Though not a trained chef, she’s an enthusiastic, self-taught home cook who enjoys experimenting with new recipes and putting her own spin on dishes. Inside, the space is warm and inviting with a classic black-and-white checkered floor, artwork, a spacious bar, and a charming “European flair,” says Kesa, who previously ran the former Center Street Cafe near 35th and Center streets, which closed in 2002. The restaurant rises above its nondescript, next-to-a-gas-station setting with a welcoming patio entrance surrounded by decorative wrought-iron fencing and lots of flowers and plants. Don’t do that.” “Frank is very particular, very finicky,” Kesa says.ĭuring the last 10 years, the family-friendly spot has acquired many loyal customers from the surrounding area as well as other parts of the city. His usual response: “Oh, God, don’t make that. The eatery is named after a neighbor who always turned his nose up at whatever Kesa was cooking. The following year, the restaurant moved to its present location at 9520 Calhoun Road, just northwest of North 30th Street and Interstate 680. The Kennys opened the first incarnation of Finicky Frank's in 2007 in Ponca Hills. Dishes are prepared from scratch with a focus on seasonality, and many ingredients are locally sourced some come from as close as owners Brian and Kesa Kenny’s 11-acre Ponca Hills home. The small, locally owned cafe in Omaha’s Florence neighborhood has a hidden-gem quality and offers well-made, thoughtful fare with homespun style. Get the latest news and weather delivered straight to your inbox.Its offbeat location next to a gas station may make some first-time visitors to Finicky Frank's a little apprehensive, but diners shouldn’t be dissuaded. To see the full menu, go to .ĭownload our apps today for all of our latest coverage. Finicky Frank's is at 9520 Calhoun Road just north of Florence. Kesa suggests making a reservation at (402) 451-5555. The fried chicken is served with mashed potatoes and gravy, cream corn, warm dinner rolls and French vanilla ice cream for dessert. Kesa and Brian say he still picks on them to this day.įinicky Frank's is open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner. "It's the smells, it's the senses," she said.įinicky Franks is creative, charming and delicious.īecause the owners know there's nothing finicky about good food.īy the way, their neighbor Frank is still around. "You can't go wrong with a few simple ingredients and fresh," she shared. People love the potatoes," she added.Ī side of freshly made coleslaw makes it complete. We like them nice and crispy with caramelized onions. "And with that, we serve really nice baby red tomatoes. "If you don't have a Thursday reservation, you might not get walleye. It's served with cheesy au gratin potatoes and fresh broccoli. You can get a slice of her mouthwatering meatloaf every Wednesday. They're seasoned, deep-fried, and served with their famous frank sauce. Kesa takes pride in making everything from scratch, like her truffle fries and onion rings. The rice is topped with salmon then a poached egg. "It's got chilies and ginger and garlic and shallots and a little bit of sesame seed it in," she explained. It's packed with veggies and flavor from her chili crunch oil. People call, 'what's the soup tonight?'" her husband and co-owner Brian shared.Īll year long, Kesa comes up with new creations. She's always creating soup and it's always fantastic. I love to see people happy, hearing everybody just 'mmm' and the plates going cling clink is the most rewarding job," she said with a smile.ĭuring the winter, her soups are popular. When we first got ready to open, he was persistent in asking what are you going to cook and I'd say something and he'd say, 'Oh God, don't make that,' and finally he said, 'What are you going to name the place?' and I looked at him and I said, 'Finicky Franks' and it just stuck, and we still refer to our neighbor as Finicky Frank," Kesa laughed.įifteen years later, Kesa Kenny is still whipping up plates of happiness. If you haven't been there, 3 News Now Anchor Serese Cole tell us it's worth the trip.įinicky Frank's was named after owners Brian and Kesa Kenny's neighbor. But those who live in Ponca Hills know all about Finicky Frank's and the woman behind the restaurant's delightful dinners.
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