🌟Runza Meant Something Once. Now It Just Feeds the System. 🌟
I was raised in Nebraska, and Runza was always around—familiar, filling, and a small comfort during unstable times. I briefly lived in North Omaha as a little kid, and I remember my oldest brother finding ways to get us food from the drive-thru. We were South Sudanese and Ethiopian, growing up in a place that was systemically neglected but deeply alive with culture. That location eventually shut down, and life moved fast—we were placed in foster care not long after.
Over time, Runza expanded—but something changed. The food no longer tastes like it was made by someone who cares. It reminds me of The Menu—assembly line meals with no real joy or memory in them. And that’s sad, because I remember what it used to be. When I was adopted, my mom would make homemade Runzas, and those had flavor, warmth, intention. You could feel that someone made them by hand.
It’s ironic—Runza comes from an immigrant story, but like many brands, they forgot. Nebraska is full of richness—farmland, local produce, community. There’s no reason why fast food here should feel this hollow. But it’s a reflection of bigger systems: climb, expand, forget who helped you get there.
We don’t need more chains. We need food that feeds people in all the ways that matter—nutritionally, emotionally, culturally. Something honest. Something that remembers where it came from, and who it’s meant to serve.
Food is sacred. And so are the people eating it.
Update: I saw the owner’s reply, and I want to be clear: this review wasn’t written for acknowledgment or correction. It’s not about the fact that sandwiches are still made in-house—it’s about the fact that they no longer feel like they’re made with care.
What I shared reflects more than just my experience with a meal. It reflects what this brand used to represent for people like me—people who didn’t grow up with much, but found comfort in something small and familiar. I’m not criticizing a single store. I’m speaking to the loss of intention across the board.
There’s a difference between expanding a business and expanding a legacy. That difference is felt in the food, the service, the values, and the communities you choose to serve. The tone of the reply confirmed what I already knew: somewhere along the way, Runza stopped listening to the people who helped shape its meaning.
Not everyone will understand that. But the ones who do, will.
Donna Sue
We live in south Texas and were here visiting and a must stop is Runza in Plattsmouth. Julia waited on us and she was so kind, nice and polite and made sure our visit was amazing! Of course, our food was delicious too! Thank you! Great job, Julia!
Ariana Barbe
Great good. Service is good, always received the correct food.
Leah Van Winkle
Fourth time I’ve showed up before store closing hours and had no one take my order in the drive through, clearly can see people are inside the store cleaning.
Debbie Hohler
They have the best french fries & great burgers.
Update: Ordered double cheeseburger meal through drive thru. Twice I asked for ketchup & onion only on the burger and Dr Pepper with no ice. Burger had all toppings, fries were old and Dr Pepper was low on syrup. So disappointed.
Steve Morse
Clean and newer. We stopped here on our way home to Topeka. Always good, love the cheeseburgers and onion rings. It's our favorite Nebraska food with Nebraska Nice service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheeseburger
Riverside ATV
The coldes Cheeseburger I've ever gotten the cheese was not
Food: 2
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Bacon Double Cheeseburger
Mom Of Boys
Was very slow service but that’s ok, I understand maybe they were short staffed or training. The worker was yawning in the speaker as he was talking and then at the window really just didn’t seem like he wanted to be there. Also forgot a fry but said I never ordered it, again no big deal but paid for those and probably made people behind me wait longer. Ideally maybe read back the order or display it on a screen.
background: my mom and I had traveled up to Omaha, Ne from Dallas, Tx to watch Texas A&M play in the men’s college world series. We were leaving, making our long drive back down and stumbled upon this Runza location. We had never heard of Runza before and this was our first time ever getting to experience it. The 3 young men working could tell we weren’t from around the area (as we were wearing Texas A&M gear) and happily answered all our questions about what items were on the menu. The moment that really meant a lot to us was when we received our food, they threw in 2 cookies and wished us safe travels on our long journey. They were aware that we don’t have any Runza locations where we are from and wanted to make sure we had a great 1st time. It was a small gesture but meant a whole lot to my mom and I! Luckily the food was just as good as the service. Hoping Runza expands to Texas so we can support but wanted to shoutout those workers for being awesome!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
T H
BEST RUNZA EVER!!!!! When you ask for well done onion rings, they deliver! When you order an ice cream cone they hand it out last so it isn't melting in your hand while waiting for your food! Again best Runza ever!!!! Thank you for those who work here and make my visit so enjoyable!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ned
Love it
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Lance Norquest
It was 20 minutes before closing time. Food was fresh. The individuals in the drive thru were polite and fast. Not something you typically experience right before close at fast food. Thanks!
🌟Runza Meant Something Once. Now It Just Feeds the System. 🌟
I was raised in Nebraska, and Runza was always around—familiar, filling, and a small comfort during unstable times. I briefly lived in North Omaha as a little kid, and I remember my oldest brother finding ways to get us food from the drive-thru. We were South Sudanese and Ethiopian, growing up in a place that was systemically neglected but deeply alive with culture. That location eventually shut down, and life moved fast—we were placed in foster care not long after.
Over time, Runza expanded—but something changed. The food no longer tastes like it was made by someone who cares. It reminds me of The Menu—assembly line meals with no real joy or memory in them. And that’s sad, because I remember what it used to be. When I was adopted, my mom would make homemade Runzas, and those had flavor, warmth, intention. You could feel that someone made them by hand.
It’s ironic—Runza comes from an immigrant story, but like many brands, they forgot. Nebraska is full of richness—farmland, local produce, community. There’s no reason why fast food here should feel this hollow. But it’s a reflection of bigger systems: climb, expand, forget who helped you get there.
We don’t need more chains. We need food that feeds people in all the ways that matter—nutritionally, emotionally, culturally. Something honest. Something that remembers where it came from, and who it’s meant to serve.
Food is sacred. And so are the people eating it.
Update:
I saw the owner’s reply, and I want to be clear: this review wasn’t written for acknowledgment or correction. It’s not about the fact that sandwiches are still made in-house—it’s about the fact that they no longer feel like they’re made with care.
What I shared reflects more than just my experience with a meal. It reflects what this brand used to represent for people like me—people who didn’t grow up with much, but found comfort in something small and familiar. I’m not criticizing a single store. I’m speaking to the loss of intention across the board.
There’s a difference between expanding a business and expanding a legacy. That difference is felt in the food, the service, the values, and the communities you choose to serve. The tone of the reply confirmed what I already knew: somewhere along the way, Runza stopped listening to the people who helped shape its meaning.
Not everyone will understand that. But the ones who do, will.
We live in south Texas and were here visiting and a must stop is Runza in Plattsmouth. Julia waited on us and she was so kind, nice and polite and made sure our visit was amazing! Of course, our food was delicious too! Thank you! Great job, Julia!
Great good. Service is good, always received the correct food.
Fourth time I’ve showed up before store closing hours and had no one take my order in the drive through, clearly can see people are inside the store cleaning.
They have the best french fries & great burgers.
Update: Ordered double cheeseburger meal through drive thru. Twice I asked for ketchup & onion only on the burger and Dr Pepper with no ice. Burger had all toppings, fries were old and Dr Pepper was low on syrup. So disappointed.
Clean and newer. We stopped here on our way home to Topeka. Always good, love the cheeseburgers and onion rings. It's our favorite Nebraska food with Nebraska Nice service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheeseburger
The coldes Cheeseburger I've ever gotten the cheese was not
Food: 2
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Bacon Double Cheeseburger
Was very slow service but that’s ok, I understand maybe they were short staffed or training. The worker was yawning in the speaker as he was talking and then at the window really just didn’t seem like he wanted to be there. Also forgot a fry but said I never ordered it, again no big deal but paid for those and probably made people behind me wait longer. Ideally maybe read back the order or display it on a screen.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Runza with Frings, French Fry
My order was incorrect and less than helpful
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Quick service, friendly staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
background: my mom and I had traveled up to Omaha, Ne from Dallas, Tx to watch Texas A&M play in the men’s college world series. We were leaving, making our long drive back down and stumbled upon this Runza location. We had never heard of Runza before and this was our first time ever getting to experience it. The 3 young men working could tell we weren’t from around the area (as we were wearing Texas A&M gear) and happily answered all our questions about what items were on the menu. The moment that really meant a lot to us was when we received our food, they threw in 2 cookies and wished us safe travels on our long journey. They were aware that we don’t have any Runza locations where we are from and wanted to make sure we had a great 1st time. It was a small gesture but meant a whole lot to my mom and I! Luckily the food was just as good as the service. Hoping Runza expands to Texas so we can support but wanted to shoutout those workers for being awesome!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
BEST RUNZA EVER!!!!!
When you ask for well done onion rings, they deliver! When you order an ice cream cone they hand it out last so it isn't melting in your hand while waiting for your food! Again best Runza ever!!!! Thank you for those who work here and make my visit so enjoyable!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love it
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
It was 20 minutes before closing time. Food was fresh. The individuals in the drive thru were polite and fast. Not something you typically experience right before close at fast food. Thanks!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good food and unique
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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