Nixon proposes Jimmy Johns in Nebraska City
City commissioners approve Growth Fund loan
By News Channel NebraskaNEBRASKA CITY – City commissioners approved a $125,000 Growth Fund loan for a commercial development on south 11th Street including a new Jimmy Johns restaurant.
Sam Nixon, owner of Nixon Restaurant and Property based in Norfolk, proposes a 36,000-square-foot development for a two-tenant space at 2124 S. 11th St.
Nixon said he has interest for the other space from a national retailer and also another national restaurant.
He opened his first Jimmy Johns in Columbus in 2009. He currently has seven Jimmy Johns, including a recently-completed location in Beatrice.
Nixon: “We feel Nebraska City would be an excellent addition for another Jimmy Johns.”
He expects to break ground in March or April with doors open in the fall of 2026.
The $1.75 million project is expected to create six to 10 full-time jobs.
Nixon: “We plan to come to the community and partner with the community in terms of becoming a chamber member, as well as sponsoring local events and being a main contributor to the school systems and other community-directed events. We also come to create jobs and more opportunity for commercial development.”
Despite the rise of DoorDash, he said the restaurant would like to manage its own delivery operations in the city limits.
Nixon: “It would be a full-scale restaurant. It wouldn’t just be a segmented aspect of the franchise. We would offer catering, drive-through, delivery services, in-store orders, online orders, whatever a regular Jimmy Johns would do.”
Speaking in favor of the Growth Fund loan, which is partially forgivable, were Nebraska City Area EDC Director Lisa Walker, former EDC director Dan Mauk and advisory committee member Jim Kuhn.