SMALL BUSINESS: FROM COAST TO HEARTLAND A Local Mainstay: Absolutely Fresh Seafood Market

GREG LINDBERG, OWNER, ABSOLUTELY FRESH SEAFOOD MARKET

From Coast to Heartland

A LOCAL MAINSTAY: ABSOLUTELY FRESH SEAFOOD MARKET

Providing the Midwest with the opportunity to experience the satisfaction of fresh seafood in a landlocked state, Greg Lindberg has been bringing seafood and a family atmosphere to Omaha since 1970.

The Beginning

Everyone starts somewhere. For Lindberg his start in the business meant driving between Omaha and New Orleans, selling shrimp from the back of a refrigerated truck.

“I’d drive to Louisiana and back every two weeks. It’s a terrible way to make a living,” he said.

For seven years he made that trip before starting the Absolutely Fresh Seafood Market and selling to restaurants. More than 200 restaurants around Omaha purchase seafood and fish from Lindberg’s company.

In addition to the market, Lindberg owns restaurant and catering business Bailey’s Breakfast & Lunch, as well as three Shucks Fish House and Oyster Bar locations.

“Many people are still somewhat afraid of seafood in general, especially in the Midwest,” Lindberg said. “In our fish market, we try to simplify things, and let them know that cooking seafood is just as easy as cooking a hamburger. And at Shucks, we encourage them to try something different, but understand that many people want to stay in their comfort zone.”

Buying good quality raw fish is similar to buying good quality vegetables, according to Lindberg.

“If it looks bright and fresh, and smells like the ocean, it’s probably a winner,” he said.

Weathering the Pandemic

The three brands were forced to weather the COVID-19 storm with doors closed for a time before gradually reopening.

“We got lucky,” Lindberg said. “People come [to Absolutely Fresh] to grab something and move on. It’s not a fancy steakhouse where it takes two hours.”

Lindberg said COVID-19 was a shock to them as it was to most people.

“We didn’t know if we were going to make it, or what the world of restaurants would look like post COVID-19,” he said. “I’m happy to report that business is booming. Sales are up considerably over 2019.”

Despite being completely open now, it continues to feel the impact of the pandemic.

In our fish market, we try to simplify things.

- GREG LINDBERG, OWNER, ABSOLUTELY FRESH SEAFOOD MARKET

“We have been very reluctant to raise prices,” Lindberg said. “We try to not price gouge because we have to stay in business.”

Like many restaurants in business, supply chain issues are causing the team to rethink its menu.

“It’s a little different being in the middle of the country. Some things have vanished like king crab legs — Russia has all the king crab rights,” he said.

Current factors include U.S. sanctions on Russian seafood as well as Alaskan supply shortages.

The fish sold in the market as well as the restaurants is shipped from many places, including Louisiana, Texas and the Gulf Coast.

In some cases, shipping the freshest products can also be a huge risk. Take for example a recent shipment of shrimp.

“We used the exact cargo containers from the airlines,” he said. “On Northwest Airlines I got a call that one of the boxes with 200 pounds of shrimp and 100 pounds of ice spilled out of the container.”

The shrimp had to be shoveled off of the tarmac and discarded.

The most popular items on the menu are shrimp and salmon. Absolutely Fresh also sells other unique items, such as alligator, soft shell crab, and candied salmon. Lindberg said one of the popular items in the restaurant is a po boy sandwich.

“The hard thing is taking things away from the menu,” he said. “I hear about it especially from those who drive far to get their favorite.”

Lindberg said he’s most involved with the presentation of the dishes.

“How do you make a restaurant different?” he asked. “I love to eat and cook, but not in the restaurant. Presentation is where I get involved.”

Customers are Key

With restrictions relaxing, friends and family gathering to dine together has become more frequent.

“We do have regulars,” he said. “There are a lot of first names known.”

The familiarity with customers can be seen on a visit to Shucks where Lindberg could name many of the customers and converse with them about their lives.

Part of that relationship includes community involvement, and for the past 14 years Shucks has been holding a monthly fundraiser for different organizations.

“One way we try to help is with our First Tuesday Fundraisers. We give 15% of sales to local charities on the first Tuesday of each month,” Lindberg said.

For continued success, Lindberg believes it’s smart to plan far ahead instead of living only for the month or quarter.

“Another Shucks would be nice, but we are patient,” he said. “If we see a perfect location, with reasonable rent, you never know.”

ABSOLUTELY FRESH SEAFOOD MARKET LOCATED NEAR 119TH AND PACIFIC STREETS.

MBJ

402-827-4376 • 1218 S 119TH STREET, OMAHA, NE 68144

WEBSITE: WWW.ABSOLUTELYFRESHMARKET.COM

Paving way for Bold Action

THE CONFERENCE ON OPPORTUNITY, DIVERSITY, AND EQUITY RETURNS

Pave the way for bold action and equitable change. Your journey begins at The Conference on Opportunity, Diversity, and Equity. Back in person for 2022, you’ll spend a day learning how to transform your workplace and leave equipped with tools to take action and lead with courage. The Conference on Opportunity, Diversity and Equity will empower you to transform your workplace for the better – an inclusive place for all.

You will leave equipped to take action and break down the barriers to equality. Learning from each other’s passions, experiences and expertise, we will transform our workplaces, classrooms and communities. Walking together on this journey, we will create the change we wish to see. This event will be hosted at the CHI Health Center on Thursday, October 6, 2022 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

We will have:

15 Phenomenal Breakout Sessions 2 Keynote Speakers

CODE Assessment Presentation

Silent Auction (all proceeds go to the scholarship fund)

Vendors

Cultural Entertainment

And so much more!

We will also be hosting Pre-Professional Development Session in partnership with Creighton’s Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that will be hosted at the Harper Center on October 5th from 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Title: Inclusive Leadership: Strategies for Organizational Stakeholders

This session will provide participants with the requisite tools to develop inclusive leadership practices. Attendees will hear from both practitioners and other content experts using a mixture of panel discussions, case studies, and stories.

At the conclusion of the session attendees will be able to:

1. Understand the components of inclusive leadership 2. Develop strategies for inclusive leadership practices

Speakers include:

Christina Arellano • Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion- Social Impact at Mutual of Omaha

Alex Hayes • Senior Vice President- Business Resiliency at Mutual of Omaha

Candias (Candi) Jones • Vice President Human Resources/DEI & Owner Coaching with Candi, LLC

Erika Kirby, PhD • Professor of Communication Studies at Creighton University

Shawntal Mallory, JD • Attorney at Shawntal Smith Law, LLC/ Adjunct Professor at Creighton University School of Law/ Executive Director at Nebraska Legal Diversity Council

Pernell Toney • Director of Recruiting at Creighton University

Sarah Walker, PhD • Vice President of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Creighton University

Ada Wilson, JD • Vice President and Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer at Nebraska Medicine

For more information on this event, please check out our website at https://www.omahachamber.org/TheConference/

MEMBERSHIP BENIFITS

Join the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and get the support, tools, and resources your business needs to connect throughout the Omaha business community.

Truth be told, 3,000 isn’t exactly right.

It’s more like 13,000 reasons to join the Chamber.

As a member of the Greater Omaha Chamber you and your business join the ranks of 3,000 local businesses that represent more than 13,000 professionals.

That’s 13,000 potential contacts, clients, and advocates for your company.

Make Business Connections

Your membership puts you in the same room with CEOs and business leaders – we’re talking about real change agents that can help strengthen your own business acumen and give you insights into growing your business.

We hold regular events focused on creating contacts throughout the business community. These are opportunities to find mentors, potential partners or even future customers. These are like-minded business leaders who are looking to broaden their professional networks as well. No uncomfortable selling

Boost Your Reputation

As a small business owner or entrepreneur, you’ve worked hard to not only build your business but also your reputation. As a member, the Omaha Chamber can amplify your efforts even more! From our Small Business of the Month Award to the annual Business Excellence Awards, we recognize great businesses in Omaha and help tell their story to our members and the larger community.

Plus, membership in the Omaha Chamber will add another layer of credibility to your business. Research has shown that being a Chamber member increases consumer trust. Showing commitment to the community goes a long way toward establishing your business as a long-term contributor to the Omaha region.

Join the Chamber Today

With so much opportunity for your business and workforce, membership in the Greater Omaha Chamber just makes sense. Join today and connect yourself and your business with the people and resources who can provide just what you need for long-term success.

VETA JEFFERY, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE GREATER OMAHA CHAMBER

SAVE THESE dates:

OCTOBER 04: MEMBER ORIENTATION - IN PERSON

Covering all the benefits your Chamber membership offers

OCTOBER 06: THE CONFERENCE ON OPPORTUNITY, DIVERSITY AND EQUITY

Come ready. Engage openly. Leave empowered.

OCTOBER 13: VIRTUAL EVENT: MEET UP WITH THE PRESIDENT

Veta invites member businesses to a Chamber conversation

The Conference on Opportunity, Diversity and Equity will empower you to transform your workplace for the better – an inclusive place for all.

-DELL NARED DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION.

Address: 808 ConAgra Drive, Ste 400, Omaha, NE 68102

Contact Us: (402) 570-9955

Website: www.omahachamber.org