Austin Plourde
Bellevue Leader
Brandon Davis knew from a young age that one day he wanted to own and run his own restaurant.
After going through culinary school, Davis eventually found himself working for Justin Epting at Quick Bites Soul Food in Olde Town Bellevue.
Epting died on Feb. 13 of this year, and Quick Bites Soul Food announced on June 29 that it would be closing its doors.
Davis said he worked at Quick Bites Soul Food for five years and did not want to see the work he put into the establishment go to waste.
He decided it was time to hunker down and fulfill one of his lifelong dreams.
“Justin would have wanted that. He taught me a lot of the stuff that I know now,†Davis said.
The name Shug’s Comfort Food serves as tribute to one of Davis’s loved ones.
“I’ve named it after my mom. My mom has passed away 11 years ago today,†Davis said.
Listen now and subscribe: | | | |
Oct. 1 would have been his mother’s 50th birthday, and Davis said he knows his mom would be proud if she could talk to him now.
His mom was the major cook in the family and was behind a lot of the memorable meals in Davis’s life.
Davis said he has always enjoyed the atmosphere a well-cooked meal can create for the community.
“It brings people together from all walks of life, all nationalities and races,†Davis said.
The décor of the restaurant seems farmhouse-like, and the walls are adorned with images of prominent civil rights leaders.
The Shug’s Comfort Food menu includes items such as fried chicken, fried gizzards, catfish fillet and even a dessert menu to satisfy a customer’s sweet tooth.
The restaurant is located at 105 W Mission Ave. in Olde Town Bellevue. Shug’s Comfort Food is open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 8 p.m.
15 great places for food in Nebraska
Globe Chophouse
The Globe Chophouse at 301 N. Broadway in Hartington serves Nebraska beef. The restaurant is open for lunch Tuesdays-Saturdays and for dinner Fridays and Saturdays.
Globe Chophouse Facebook page
Genoa Food Co.
The Genoa Food Co. is at 126 W. 2nd St. in Malcolm and has a pub-style menu with a wide array of entrees as well as a full bar.
Genoa Food Co. Facebook page
Chances 'R'
Legendary restaurant Chances 'R' in York is located at 124 W. Fifth St. "From delicious breakfast dishes to exquisite dinner entrees, every item reflects their chefs’ unmatched cookery skills," the restaurant's Facebook page boasts.
Chances 'R' Facebook page
Ole's Big Game Steakhouse
Ole's Big Game Steakhouse in Paxton, Interstate 80 exit 145, has more than 200 mounted big-game trophies and safari mementos. It serves steaks and half-pound buffalo burgers.
Rick Neibel/Nebraska Tourism
The Pour House
The Pour House in Friend at 511 2nd St. features food and Nebraska wines and is open Thursday-Sunday evenings and for lunch on Sundays.
The Pour House Facebook page
Black Crow
The renowned Black Crow is at 405 Court St. in Beatrice. "We serve American and International cuisine in a white tablecl oth restaurant with an elegant but relaxed atmosphere, classy but not stuffy service, and casual attire. Our extensive menu features Ne beef steaks, prime rib, fresh fish and shellfish (including oysters), roast duckling, pastas, gourmet pizzas, fabulous entrée salads, and a wide variety of other items," the restaurant says.
Black Crow Facebook page
Steel Grill
The Steel Grill in Gering features prime rib and steak nachos that get rave reviews.
Nebraska Tourism
Sehnert's
Sehnert's in McCook is open for breakfast and lunch Monday-Saturday.
Nebraska Tourism
Monroe Tavern Bar and Grill
On any given Thursday night, Monroe Tavern at 410 Gerrard Ave. in Monroe, serves more chicken wings than there are residents living in the village. There's more on the menu than wings, though.
ANDREW KISER, THE COLUMBUS TELEGRAM
Davey Tavern
Davey Tavern at 17740 N. Second St. in Davey is known for its pizza. "Accidentally happened upon Davey Tavern one night while out with my cousins and I've been dreaming about their pizza and cheese bread since! Great food. Laid back and simple atmosphere, but clean," Facebook reviewer Jodi Brodersen White said.
Davey's Facebook page
Back Alley Bakery
The Back Alley Bakery in Hastings makes bread and other yummy treats as well as serving lunch Monday through Saturday.
Nebraska Tourism
Wave Pizza
Wave Pizza is in Grand Island and boasts homemade dough and sauce.
Nebraska Tourism
Rowdy's Steakhouse
Rowdy's Steakhouse is at 321 F St. in Fairbury. Diner Jeff Grummert said in an online review, "Rowdy offers great small town value down-home lunch and dinner. I like their elephant ears, mountain oysters, and charburgers."
Rowdy's Facebook page
The Chocolate Bar
The Chocolate Bar in Grand Island is open Monday through Saturday and serves chocolate, coffee and other cafe menu items.
Nebraska Tourism
Hollywood Candy
Hollywood Candy in Omaha's Old Market is one-of-a-kind place with retro candy and lots of character.
Rick Neibel/Nebraska Tourism
Be the first to know
Get local news delivered to your inbox!