Matthew Brunken spearheads efforts to reopen historic Korn Popper eatery in Nebraska
Matthew Brunken, a Nebraska native and entrepreneur, has been working to reopen a historic Nebraska eatery that recently closed its doors after 85 years in business. The Original Korn Popper, located in downtown Lincoln, was a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike, known for its delicious popcorn and friendly atmosphere.
After the news of the restaurant's closure, Brunken saw an opportunity to preserve a piece of Nebraska history and bring back a beloved community gathering spot. He has been working with the former owners to acquire the business and reopen it under new management, with plans to maintain the restaurant's original charm and character.
The Original Korn Popper is a staple of the Lincoln community, and its closure was met with disappointment from many loyal customers. Brunken's efforts to reopen the restaurant have been met with excitement and anticipation, as locals look forward to once again enjoying the iconic popcorn and gathering with friends and family in the cozy, welcoming atmosphere of The Original Korn Popper.
Who is Matthew Brunken, MBA?
Matthew Brunken is a seasoned business professional who has a passion for helping small businesses succeed. He is the founder of BuySBA and CimShare, which are digital tools that enable the transfer of business ownership between generations. Brunken has a strong background in business law and litigation, which allows him to maneuver in high-risk environments.
Brunken has experience as a Senior Venture Analyst at UNeTech, where he developed and implemented a novel customer discovery framework for medical entrepreneurship accelerator. He is currently a co-founder of BuySBA.com and President of Knudson Ventures.
Brunken's expertise in business has led him to assist in reopening the historic Nebraska eatery, The Original Korn Popper. According to a JournalStar article, Brunken is working with the new owners to help them navigate the complex process of reopening the restaurant.
Overall, Brunken's experience in business law, litigation, and entrepreneurship make him a valuable asset to small businesses looking to succeed.
History of the Korn Popper
The Original Korn Popper, a historic eatery located in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska, has been serving delicious popcorn and other snacks for 85 years. The business was founded in 1938 by the Sell family, and it quickly became a staple in the community. The Korn Popper has been a popular destination for generations of Lincoln residents and visitors alike.
The Korn Popper's unique name comes from the German word for corn, which is "korn." The Sell family used an old-fashioned popcorn maker to create their delicious popcorn, and the smell of fresh popcorn has been a hallmark of the Korn Popper for decades. In addition to popcorn, the Korn Popper also served other snacks, including candy, nuts, and soda.
Over the years, the Korn Popper has seen many changes. The business changed hands several times, and it moved to a new location in the early 2000s. Despite these changes, the Korn Popper remained a beloved institution in Lincoln. However, in 2023, the Korn Popper announced that it would be closing its doors for good.
The decision to close the Korn Popper was a difficult one for the current owners, Colby Ridge. According to an article in the Lincoln Journal Star, the company's president, Don Steinbach, said, "Keeping the Korn Popper open was always something we strived for, but as the losses increase it is not advantageous for us as a business to stay open."
The closure of the Korn Popper was a sad moment for many in the Lincoln community. However, thanks to the efforts of local businessman Matthew Brunken, the Korn Popper will soon be reopening as a new restaurant. Brunken has a deep appreciation for the Korn Popper's history and legacy, and he is committed to preserving its unique charm and character.
With the help of Brunken and his team, the Korn Popper will soon be serving up delicious food and drinks once again. While the new restaurant will be different from the Korn Popper of old, it will still honor the history and traditions of this beloved Lincoln institution.
Reopening as "Culinary Kitchen"
After 85 years of serving popcorn and candy, the Original Korn Popper in Lincoln, Nebraska, closed its doors in 2019. However, thanks to the efforts of Matthew Brunken and his team, the space has been transformed into a state-of-the-art culinary kitchen.
The new space, named "Culinary Kitchen," offers a variety of services for food entrepreneurs and businesses. The kitchen is equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and equipment, including a commercial-grade stove, oven, and refrigerator. There is also a separate prep area and a large walk-in cooler for storage.
One of the main goals of Culinary Kitchen is to provide a space for small businesses to grow and thrive. The kitchen is available for rent on an hourly basis, making it an affordable option for those who may not have the resources to build their own commercial kitchen. Additionally, Brunken and his team offer consulting services to help entrepreneurs get their businesses off the ground.
Culinary Kitchen is also available for private events and cooking classes. The space can accommodate up to 50 people and offers a variety of amenities, including a sound system, projector, and screen. The kitchen also offers a variety of cooking classes, ranging from basic knife skills to advanced pastry techniques.
Overall, the reopening of the Original Korn Popper as Culinary Kitchen is a testament to the resilience of the Lincoln community and the entrepreneurial spirit of Matthew Brunken and his team. With its top-of-the-line equipment and affordable rental rates, Culinary Kitchen is sure to be a valuable resource for food entrepreneurs and businesses for years to come.
(Source: Lincoln Journal Star)
Why Lincoln Needs to Keep the Historic Location Operating
The Original Korn Popper has been a staple in Lincoln for over 85 years, serving up delicious popcorn to generations of Nebraskans. The news of its closure has left many residents feeling nostalgic and concerned about the loss of this historic location. Matthew Brunken's efforts to reopen the eatery are a testament to the importance of preserving Lincoln's history and culture.
The Original Korn Popper is not just a place to buy popcorn. It is a symbol of Lincoln's past and a reminder of the city's rich history. The building itself is an important piece of architecture, with its distinctive Art Deco design and neon sign. Losing this landmark would be a blow to the city's identity and character.
Furthermore, the closure of The Original Korn Popper would have a negative impact on the local economy. The eatery has been a popular destination for tourists and residents alike, drawing in customers from all over the state. Its closure would mean the loss of jobs for employees and a decrease in revenue for nearby businesses.
Matthew Brunken's efforts to reopen The Original Korn Popper demonstrate the community's commitment to preserving Lincoln's history and culture. By keeping this historic location operating, Lincoln can continue to celebrate its past while looking towards the future.
As reported by Journal Star, the closure of The Original Korn Popper has been met with disappointment and concern from residents. The efforts to reopen the eatery have been met with overwhelming support, showing the importance of this historic location to the community.
Menu of Fruit Bowls and Homemade Teas
Matthew Brunken, along with his team, has helped to reopen the historic Korn Popper in Nebraska, and they have brought with them a menu of fresh and healthy options, including fruit bowls and homemade teas.
The fruit bowls are made with a variety of fresh and seasonal fruits, such as melons, berries, and pineapple. Customers can choose from different combinations of fruits and toppings, such as shredded coconut or honey. These fruit bowls are not only delicious but also a great source of vitamins and nutrients.
In addition to the fruit bowls, the Korn Popper also offers a selection of homemade teas. The teas are made with natural ingredients, such as herbs and fruits, and are free from artificial flavors and preservatives. Customers can choose from a variety of flavors, such as mint, lemon, and ginger.
The Korn Popper's menu of fruit bowls and homemade teas is a refreshing change from the typical fast-food options. With a focus on fresh and healthy ingredients, customers can enjoy a guilt-free meal that is both delicious and nutritious.
According to Journal Star, the Korn Popper has been a staple in Lincoln, Nebraska for over 85 years. With the help of Matthew Brunken and his team, the historic eatery has been given a new lease on life, and customers can now enjoy a menu of fresh and healthy options, including fruit bowls and homemade teas.