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Kuhl's Restaurant closing after lease not renewed

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By JEFF KORBELIK / Lincoln Journal Star

Monday, Oct 29, 2007 - 01:50:57 pm CDT

Karen Prochnow isn’t sure what she’ll do for lunch now.

Each work day, Monday through Friday, the Department of Labor employee walks across the street and eats at Kuhl’s Restaurant.

She’s been doing it for 10 years, maybe longer, she said.

Story Photo
Pete and Stella Hametis, front, and Angela Weiss, George Hametis, and Jim Hametis, back, make up the family that has owned Kuhl's restaurant since 1985. (Jill Peitzmeier)

On Thursday, Prochnow sat along the east wall in the long, narrow dining room known for its paneled walls, 1950s-style light fixtures, table tops with local advertising and rotating dessert case.

She read the newspaper as she dined on the day’s special, Greek chicken.

“I’ll either try to find somewhere else, or make my own lunches,” she said. “I don’t want to think about it. It’s too far ahead.”

Many of Kuhl’s customers don’t want to think about the fact that the restaurant, a fixture at 1038 O St. in downtown Lincoln since the late 1960s, appears to be on its way out.

Leaving for sure are owners Pete and Stella Hametis, who have run the popular diner for the past 23 years.

Financial disputes with their landlord over the terms of their lease - with some of those disagreements ending up in county and district courts - sealed their fate.

The Hametis’ lease expires at the end of March, and building owner James Franssen has elected not to renew it.

“It’s been a long, hairy deal,” Franssen said. “It came down to differences of opinions.”

The latest dispute stems from damages from a December 2005 fire and who should pay for them, with both parties having filed suits against each other in county court.

“I don’t want to condemn them,” Franssen said. “They were good tenants for a number of years. There’s just a lot of stuff that happened between us.”

Instead of finding a new location for Kuhl’s, Pete and Stella, ages 60 and 52, respectively, have decided to retire.

“I’m not happy about it, but I don’t have much of a choice,” said Pete, his voice thick with the accent of his native Greece.

The Hametises hope to sell the restaurant before the March deadline, but if they don’t, they will auction off the diner’s equipment and furnishings.

“It’ll be different for them,” longtime customer Jim Edgar said. “When you do anything your whole life ... it will be a change.”

The Hametises bought Kuhl’s in 1985 from Kurt Kuhl and his wife, Pearl, who opened the O Street restaurant 18 years earlier.

The Hametises came to Lincoln from Carroll, Iowa, where they worked at a Bonanza restaurant. Pete was looking for his own business when he learned Kuhl’s was for sale.

The couple kept the name because of the restaurant’s stellar reputation for food and service, which, according to customers, still exists today.

They also retained the restaurant’s look. Those who ate at Kuhl’s in the 1970s will be hard-pressed to note any changes in the decor and ambiance.

The restaurant specializes in homestyle cooking and bottomless cups of coffee.

Breakfast, including the Kuhl’s Special - half a pound of chopped steak, two eggs, hash browns and toast - is available all day long.

Stella, who affectionately calls customers “sweetie,” is either at the front counter or refilling coffee cups. Pete and youngest son Jim work in the kitchen.

The servers often call regulars by name and are good at remembering food and beverage orders.

“I’ve never had to tell a waitress what I want to drink,” said Fred Briggs Sr., a real estate appraiser who routinely sits at the back table with a group of regulars known as “the backseat gang.”

“What we didn’t know was the Hametis family called us ‘skid row,’” Briggs said, laughing.

He then told a story about Stella bringing him Greek pudding when he was hospitalized after a heart attack.

It was typical of her, he said.

“Our customers are so much more than just ‘customers,’” said George Hametis, the couple’s eldest son. “They are and will continue to be our family.”

Their customers say they feel the same way about the Hametises. That’s why they will miss them.

“They are concerned about you and not just for your business,” Prochnow said.

Reach Jeff Korbelik at 473-7213 or jkorbelik@journalstar.com.


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Ramone wrote on October 28, 2007 2:39 am:
" This is so sad! I've been going here for over three decades and will greatly miss the tasty food always served here. My best wishes to the family for their future. "

 anonymous wrote on October 28, 2007 3:22 am:
" ya know, downtown lincoln is just going to crap nowdayz. i wouldn't be surprised if i moved and came back 10 years later that it wouldn't be all sandwich shops, coffee joints and bars. too bad, and i loved eating there too, they're so nice to you and really seemed to enjoy their 'job'. it's pretty hard to actually find a nice diner to just order a cup of coffee at and relax without people bothering ya to get out so they can get more customers through. Good-bye kuhl's it was a pleasure. "

 Bill wrote on October 28, 2007 6:51 am:
" I am not a regular customer of Kuhl's restaurant..no restaurant in fact but the times I have been in there have always been great. It seems a sign of the times when some uncontrolled event will change things for the worse than better. The owner of the property will certainly suffer a finamcial loss beyond the fire situation unless he has been offered a nice amount of cash for the property. I just hope he will come forward and say this isn't true and I don't know what I am talking about. "

 Late O'Day wrote on October 28, 2007 7:14 am:
" This is devastating. First Papa John retires, now his sister, Stella. I was a regular for several years, until the smoking ban drove me away from downtown. But what the article says is true; you could sit there and easily imagine ourself back in early 80's Lincoln. You almost wanted to jump up and head down to the Dalton bookstore or grab a roll from Miller and Paine. I'll especially miss the nice holiday meals they offered. "

 elaine jones wrote on October 28, 2007 7:28 am:
" it is a crying shame that in a throw away world that nostalgia and family traditions have to go with them. i can remember as a youth 9 or so years old and my grandmother and grandfather rustermier would take me to kuhls and we would have dinner and visit with everyone and then my mother and i would frequent the place till my mother passed in january of 2004. it has been a family tradition and i know take my daughter a teen to kuhls once a month and now the family atmosphere and the memories will have to sustain us. it is strange how nothing stays the same but yet it does. the home cooking that kuhls is known for will be wasted on some rat raced fast paced nickel and dime food joint or sold for a buck here and there all because money is the root of all evil and the good home feeling and godlyness will be gone. i can remember as a youth being told to slow down and enjoy things now if you slow down and enjoy it is gone. "

 say it isn't so wrote on October 28, 2007 8:09 am:
" Here comes another stinkin' Applebees, TGI Fridays, or another of the soulless boxes that Lincoln is overrun with. Remember the days when you used to be able to find Lincoln in Lincoln? Now it's no longer a city, it's just any other suburb in America. "

 and still wrote on October 28, 2007 8:11 am:
" I have been in there from time to time to have breakfast. It's too bad that this GREAT place to eat is going to be gone. One would think that the landlord would work SOMETHING out. Or is this simply a case of being too greedy and wanting someone who can afford a higher rent? Maybe he should think twice about that before this lease expires. It would certainly be a shame to see yet ANOTHER sandwich shop/bar/coffee house open there. I was under the impression that the city WANTED to keep older businesses down there??? Too bad they can't throw in any sort of support. Even through an interview would be good. Oh wait...we NEED more bars/sandwich shops/coffee houses downtown....don't we??? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm "

 Megan wrote on October 28, 2007 8:49 am:
" This is a huge blow to downtown Lincoln. Kuhl's will be missed. It is sad that Mr. Franssen couldn't put his differences to the side. "

 Honesty wrote on October 28, 2007 8:55 am:
" I'll go against the grain here. I am fairly new to Lincoln (3 year resident). I appreciate local joints quite a bit, and diners in particular, but my two experiences at Kuhl's were just terrible. The food was atrocious and the lady who owned it was foul and rude... BOTH TIMES! I vowed after the second time not to ever go back because of the treatment we received... Hopefully another, better locally-owned business will set up shop there. R.I.P. Kuhl's! "

 Big Chief wrote on October 28, 2007 9:52 am:
" I used to ride the bicycle to Kuhl's several times a week until I had to give up pedal power. I always had the big chopped steak & egg breakfast. The food and service was always great and for a dedicated "people watcher" the gamut of customers was amazing. I will miss it. I hope Pete, Stella and the staff find other pursuits that they enjoy. "

 take heart wrote on October 28, 2007 9:59 am:
" just like the husker football team Lincoln is destroying all of its past for no good all in the name of trying to be the next Omaha when will people realize that most people in Lincoln do not want it to be like Omaha thats why we live here not Omaha just another case of trying to put a square peg in a round hole "

 Sad wrote on October 28, 2007 10:01 am:
" Oh that breaks my heart I just went by there yesterday and I said to myself I am so glad that they are still open. When I was a child my grandmother always took us there for our lunch, we have some of the best memories there. Thanks Kuhls.(Maybe just relocate) "

 JPC wrote on October 28, 2007 10:05 am:
" I will miss Kuhls! I haven't been to any other restarunt where you feel like family the minute you walk in the door. Thank you Stella & Pete for the years of wonderful service, and for making me feel like family! "

 Lynn wrote on October 28, 2007 10:10 am:
" This is truly a sad day for Lincoln. I have dined at Kuhls many a time both as a UNL student and frequent Lincoln visitor. It is very hard to see these Lincoln landmarks go. Bless you Stella and Pete you have both been a great couple that understand what customer service means. "

 Good ole days wrote on October 28, 2007 10:28 am:
" Maybe someone can open up another bar. Or another taco place that will open and close in a year. It's sad when long-standing family businesses like Arturos and Kuhls close up. Downtown has "come a long way" since the '70s. Tradition ain't what it used to be. "

 Chomper wrote on October 28, 2007 11:11 am:
" Wow what a bummer. this towm seems to cater to the football stadium. dont be surprised if another bar goes in. just about like all the buildings being torn down for parking. thanks to our city council this is whats happening. "

 kat wrote on October 28, 2007 11:17 am:
" hate to see another good diner/restaurant leave,we're left with high priced bar and grills. It's like leaving your family and moving out of state, will miss the ambiance and friendly banter.It will especially be missed on xmas when everyone else is closed. thanks for the many yrs of good food and good company, you can't be replaced "

 David wrote on October 28, 2007 11:30 am:
" I ate here once this past summer and paid a lot of money for a crappy breakfast. Notice that most of the comments don't mention the food. Places shouldn't exist just because people have sentimental feelings. Hopefully it will get new owners that know how to cook and price the meal properly. "

 as wrote on October 28, 2007 12:38 pm:
" Also against the grain - isn't this the place that has PREVENTED other eating establishments from opening within a certain distance simply because they had an arrangement that no one could have a sit down eating area within a certain amount of feet from their place. No wonder why they're are the only 'original' in the area. It's called creating a monopoly. "

 timothy g spradley wrote on October 28, 2007 12:47 pm:
" my parents took me to kuhl's restaurant since i was young.pete and stella are always nice and friendly to everyone and all sorts of businesss in the downtown area always went there for lunch "

 This sounds like ... wrote on October 28, 2007 1:05 pm:
" ...a recent visit to a small town restaurant that was recommended by so many locals. They said it was the best in town and was good old fashioned cooking. My Mom and Grandmas would be totally insulted if I compared that food to "old fashioned" cooking. I ate at Kuhls years ago, and it was very similar to what I just encountered. Maybe the "memories" are clouding some people's minds... "

 downtown Lincoln wrote on October 28, 2007 1:07 pm:
" Wow! What happened to the attempt to revitalize downtown Lincoln? They now have closed the businesses we frequented. StarShip 9, the Chinese restaurant and now Kuhl's is leaving. No reason to go downtown anymore. Good Luck Pete and Stella - thanks for the memories! "

 Jeff F wrote on October 28, 2007 1:18 pm:
" I worked at Golds in the 70's and would eat lunch at Kuhl's every day. After living out-of-state for twenty years I moved back to Lincoln and had lunch there for old times' sake. It was like walking in to the past...nothing had changed. It was actually comforting to see that some things do not change. "

 DR wrote on October 28, 2007 1:41 pm:
" Just the way things go in this town. To me it is just another business that can not make it in this town. Lincoln is starting a new trend. Smaller and smaller and smaller..... "

 Donovan wrote on October 28, 2007 1:41 pm:
" Another bar would be good. "

 pam wrote on October 28, 2007 2:06 pm:
" i worked at kuhls for ten years, it kept me going, kept me out of trouble, and stella always gave people a chance even when no one else would. how sad that it has to close, i love the whole family. "

 Mike wrote on October 28, 2007 2:08 pm:
" There is a reason why Applebee's and Shenanigan's succeed and places like Kuhl's die out. Service, quality, and price. I have been to Kuhl's many times and Applebee's many times. I have to say that if I did not know Applebee's was a chain, I would prefer it base on those three things. If local restaurants want to compete, they have make changes to keep up. The advantage of being local can only last so long. "

 Larry wrote on October 28, 2007 2:22 pm:
" --This is very disappointing to hear--When I lived in Lincoln, I'd go in to Kuhl's at least once a week. Kuhl's is what started my love for breakfast; a time where i could sit down, have a real mom n' pop meal, drink some coffee and decompress from the work-week. Up in Portland, where i reside now, weekend breakfast is an institution. People stand outside in line waiting to be seated in places that are pricey and without half the personal charm that Pete and Stella put into it. Kuhl's is a "greasy spoon" --no fancy food, just good food at good prices, and a kind face to serve you. There will definitely be one less reason to visit my home town. "

 Hmmm... wrote on October 28, 2007 3:14 pm:
" Strange that comments on these stories always decry the existence of chain bars and sandwich shops and vaunt the beloved "institution" of home cooking and local ownership, and yet it's the former who make money and the latter who go out of business. The iron law of the marketplace cannot be broken. If chain bars and sandwich shops make money it's because more people are willing to go there more often and spend money. If the mom and pop places were good enough to attract better customer bases and make enough profit to not have to sue their landlords, then we'd have more of them. The fact that we don't means the predictable handful of anti-bar anti-chain pseudo-sophisticated whiners are in the small minority despite their noise. Meanwhile BWW and Jimmy Johns are raking it in. Wonder why? "

 Bummer wrote on October 28, 2007 4:03 pm:
" I love Kuhl's. I wish the Hametis' the best and hope that someone will carry the restaurant forward. "

 ta wrote on October 28, 2007 4:08 pm:
" just got in did anyone blame peterson yet "

 Bill wrote on October 28, 2007 4:09 pm:
" I have stopped in there quite often when in the downtown area. It most likely will be replaced with some type of chintzy slop chute that caters to the so called upscale evening (theater going crowd. the demise of this place will be another reason not to do business downtown, crowd "

 william Synnott wrote on October 28, 2007 4:10 pm:
" I have stopped in there quite often when in the downtown area. It most likely will be replaced with some type of chintzy slop chute that caters to the so called upscale evening (theater going crowd. the demise of this place will be another reason not to do business downtown, crowd "

 Drew wrote on October 28, 2007 4:28 pm:
" I never ate at Kuhl's, but I did spend a few great nights partying up in the loft-style apartments that sat above the dining area. I remember a great NYE party, maybe 1995 or 1996, when Homegrown Blues played upstairs there. Good times. "

 laurie wrote on October 28, 2007 5:14 pm:
" I worked at Golds across the street in the1970's also a group would go there every thursday night to eat. Price was right too. Another landmark leaving downtown Lincoln. "

 CS wrote on October 28, 2007 5:20 pm:
" Well, at least there is still HiWay Diner. Miss you, Kuhls. "

 Big Jim wrote on October 28, 2007 5:21 pm:
" I miss Miller and Paine, Golds,Woolworth's, Ben Simons, Robinson's, NBC Bank, Kresge's, Dirt Cheap, Casey's Bar, etc., nothing is constant but change. Thanks for coming Kuhls and get your door prize on the way out. Maybe a nice internet gaming room or another Starbucks will be able to move in if a bar can't. An authentic Korean or Ethiopian Food Restraunt would be nice too. "

 Riddick51PB wrote on October 28, 2007 6:51 pm:
" i never felt treated like family there. "

 blh wrote on October 28, 2007 7:05 pm:
" sorry to hear that there closing i had a sister that worked there awile ago when she was kid they will be missed they had wonderful food god bless and good luck in future "

 Former LPD wrote on October 28, 2007 9:05 pm:
" I wish the best for Pete and Stella. As a former officer who got to work my share of holidays, it was always great to get a great meal at Kuhls. Friendliness runs deep in this restaurant. "

 bmr wrote on October 28, 2007 9:42 pm:
" As someone who has to work most holidays and am away from home and family it was comforting to know that 'my work family' and I could get a holiday meal. Great Turkey dinners! The folks were so very nice and took care of us like family. Best wishes for retirement and Holidays will not be the same. "

 Tired of ignorant comments wrote on October 28, 2007 10:03 pm:
" If you were to look up the court proceedings, you will note that the Landlords sued and lost both court cases against Kuhl's owners and it was the landlords and not Kuhl's owners who broke their contract. It was broken in December of 2005 when they refused to repair damages caused by the fire. This would have been a non-issue had the landlords not CANCELED their commercial property insurance! This 'Mom & Pop place would have gone on were it not for the greed of the landlords. "

 Wait a minute wrote on October 28, 2007 10:50 pm:
" Don't be so quick to blame the landlord. There's two sides to this story, I doubt he's looking to make money on a deal, he just wants the situation to end. Sometimes you just need to say enough and walk away, whatever the cost to you. "

 x wrote on October 28, 2007 11:12 pm:
" Hopefully some new local talent will get a chance to create a new Lincoln institution. It seems that when a prime downtown location becomes available, only national and regional chains, and well established local business owners can afford to pay the asking price on the lease. Lincoln should make it easier for locals to get started. "

 Mom Jane wrote on October 29, 2007 7:12 am:
" Not only was the food fantastic... but Pete, Stella & their family make everyone feel "like family". From Constructions workers, Road work crews, to Lincoln Professors and Dr's. It doesn't mean that chain restraunts do not have good food, but they'll never provide the atomosphere that comes from feeling welcome. Just eat and pay your bill. Wisconsin "

 The Rest of the Story: wrote on October 29, 2007 8:06 am:
" Beyond a business, the Hamatis family are loving, caring neighbors. Kuhls is an uncommon home for common people. The Hametis family serves goodness and kindness without any prejudice. Everyone is welcome from expensive businees suits to dirty manaul laborers exhausted from a morning of hard work. Pete and Stella welcomed all. And if you are among the most unfortunate, there is sincere concern. Elderly persons are treated the great dignity they deserve. There business refects the best heart of our community. I refuse to speak of the Hamatis family in the past tense. Whatever their business fortunes, the love of this community will follow them. We wish you very best. LIBA and the "Lincoln business community" can take a lesson from two Greek immigrants about the real meaning of community and success. "

 Scott wrote on October 29, 2007 8:47 am:
" Local color, that's what Kuhl's has been to me. But let me tell you, the entire building needs to be torn down. The owner has not kept it up, hasn't put so much as a dime into it that didn't have to be fought for. He's repeatedly flouted occupancy laws by allowing residential use above the storefronts without meeting city codes. This would be an excellent building for the city to condemn, tear down, and turn over to a developer. This would be a great place for a downtown grocery store!! "

 My mistake wrote on October 29, 2007 10:19 am:
" Maybe it's "tradition" for a salad with blue cheese dressing to consist of iceberg lettuce, a thin slice of pink tomato, and BROWN blue cheese dressing. The only good meals I had there were eaten when I was too drunk to care. On a more positive note, I will forever miss the figure skating snapshots. Go to Howard's Pantry. That place is good skillet food. "

 Jean wrote on October 29, 2007 10:38 am:
" Hardly went to Kuhls due to the parking but always liked it for years. Question...remember the long plants that grow and grow and grow for years. What will happen to them? It was sort of their "thing" along with pies. "

 julie wrote on October 29, 2007 12:16 pm:
" julie, monty, jessica, and jacob will miss you stella my wife loved working for stella part time or filling in at times. stella would always send home pie pete's speciality thanks stella for you... "

 JT Hutt wrote on October 29, 2007 2:42 pm:
" Best of luck. However, a restaurant that doesn't evolve becomes extinct. When you don't make any improvements in decor, food quality, or services customers will go elsewhere. Many of you disparage the new "urban" consumer, but consumer's taste has changed. Kuhl's didn't. There are just as many friendly faces offering consistent meals at decent prices at a dozen places downtown. Most no longer serving overglorified cafeteria food like Kuhls. There are plenty of "Blue Haired Cafes" to fill Kuhls void. "

 I love how all of you blame Lincoln wrote on October 29, 2007 3:07 pm:
" good god, think about it! Do people just build old places for old people? NO! Places are built to keep up with time. Get realistic people and just chalk it up to things that happen in life. Im so sick of hearing people say "Just like Lincoln to take away a good thing because it wants to grow". Do you think this never happens any place else? Only old people eat there anyways you know why? Because old people hate change and wont go to another local restaurant and support it. The food was OK at best. I hate to see this to because I don't like to see things like this happen, but what business succeeds if you don't change with the times? How do you think new places like this are created? You have to build new. Just like Lincoln old people to think. Be realistic people, gosh. "

 why worry wrote on October 29, 2007 3:22 pm:
" Don't worry about the landlord he'll sell it to the City for a million, then the City will give it away. "

 CSS wrote on October 29, 2007 3:55 pm:
" This is awful. I'm sure there's more to the story than the landlord and building owner are sharing. Follow the dollars, and you'll see why they are being railroaded out of town. What a tragedy. "

 CSS wrote on October 29, 2007 3:58 pm:
" Also, I'd like to note that this has nothing to do with food quality, decor or service. Kuhl's is and has always been A+ in each department, with legions of devoted regulars. This has nothing to do with competition from Applebee's. As I mentioned above, this seems to be a case of a landlord and building owner driving out their tenants for whatever reasons they may have. "

 Bill wrote on October 29, 2007 6:14 pm:
" The landlord has has ample time to give his side of the story or reconsider. I give him thirty..no ninety days to announce his plans new plans. A good place I have eat at for years is Travelers' Cafe on Cornhusker Highway. They also have a slew of steady customers. The place is old, clean and good meals and off-street parking. "

 Joyce wrote on October 29, 2007 6:48 pm:
" Maybe they could not afford to up date as the rent was so high, and nothing was ever fixed? Gee what do you bet the building will go to the highest bidder? Maybe a body piercing shop to go with the tattoo parlor? Doesn't this guy own/run the Christian Book Shop? Practice what you preach. "

 Linda wrote on October 29, 2007 7:51 pm:
" Sad, sad, sad. I loved going to Kuhl's so much. This is so upsetting. We can't afford to keep losing these Mom's and Pop's. Our city is losing it's identity. Another box store, here we come. Seriously pretty soon we are going to look just like Dallas and Des Moines and LA and Denver and Boston and Atlanta. We'll all have the same places to shop, sleep, eat, and buy gas. You won't be able to tell what city you are in just by looking around anymore! I want my quirky little home-town businesses back! "

 Trip wrote on October 29, 2007 11:18 pm:
" I moved to Dallas 12 years ago and return to Lincoln at least once a year. It's sad to watch and hear about so many of the "old places" going away. As a child my father took me downtown to his office every Saturday. A haircut and breakfast at Kuhl's was always a part of it. Change is inevitable, but I don't have to like it. Maybe someone will save the tradition in the last minute. Otherwise, good luck with whatever you get!!!it "

 To the negative comments...... wrote on October 29, 2007 11:59 pm:
" Kuhls has never presented themselves as a high class place so if you don't like the food don't eat there! If you want to eat at a high class restaurant then go find one and quit bashing Kuhls! They have great down to earth food not high society stuff that all the yuppies want! As far as the customers go they serve all types of classes! As a matter of fact some pretty rich buisiness men and women frequent the restaurant. If you were treated rudely then you probably were not respectful to them! You get treated as you treat others! From the sounds of the negative comments that I have read it really shows your ignorance to the home town values that you hold! Its disgusting to me that you could bash a place that you frequented once or twice. Even high class restaurants can have an off day! I think very highly of Kuhls food and staff! They are always respectful to the customers no matter what they look like or how much money they have! Just think where are all of the customers with no family going to go on the holidays? You taxpayers that didn't like the food will be paying for them to eat at the mission! Good luck Stella, Pete and family! "

 Laura wrote on October 30, 2007 8:16 am:
" I think Kuhl's should be remembered for keeping their prices down and catering to the retired people on a budget or people that are disabled. My husband and I eat there twice a week and there are so many blind people, people in wheel chairs, walkers, etc. there. Kuhl's treat them with more respect than anyone else that I know. It's wonderful watching this. When we are in a hurry, our food is always there right away. Try getting a meal in less than an hour at Applebees. All their employees are college kids that just want the money and could care less about the service. If we go to Applebees, it's always l 1/2 hours before we get out of there and then they never refill the drink, etc. I hate to see Kuhl's close. Thanks Pete and Stella for making us feel good. "

 big M wrote on October 30, 2007 9:23 am:
" I am also saddened, but movement forward is better than stagnation. I really hope someone who takes over will do the former tenants justice, and hopefully take a positive step away from expensive dining, and the bar scene. Thats why i liked Kuhls, i could get a great meal and not break the bank. "

 Disappointed customer wrote on October 30, 2007 11:19 am:
" I would like the Lincoln Journal Star to give the public more details on the fire and the insurance dispute. I want to know for sure if the building owner did not have insurance and that the restaurant's insurance had to cover the repairs to the fire in the OWNER's apartment. And that the insurance company going after the Owner is the reason that the owner will not renew. Please investigate and give the public the facts. "

 Miss wrote on October 30, 2007 3:34 pm:
" How can Pete and Stella pass up the bonanza from the new arena? "

 Sara wrote on October 30, 2007 4:36 pm:
" I hope we get another crappy sub-sandwich shop! 183 in a 5 block radius just isn't enough! "

 T wrote on October 30, 2007 5:15 pm:
" So sad! I will really miss it... "

 Allen Hoffman wrote on November 1, 2007 12:33 pm:
" I would like to say this came as a shock to me when I got the e-mail from Jim Hametis. I have know this family for years, dating back to 1995 when their youngest son and I attended college together. Immediately they welcomed me into their family. I was a regular at the restaurant while going to college and for many years after. I always enjoyed the food and the company, I myself became a regular for a short period of time. Stella always greeted me with a hug and a smile and I could count on Jim to have my "usual" waiting for me. Even after I joined the military and moved away I have kept in touch with the Hametises, while in Iraq they sent care packages and letters to my soldiers and me, they truly are wonderful people. I know there are going to be people out there who differ with my opinion; you can say what you want and that is your right, the only thing I have to say is take a look at the friendly comments vs. the unfriendly ones. I never saw the Hametises treat anyone with disrespect or vulgarly (even the ones who probably deserved it), and yes there are always two sides to every story so just leave it at that. I can tell you that the Hametises aren't out to seek the spotlight nor will they cry and whine about being mistreated, they will take it all in stride and make the best out of it. This truly is a stand up family and I am proud to know them. To Pete, Stella, George and Angela, Jim, Jim Edgar (I will miss your conversations) and the rest of the regulars, "Take Care, Best of Luck, and God Bless". SSG Hoffman "

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