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 “I
always knew I wanted to be in the food business. When I was young, I
imagined a business that would be named Frost Bites because at that
time my last name was Frost,” said Ami earlier last week when
Lincoln Daily News paid her a visit to discuss a ribbon cut. When
she came to opening the food truck she wanted to stay with a play on
the name, so one husband and three children later, Ami Cleveland
opened Ami-gos Tacos.
After the fire, the Clevelands had to reboot. Still determined to
have an eatery, they found a spot at 124-126 South Chicago Street,
just a block away from the old truck, and they became the proud
owners of a piece of Lincoln.
The interior of the building had to be completely redone before they
could open their new restaurant “Amigos World.” Cleveland said that
her dad Tom Frost had spent countless hours helping to transform the
building.
One of the greatest surprises they had was when the
tore out the old drop ceiling and found about three feet above it,
the wonderful original tin ceiling tiles. Those were something they
knew had to be preserved and implemented into the new design.
After a lot of labor, the restaurant was ready and the Cleveland’s
and their staff of 25 enjoyed a soft opening early last week.
Then, on Friday, December 15th, they made it official with a ribbon
cutting and grand opening event.
The ribbon cut was held at 11 a.m. Friday, with a
large crowd turning out to welcome Amigos World to Chicago Street.
While the crowd watched on, Ami and Rich with their children Noah,
Max and Charliegh stood at the ribbon. They were joined by several
members of their staff, Ami’s parents Tom and Bobbi Frost, Logan
County Fair Queen Ellyn Martinez, Logan County Tourism Director
Alice Roate, Lincoln Economic Advancement and Development Director
Andrea Runge, Ward One Alderwoman Robin McClallen, Ward One
Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, and Karen Castelein and Chassidy White
with Lincoln Daily News.
The event was led by Nila Smith with Lincoln Daily
News. Smith opened by thanking all those in attendance and asking
for a round of applause for the victory that the Clevelands were
celebrating with the ribbon cutting. She made note of Ami’s father
Tom and asked the crowd to show their appreciation for the father
who helped with the building remodel.
Video – Opening remarks and comments from Andrea Runge
She then turned the morning over to Runge, who had helped the
Cleveland’s along the way. Runge said that her involvement had been
very slight in this case because the Cleveland’s had it all together
and knew exactly what they wanted to accomplish.
Smith thanked Runge, and noted that the LEAD has been involved in
several local business endeavors recently. She noted that Chicago
Street has been one of the city’s rundown parts of town, but now it
was coming to life again with several new businesses opening.
Smith read a note from Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch who was unable to
attend the ribbon cutting, then asked Ward Three Alderwoman Rohlfs
to speak on behalf of the city.
Video – Alderman Wanda Lee Rohlfs addresses the crowd
Rohlfs noted that Amigos World is in her ward, and said that she was
there to support the Clevelands, and would be happy to address any
of their future concerns or needs. She noted that she was delighted
to see so many young people in attendance at the ribbon cutting. She
said that it was unusual to see children, but she was glad that they
were there. She called attention to the back row of people behind
the ribbon. All of them were wearing their Amigos tee-shirts. She
said that she doesn’t always see that kind of support behind the
ribbon. She said she was guessing they were all staff, which indeed
they were.
When Alderwoman Rohlfs had finished, Smith asked if
anyone else would like to speak. One of the staff, who identified
himself only as Roy, said that there had been times when Ami
wondered if they would ever get to this day, but she had hung in
there and so had her team and they had achieved the goal and the
victory.
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Video – Rich and Ami Cleveland speak from the heart
Next the program was turned over to the Clevelands. Rich spoke first
acknowledging the Frosts, saying that Tom had worked on every part
of the building, and it was greatly appreciated. Bobbi and Ami’s
sister had taken care of the children on the late nights and kept
the family moving forward. He thanked the community for the
tremendous support.
Smith noted that inside the building there is a wall
that the Clevelands have put together commemorating the exceptional
support of the community in the re-building process.
Video – Time to snip that ribbon
Then it was time for the ribbon cutting. After posed pictures, the
crowd assisted with the count down while Rich, Ami and their
children anxiously waited to hear the word “snip” so they could cut
the ribbon.
Amigos World will be open six days a week, Tuesday
through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Guests should enter in the
door marked 124 which leads into the largest dining area.
The space adjoining at 126 houses Tom’s Bar, a
tribute to Ami’s dad, and offers additional dining space. The 126
side of the building will also be available for reservation for club
and group meetings.
While the community wall is in the 124 room, the 126
room features a wall of items from Ami’s grandmother’s home,
including vintage and antique pictures that will draw interest and
be conversation starters for some.
The menu to start will be a replication of the
original Ami-gos Taco’s offerings, but Cleveland says that as time
goes by, the menu will be expanded.
If you’ve not yet had the chance to visit Amigos World, please put
it on your “to do” list for sometime soon.
[Nila Smith]
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