Early Bird to open new brunch spot in Lincoln

By the time Early Bird opens its first location in Lincoln in early January, the better part of two years will have been spent in planning.

There are some things – like a two-minute egg – that can’t be rushed. This is especially true for a breakfast chain whose goal is to offer a modern take on classic restaurant food.

The restaurant, which will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., will offer breakfast, brunch and lunch options.

Dan Kavan, vice president of the restaurant’s Omaha headquarters, said the menu is being expanded to include more flatbread items and sandwiches for those stopping by at lunchtime.

Alcohol will also be served.

Early Bird started six years ago and has two locations in Omaha, one in Papillion and two others in Iowa.

The Lincoln restaurant will be on the ground floor of the building 1900 K St. And as construction continues to transform the space into a restaurant, Early Bird officials are finalizing a menu while tackling the challenge of hiring a restaurant staff.

Plans for the new Lincoln location began in spring 2022, Kavan said.

“This has been in the works for longer than I thought, but Lincoln is a really good market,” he said. “It’s growing, but it’s still untapped. We really wanted to be there.”

Kavan said the number of apartments in Lincoln in general — and proximity to the Early Bird location, close to downtown — has its appeal for the restaurant chain.

“It’s amazing how many apartments have been built in Lincoln,” he said.

The presence of the state’s flagship college in Lincoln largely explains the number of apartments, especially downtown. Additionally, he said rising housing costs keep many people in rentals.

“I think it’s just… the way the city is evolving,” Kavan said.