In the heart of Omaha, Nebraska, a city in the midwest not typically associated with tropical getaways, lies a hidden gem known as Laka Lono Rum Club. Opened in October of 2016 as part of the Maven Social bar group, Laka Lono stands out as the city's sole tiki bar, offering a unique escape from the urban hustle and bustle.
Laka Lono’s General Manager Bradley Moore, a seasoned veteran in the bar industry with over a decade of experience, has played a pivotal role in shaping Laka Lono into the vibrant oasis it is today.
What sets Laka Lono apart is not just its exotic ambiance or innovative cocktail menu but its commitment to freshness and quality. At the heart of this lies a partnership with Citrus America, a collaboration that has transformed the way Laka Lono approaches its cocktails.
This commitment to freshness extends beyond mere rhetoric and is quantified in the sheer volume of freshly squeezed juice employed in crafting their signature cocktails. Moore oversees the juicing of approximately 14 liters of fresh citrus juice each Friday and Saturday alone. This substantial quantity of juice serves as the backbone of their cocktail program, ensuring that every libation is infused with the vibrant flavors of freshly squeezed fruits. Whether it's limes, lemons, or oranges, each citrus fruit undergoes meticulous juicing, resulting in a sensory experience that transports patrons to a tropical paradise with every sip.
"We are still very high volume," explains Moore, highlighting the bar's popularity, particularly on weekends. Despite the bustling atmosphere, Laka Lono prides itself on efficiency without compromising quality. This dedication is evident in their rigorous bartender training program and use of fresh-squeezed juices, a key component of their cocktail offerings.
Before bringing in Citrus America’s machines, juicing was a labor-intensive process at Laka Lono. Moore recalls the time-consuming nature of manually squeezing fruits using standard juicers, which required significant prep time and manpower. However, introducing Citrus America's state-of-the-art juicing machines elevated the game entirely.
"The sheer difference between our old juicers and the Citrus America product is just astounding," Moore remarks.
With the ability to juice large quantities of citrus fruits in a fraction of the time, Laka Lono's bartenders can now focus on delivering exceptional cocktails to their patrons without being bogged down by tedious prep work.
Bradley Moore tells us about his experience with the Fantastic M/AS
Moore emphasizes the importance of freshness in crafting their cocktails, noting that the machines' unique pressing method results in sweeter juice without the bitterness often associated with pith. Additionally, the machines release the citrus oils into the air, infusing the entire bar with a refreshing aroma that enhances the overall experience for guests.
Beyond the practical benefits, Moore also appreciates the support and responsiveness of Citrus America's team, including its founder Brian Framson. Whether it's troubleshooting issues or obtaining replacement parts, Moore has found the company attentive and efficient, ensuring minimal disruptions to their operations.
“Anytime I need something customer service-wise, I end up including Brian in any communication, and stuff gets done very quickly for me,' Moore remarks, highlighting the positive working relationship.”
Since incorporating Citrus America's machines into their workflow in 2022, Laka Lono has experienced significant growth in both sales and profit. Moore attributes this success, in part, to the enhanced efficiency and consistency afforded by the machines, allowing the bar to meet increasing demand without sacrificing quality.
Looking ahead, Moore is optimistic about the future of Laka Lono Rum Club and its continued partnership with Citrus America. As the bar continues to grow and evolve, one thing remains constant – delivering a taste of paradise to their guests, one perfectly crafted tiki cocktail at a time.