The Journey from Omaha to Brooklyn and Back Again
The American dream takes many forms, but few are as deliciously compelling as Aaron McCann’s journey from Omaha native to New York pizzaiolo and back to his hometown as a successful restaurateur. This Thursday marked a significant milestone in that journey as Williamsburg Pizza opened its second Omaha metro location, bringing authentic New York-style pizza crafted by local hands to the heart of the Midwest.
McCann’s story began in 2012 when he made the bold decision to leave Nebraska for the concrete jungle of New York City. Like countless dreamers before him, he was drawn to the city’s energy, opportunity, and in his case, its legendary pizza culture. Partnering with co-owner Nino Coniglio, McCann opened the first Williamsburg Pizza location in Brooklyn, immersing himself in the authentic traditions of New York pizza-making.
Bringing Brooklyn Authenticity to the Heartland
The expansion into a second Omaha location represents more than just business growth—it’s a testament to the growing sophistication of Midwest palates and the success of bringing authentic regional cuisines to new markets. Williamsburg Pizza’s menu reflects this commitment to authenticity, featuring traditional New York-style thin crust pizzas that have been perfected in the competitive Brooklyn market.
What sets Williamsburg Pizza apart in the Omaha market is its genuine connection to New York pizza culture. Unlike chains that simply attempt to replicate the New York style, McCann’s restaurant brings the real deal—recipes, techniques, and standards honed in the birthplace of American pizza culture. The menu offers classic options that New Yorkers would recognize and approve of, from traditional margherita pizzas to specialty combinations that showcase both creativity and respect for tradition.
The Challenges of Authentic Pizza Outside New York
Creating authentic New York pizza outside of New York presents unique challenges that extend beyond just recipe replication. Water chemistry, ingredient sourcing, and even altitude can affect the final product. Successful pizza makers like McCann must adapt their processes while maintaining the essential characteristics that define New York-style pizza: the thin, foldable crust with just the right amount of char, the balanced sauce-to-cheese ratio, and the overall eating experience that allows for the classic New York fold.
The timing of this expansion is particularly noteworthy given the broader trends in the restaurant industry. As consumers become more adventurous and educated about regional food styles, there’s increasing demand for authentic experiences rather than generic interpretations. This trend has benefited restaurateurs who can offer genuine expertise and connections to the food cultures they represent.
Impact on Omaha’s Evolving Food Scene
Williamsburg Pizza’s expansion comes at a time when Omaha’s food scene is experiencing unprecedented growth and diversification. The city has increasingly attracted national attention for its culinary offerings, moving far beyond its traditional steakhouse reputation to embrace a more varied and sophisticated dining landscape.
The success of authentic regional restaurants like Williamsburg Pizza signals a maturation of the local market. Omaha diners are demonstrating their willingness to support establishments that prioritize quality and authenticity over convenience and familiarity. This shift creates opportunities for other entrepreneurs with connections to distinct food cultures to find success in the market.
Economic Implications for Local Business
The opening of a second location represents significant investment in the local economy. Restaurant expansion creates jobs across multiple skill levels, from kitchen staff to management positions. Additionally, successful restaurants contribute to the vitality of their neighborhoods, often serving as anchors that attract other businesses and increase foot traffic in commercial areas.
For McCann personally, the expansion likely represents validation of his business model and the culmination of years of hard work building brand recognition and customer loyalty. The decision to open a second location suggests strong financial performance and confidence in continued growth potential.
The Broader Trend of Regional Food Migration
Williamsburg Pizza’s success story fits into a larger national trend of regional food specialties expanding beyond their traditional geographic boundaries. From Nashville hot chicken to Korean BBQ, distinctive regional cuisines are finding success in markets far from their origins. This phenomenon reflects both improved transportation and communication networks that allow for better ingredient sourcing and recipe sharing, as well as increasingly adventurous consumer palates.
Social media has played a crucial role in this trend, allowing food enthusiasts to discover and share authentic regional specialties regardless of location. Restaurants that can demonstrate genuine connections to food traditions often benefit from word-of-mouth marketing and social media buzz that would have been impossible to generate just a decade ago.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While the expansion represents success, it also brings new challenges. Maintaining quality consistency across multiple locations requires careful attention to training, supply chain management, and operational systems. Many restaurant chains struggle with this challenge, often sacrificing authenticity or quality in pursuit of scalability.
However, the opportunities for continued growth appear strong. If Williamsburg Pizza can maintain its commitment to authenticity while successfully managing multi-location operations, there’s potential for further expansion throughout the Midwest, bringing genuine New York pizza to underserved markets throughout the region.
Key Takeaways
- Authentic regional cuisine can find success outside traditional markets when executed with genuine expertise and commitment to quality
- Omaha’s food scene continues to diversify, creating opportunities for specialized restaurants and more sophisticated dining options
- Multi-location expansion represents both validation of the business model and new challenges for maintaining quality and authenticity
- Consumer palates are evolving, with increasing demand for authentic experiences over generic interpretations of regional cuisines
- Personal connections to food cultures provide competitive advantages in an increasingly crowded restaurant market
- Restaurant expansion contributes significantly to local economic development through job creation and neighborhood revitalization
As Williamsburg Pizza settles into its second Omaha location, it serves as a compelling example of how authentic passion, combined with business acumen and market timing, can create success stories that benefit both entrepreneurs and the communities they serve. McCann’s journey from Omaha to Brooklyn and back again illustrates the increasingly connected nature of America’s food culture and the opportunities available to those willing to pursue their culinary dreams with dedication and authenticity.
This article is based on reporting from the original source
Born and raised amidst the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, I’ve witnessed the city’s many exciting phases. When I’m not exploring the city or penning down my thoughts, you can find me sipping on a cup of coffee at my favorite local café, playing chess or planning my next trip. For the last twelve years, I’ve been living in South Williamsburg with my partner Berenike.