HARTINGTON, NE. — Starting a business is hard enough, but opening a restaurant during a pandemic is a whole different story. The Globe Chophouse in Hartington, Ne. celebrated its one-year anniversary yesterday with family and friends at a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting.
This time last year Kate Gapinski and Joseph Kenney, a restaurant consultant with 316 Strategy Group, stood in an empty building with no staff, no customers, and no reputation, on the verge of opening Gapinski's first-ever restaurant in a city that is meant to be on its knees due to a pandemic. The vision is simple; target people who love comfort food, fresh ingredients, and locally sourced Nebraska beef. Gapinski believed an iconic building and a historic past would be enough.
An entire community was buzzing about an unrivaled dining experience that would not only serve up an exquisite menu but also offers an ambiance of history with a touch of modern flair. On May 21st of 2021, The Globe Chophouse opened its doors and offered big-city dining in small-town Nebraska.
The building at 301 North Broadway in Hartington, Nebraska has been drawing people to the town of 1,500 for well over a century. Since 1876, Globe Clothing was a destination for those in nearby Norfolk, Vermillion, Yankton, and Sioux City. The original building was destroyed in a devastating 1888 fire that leveled nearly two blocks of the Hartington business district. The now-iconic Globe building was built in 1901, and Globe Clothing continued to serve the tri-state area for another 115 years. Everyone in the area knows “The Globe” as well as its unique corner entry.
Little did Gapinski know how much a pandemic, rising inflation, and soaring food costs would impact her business plans. The harsh reality kicked in, business was slower than projections.
Slowly the pandemic improved and people got curious about Hartington's newest restaurant. Then, in September of 2021, The Lincoln Journal Star released a list of the top 15 restaurants to try in Nebraska. The article was a catalyst for foodies across Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota, and beyond to drive to northeast Nebraska and experience one of the most unique dining experiences in the area. One year later, The Globe has been nominated for a host of awards, has been included in countless articles, and business has been very good.
"We have a marvelous base of customers, we have an incredible community in Hartington and that's enabled us to get through this very challenging year, and with their continued support we plan to be here for a very long time," Owner Kate Gapinsky said.
One of these customers is Megan Oswald, who lives in Omaha but has family in nearby Ponca, Nebraska.
"The space is incredible and rich in history. The steak is delicious and you won't find better-mashed potatoes anywhere." Oswald said.
Gapinski attributes The Globe's success to her incredible team. Executive Chef Mark Sgroi has been cooking since the age of 9 and has extensive experience in the restaurant and hospitality business. Sgroi's experience includes working at another iconic Nebraska Restaurant, Misty's in Lincoln.
"Mark has put his heart and soul in The Globe. He is the glue that holds us all together. His devotion keeps us grounded, motivated, and inspired. He has made The Globe what it is, and we are all so appreciative of the role he has taken on." Said Gapinksky.
Chef Sgroi and Gapinski continue to flex to the needs of the community. An expanded menu, new recipes, and the recent addition of a Sunday brunch have all been wildly successful. Sgroi mentioned the upcoming addition of an upstairs lounge that would overlook the main floor of this historic building.
Be sure to put this one on your restaurant bucket list. Exuding work ethic and romance, The Globe Chophouse is a timely venture, featuring modern updates and views of downtown Hartington, while taking a step back in time and honoring a community’s rich history and architecture of the town’s cornerstone signature building. The Globe is perfect for luncheons with friends, dates, family nights, and events.
For more information or to contact The Globe Chophouse directly, call (402) 254-9062 or visit their website.
