Sisters Sally Kawa and Kari Kawa Harding are keeping a glorious past alive as the third generation in their family to own an Omaha, Nebraska legend, Johnny’s Cafe. The beloved local landmark, now 104 years old
and famous for steak and prime rib, recently won a 2026 James Beard America’s Classics award. And no, their grandfather’s name wasn’t Johnny, but when he first bought what was then a bar, he didn’t have the money to paint over the name on the building. 


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Culinary Characters Unlocked

Culinary Characters Unlocked

Sisters Sally Kawa and Kari Kawa Harding on the responsibility of running a beloved 104-year-old restaurant and winning a James Beard award

APR 21, 202635 MIN
Culinary Characters Unlocked

Sisters Sally Kawa and Kari Kawa Harding on the responsibility of running a beloved 104-year-old restaurant and winning a James Beard award

APR 21, 202635 MIN

Description

Sisters Sally Kawa and Kari Kawa Harding are keeping a glorious past alive as the third generation in their family to own an Omaha, Nebraska legend, Johnny’s Cafe. The beloved local landmark, now 104 years old and famous for steak and prime rib, recently won a 2026 James Beard America’s Classics award. And no, their grandfather’s name wasn’t Johnny, but when he first bought what was then a bar, he didn’t have the money to paint over the name on the building. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices