying to help out during the government shutdown:
#LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/a...
These businesses and organizations in Lincoln are trying to help out during the government shutdown:
#LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/a...
Attracting a new airline takes patience... and money. The Lincoln Airport approved some final incentives to round out the package it offered Breeze Airways. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Lincoln Airport finalizes Breeze Airways incentives
journalstar.com
October 24, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Attracting a new airline takes patience... and money. The Lincoln Airport approved some final incentives to round out the package it offered Breeze Airways. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Madonna reopened a research institute on it's Lincoln campus and added new VR tech designed to help work on patients' balance and walking issues. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Madonna levels up Lincoln campus with renovated research center, VR tech
Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals helps people heal in many ways. New virtual reality technology at its Lincoln campus is the latest way the hospital is helping patients.
journalstar.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Madonna reopened a research institute on it's Lincoln campus and added new VR tech designed to help work on patients' balance and walking issues. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
NPPD is building a new natural gas power station near Hallam to meet growing energy demand and requirements from the Southwest Power Pool. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Nebraska Public Power District building $1.5 billion power station near Hallam
The Nebraska Public Power District is planning a $1.5 billion natural gas station in southern Lancaster County to meet growing power needs.
journalstar.com
October 22, 2025 at 9:25 PM
NPPD is building a new natural gas power station near Hallam to meet growing energy demand and requirements from the Southwest Power Pool. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Because of the government shutdown, the Nebraska Department of Labor won't release it's
September unemployment report tomorrow.
The August report had the state's unemployment rate at 3%.
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
September unemployment report tomorrow.
The August report had the state's unemployment rate at 3%.
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Government shutdown delays Nebraska unemployment report
The Nebraska Department of Labor would have released a report detailing September’s unemployment numbers on Tuesday, but the report has been delayed because of the government shutdown.
journalstar.com
October 20, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Because of the government shutdown, the Nebraska Department of Labor won't release it's
September unemployment report tomorrow.
The August report had the state's unemployment rate at 3%.
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
September unemployment report tomorrow.
The August report had the state's unemployment rate at 3%.
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
A car crashed into Bodhi Imports, a metaphysical gift shop on 17th Street, Friday afternoon. #LNK
One of the drivers involved in the crash was taken to a hospital.
From @ajohnsonljs.bsky.social:
journalstar.com/news/local/a...
One of the drivers involved in the crash was taken to a hospital.
From @ajohnsonljs.bsky.social:
journalstar.com/news/local/a...
Lincoln business picking up pieces after car crashes into building
Beatrix Mather, who purchased the metaphysical gift shop in January, is left picking up the pieces of her shop with hopes to return to business soon.
journalstar.com
October 20, 2025 at 5:21 PM
A car crashed into Bodhi Imports, a metaphysical gift shop on 17th Street, Friday afternoon. #LNK
One of the drivers involved in the crash was taken to a hospital.
From @ajohnsonljs.bsky.social:
journalstar.com/news/local/a...
One of the drivers involved in the crash was taken to a hospital.
From @ajohnsonljs.bsky.social:
journalstar.com/news/local/a...
The Gold's Building downtown opened after transforming into a hotel. #LNK
The building doesn't look like the mall it once was, but it also doesn't look like your average hotel. See what the new hotel looks like:
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
The building doesn't look like the mall it once was, but it also doesn't look like your average hotel. See what the new hotel looks like:
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Historic downtown Lincoln landmark reopens with familiar walls, 'wow' factor
The Gold’s Building in downtown Lincoln reopened, starting a new phase of life for the historic building. What was once a department store is now a Hampton Inn hotel.
journalstar.com
October 20, 2025 at 5:17 PM
The Gold's Building downtown opened after transforming into a hotel. #LNK
The building doesn't look like the mall it once was, but it also doesn't look like your average hotel. See what the new hotel looks like:
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
The building doesn't look like the mall it once was, but it also doesn't look like your average hotel. See what the new hotel looks like:
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Reposted by Neal Franklin
Snowplows, check! Salt, check! Brine, check!: Lincoln officials detail winter prep @journalstar.com journalstar.com/news/local/g...
Snowplows, check! Salt, check! Brine, check!: Lincoln officials detail winter prep
To counter the 27 inches of snowfall Lincoln averages per year, the city has 60 snowplows on hand to clear 2,600 lane miles of streets.
journalstar.com
October 16, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Snowplows, check! Salt, check! Brine, check!: Lincoln officials detail winter prep @journalstar.com journalstar.com/news/local/g...
Trade-A-Tape Comic Center is celebrating 50 years this October.
Reader's favorite superhero sagas, along with other comic book genres still line the store's walls. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Reader's favorite superhero sagas, along with other comic book genres still line the store's walls. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Downtown Lincoln store marks 50 years of heroic storytelling
Trade-A-Tape Comic Center carries superhero comics along with other comics and graphic novels. The store is celebrating 50 years of business in October.
journalstar.com
October 16, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Trade-A-Tape Comic Center is celebrating 50 years this October.
Reader's favorite superhero sagas, along with other comic book genres still line the store's walls. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Reader's favorite superhero sagas, along with other comic book genres still line the store's walls. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Nebraska Airports didn't receive and aren't playing a video from DHS blaming Democrats for the government shutdown.
The Lincoln Airport said they don't have screens in the TSA area to play the video anyway.
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
The Lincoln Airport said they don't have screens in the TSA area to play the video anyway.
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Kristi Noem’s shutdown airport video not playing in Lincoln, Eppley
Airports across the country received a video from the Department of Homeland Security blaming Democrats for the government shutdown. Many have declined to play it. Nebraska airports have remained unaf...
journalstar.com
October 16, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Nebraska Airports didn't receive and aren't playing a video from DHS blaming Democrats for the government shutdown.
The Lincoln Airport said they don't have screens in the TSA area to play the video anyway.
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
The Lincoln Airport said they don't have screens in the TSA area to play the video anyway.
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
The Air Park area is getting a new business with Nebraska roots.
Buresh Meats has been growing in other communities in the state and is now coming to Lincoln. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Buresh Meats has been growing in other communities in the state and is now coming to Lincoln. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Family-owned meat store moving into familiar Lincoln Air Park digs
A grocery store in Lincoln’s Air Park is changing hands once again and will house a David City-based meats store when it reopens this year.
journalstar.com
October 13, 2025 at 2:19 PM
The Air Park area is getting a new business with Nebraska roots.
Buresh Meats has been growing in other communities in the state and is now coming to Lincoln. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Buresh Meats has been growing in other communities in the state and is now coming to Lincoln. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
This weekend: The social media personality Keenan Eats is planning a food truck festival near downtown. #LNK
I talked to Keenan about the inspiration for the festival and his career in the restaurant industry and online.
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
I talked to Keenan about the inspiration for the festival and his career in the restaurant industry and online.
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
Keenan Eats brings Lincoln’s best bites together for a food fest
Keenan Serrano, of Keenan Eats, is collaborating with food trucks across Lincoln to put on an event called the Here for the Food Festival: Taste of Lincoln on Oct. 18.
journalstar.com
October 13, 2025 at 2:17 PM
This weekend: The social media personality Keenan Eats is planning a food truck festival near downtown. #LNK
I talked to Keenan about the inspiration for the festival and his career in the restaurant industry and online.
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
I talked to Keenan about the inspiration for the festival and his career in the restaurant industry and online.
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
Reposted by Neal Franklin
Speaking to a crowd of city and community leaders Tuesday morning at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel, Gaylor Baird said Lincoln, the 72nd largest city in America, ranks in the top 15 for home buyers, renters, retirees, working moms and families — and happiness.
Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird: 'The state of our city is strong'
Pointing to low crime rates and a spike in building permits, Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird cast Lincoln as the "quality of life capital of the country" in a speech Tuesday.
journalstar.com
October 7, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Speaking to a crowd of city and community leaders Tuesday morning at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel, Gaylor Baird said Lincoln, the 72nd largest city in America, ranks in the top 15 for home buyers, renters, retirees, working moms and families — and happiness.
The cookie company Crumbl - recently known for it's Moonbeam Ice Cream cookie - is opening another location in Lincoln. This time near SouthPointe Pavilions. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
Double the dough — popular cookie store expanding in Lincoln
The cookie store company Crumbl is getting a second Lincoln location.
journalstar.com
October 7, 2025 at 9:49 PM
The cookie company Crumbl - recently known for it's Moonbeam Ice Cream cookie - is opening another location in Lincoln. This time near SouthPointe Pavilions. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
The "Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska" is a combine harvester made in Grand Island.
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
And the winner is ... 'Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska' champ crowned
The Nebraska Chamber and the NE Manufacturing Alliance announced the winner of the fourth annual “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” competition.
journalstar.com
October 7, 2025 at 9:47 PM
The "Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska" is a combine harvester made in Grand Island.
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
The Lincoln Journal Star is cutting its Monday print edition.
Other papers have taken the cost cutting measure of skipping some print days, but the Lincoln paper had avoided it thus far. This will impact almost all Lee Enterprise papers.
journalstar.com/news/local/a...
Other papers have taken the cost cutting measure of skipping some print days, but the Lincoln paper had avoided it thus far. This will impact almost all Lee Enterprise papers.
journalstar.com/news/local/a...
Letter to readers: Monday print delivery changing next month
Starting the week of Nov. 3, the Lincoln Journal Star will produce a printed paper six days a week, from Tuesday through Sunday.
journalstar.com
October 3, 2025 at 2:10 PM
The Lincoln Journal Star is cutting its Monday print edition.
Other papers have taken the cost cutting measure of skipping some print days, but the Lincoln paper had avoided it thus far. This will impact almost all Lee Enterprise papers.
journalstar.com/news/local/a...
Other papers have taken the cost cutting measure of skipping some print days, but the Lincoln paper had avoided it thus far. This will impact almost all Lee Enterprise papers.
journalstar.com/news/local/a...
Northeast Lincoln is getting a Slim Chickens location.
There are three other locations in Lincoln. The chain sells chicken tenders, sandwiches and wraps along with chicken and waffles. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
There are three other locations in Lincoln. The chain sells chicken tenders, sandwiches and wraps along with chicken and waffles. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
This fast-casual chicken chain is coming to northeast Lincoln
This fast-casual chicken chain already has some locations in south Lincoln.
journalstar.com
October 2, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Northeast Lincoln is getting a Slim Chickens location.
There are three other locations in Lincoln. The chain sells chicken tenders, sandwiches and wraps along with chicken and waffles. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
There are three other locations in Lincoln. The chain sells chicken tenders, sandwiches and wraps along with chicken and waffles. #LNK
journalstar.com/life-enterta...
ITC Federal is finishing out its contract in Lincoln as previously reported with no headway on union negotiations for severance pay.
Nearly 200 workers will be laid off around Thanksgiving. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/state-r...
Nearly 200 workers will be laid off around Thanksgiving. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/state-r...
Immigration services center laying off nearly 200 workers in Lincoln
Almost 200 people who work for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service in Lincoln will be losing their jobs in another round of layoffs.
journalstar.com
October 2, 2025 at 7:24 PM
ITC Federal is finishing out its contract in Lincoln as previously reported with no headway on union negotiations for severance pay.
Nearly 200 workers will be laid off around Thanksgiving. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/state-r...
Nearly 200 workers will be laid off around Thanksgiving. #LNK
journalstar.com/news/state-r...