Papillion Interview: Steve Jackson, Cafe Diem, a New Papillion Restaurant

Special thanks goes to Steve Jackson, owner of Cafe Diem, a new restaurant right here in Papillion,

Cafe Diem features  breakfast and lunch and a new drive-thru.

Please tell us a little about yourself. 

My name is Steve Jackson.  I am married to Deborah and we have four adult children.  We are the owners of Café Diem located on the retail level of the Apartments at Lux 96.  In my leisure time I enjoy riding motorcycles, fishing and shooting at the range.

How did you come to be in this business? 

I was hired at my first job as a Busboy in an upscale restaurant.  Since that time, I have spent nearly four decades in the foodservice industry.  My background includes Country Clubs, Fine Dining, Fast Food, Locally Owned Mid-Scale, Large Chain Companies and now Breakfast and Lunch at our café.

How did you choose this restaurant to buy and the name? 

We wanted to look for an opportunity to continue in the hospitality industry on the front side of noon for a better quality of life.  The name, Café Diem, was inspired by the Latin Phrase, Carpe Diem.  We invested our life savings into a new business on the tail end of a pandemic when so many local placed closed permanently. If there was ever a time to “seize the day”, it was then.  It also plays into the fact that it is a “day café”.

What is the best thing about owning a restaurant?

 It provides an opportunity to connect with people and build long lasting relationships every day.  This business provides a venue to share food and love to hundreds of people.  I also enjoy the freedom to be creative and serve food that I enjoy without the constraints of a corporate menu.

Why did you pick Papillion for the location? 

Papillion is home.  We own a house here.  Our kids went to Papillion Schools from Kindergarten to Graduation.  We have done business here for over a decade.  The people in our community are “real” and care about their neighbors and local businesses.  It was natural to look for a location in the city we love.

What are some of your favorite things about papillion?

 There are so many things to enjoy in our city; take a ride on the bike trail, walk around one of our many lakes, catch a Stormchaser’s game, shop at our many retail businesses or dine out at a local restaurant.  The people are amazing everywhere you go.

How do you see your business fitting into the economic development of the area? 

Most importantly, Café Diem provides the citizens of Papillion and surrounding area a place to dine and keep the money they spend in our community.  At this time, we currently have thirty employees who count on us to meet their financial obligations.  The sales tax and property tax we pay also helps fund the infrastructure, schools and services in our city.  Success also tends to breed success.  As more businesses thrive, it provides an incentive for others to chase a dream and own their own business.

What are your hours and where can we go to view them and special information? 

Our Drive Thru hours are 6am–2pm and our dining room is open from 7am-2pm, every day of the week.  You can enjoy either breakfast or lunch at any time we are open.  We have features that are not on our regular menu and scratch made soups every day.

What is your public contact information? 

Address:  Café Diem, 9639 S. 96th Street Suite 109, Papillion, NE 68046.

Directions:  Located on the lower level of the Apartments at Lux 96 on the southeast corner of 96th St. & Portal/6th St. between Giles Rd & Highway 370.

Telephone: (402) 339-4110.

Website: www.cafediem96.com

Email: www.cafediem96@gmail.com.

Check us out on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/CafeDiemLaVistaNE (They moved from La Vista but are in Papillion.)

Please return to our Papillion blog for more information and the ribbon cutting coming up on 27 October and other Papillion business and local events and news.