Amigos: Bringing Friends Together Through Food and Community
Since opening its first restaurant in Lincoln on June 17, 1980, Amigos has been guided by a simple idea: create a place where friends can gather and enjoy fresh, made-from-scratch food. Founded by Roger and Janice Moore, the company was built on a desire to serve quality meals while creating meaningful connections with customers and communities across Nebraska.
What began as a single restaurant has grown into a Nebraska-based chain of more than 25 locations. Along the way, the company has evolved to meet changing customer needs while staying true to its original mission. The addition of Kings Classic in 2003 expanded menu offerings to include burgers, fries, shakes, smoothies and the iconic Cheese Frenchee, creating more options for families and groups. Breakfast service followed in 2005, along with a partnership featuring locally roasted coffee, providing convenient choices for guests throughout the day. More recently, catering and food truck services have extended those offerings beyond restaurant walls, bringing meals directly to workplaces, celebrations and community events.
Building Success Through Relationships
Strong relationships remain at the center of the organization’s philosophy. Whether serving customers, supporting business partners or working alongside team members, the belief is that meaningful connections create lasting success.
This people-first approach extends beyond customer service. Taking the time to listen, show genuine care and create positive experiences helps build loyalty and trust that lasts for generations. Many guests have been visiting for decades, creating traditions and memories around meals shared with family and friends.
That same focus on relationships has also shaped the company’s growth. Partnerships, networking opportunities and community connections continue to create new avenues for learning, collaboration and innovation.
Creating Experiences That Feel Personal
Their name reflects their mission. Every guest is treated like a friend, with service that combines efficiency, professionalism and genuine hospitality.
From restaurant visits to large-scale catered events, the goal is to create experiences that feel welcoming and memorable. Team members focus on understanding customer needs, delivering consistent quality and making every interaction positive. Whether serving a single meal or supporting a community-wide event, the emphasis remains on creating moments that leave guests feeling valued and appreciated.
This commitment to service has helped establish a reputation built not only on food quality but also on the relationships formed with customers throughout Nebraska.
Investing in Nebraska Communities
Giving back has long been an important part of their identity. Support extends across a wide range of causes, reflecting a belief that strong businesses should contribute to strong communities.
Over the years, the team has partnered with organizations such as Women with Voices, HETRA and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation by providing meals for volunteers and event participants. Contributions have also supported fundraising efforts for organizations including The Cure Starts Now, local schools and numerous community initiatives.
One recent highlight was a partnership with TeamMates that helped raise $40,000 while supporting the recruitment of mentors for young people. Beyond financial support and donations, employees regularly participate in chamber activities, business associations and community events, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to helping Nebraska communities thrive.
Empowering Employee-Owners
A culture of ownership plays a significant role in the company’s success. As an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) organization, employees share in the company’s future and have a direct stake in its growth.
This structure encourages pride, accountability and collaboration at every level. Team members understand that their contributions matter and that their ideas can help shape the future of the business.
Managers are encouraged to think entrepreneurially, explore new opportunities and bring creative solutions forward. Because the organization remains locally rooted, innovation can happen quickly, and individual voices can have a meaningful impact. This environment helps employees grow professionally while contributing to shared success.
Growing Through Community Connections
Active involvement with the Greater Omaha Chamber has strengthened connections throughout the region while providing valuable opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Through Chamber events, educational programs and networking opportunities, leadership has developed relationships that have supported both personal and professional development. Those connections have opened doors to new partnerships, fresh ideas and resources that have helped the business expand into new service areas while remaining engaged with the broader community.
The Chamber’s collaborative environment continues to create opportunities to learn, share experiences and contribute to the economic vitality of the region.
Guided by Excellence and Ownership
At its core, Amigos is driven by a commitment to excellence in every interaction. That commitment extends from preparing meals and serving guests to supporting communities and empowering employee-owners.
More than four decades after opening its first location, Amigos continues to build on the values that inspired its founding: friendship, quality, service and community. By combining a people-first culture with a spirit of ownership and innovation, the company remains focused on creating meaningful experiences while serving Nebraska communities for generations to come.
Learn more about Amigos
Sponsored by
