In this busy world of prefab foods and speedy deliveries, it’s nice to know there’s a haven for genuine comfort food right in the heart of Papillion.
“Our café does not feel like any other café in the city,” said Café Diem owner, Steve Jackson. “I hope our customers feel the love when they walk through the door. I hope they see the smiles on our server’s faces and feel the sense of community we are building here.”
Jackson, along with his wife, Deborah, are celebrating Café Diem’s third anniversary this month, and couldn’t be prouder of the business they’ve built together.
While Deborah fashions the café’s cozy ambiance and partners with her husband on business decisions, Steve crafts a menu of “just plain good food,” he said. Occupying the popular and coveted corner of 96th Street and Giles Road, Café Diem’s menu is chock full of all-American choices.
“It’s real food for real people,” Steve said. “We cook food we like to eat. We buy fresh protein, cut our own vegetables, crack our own eggs, and hand-cut our own pork. It’s real Midwest comfort food.”
While building their business plan for Café Diem, Steve and Deborah looked at the area’s breakfast and lunch options. “On one hand are the chains with the often-times boxed, mass-produced foods,” Steve said. “And on the other hand, are the extremely pricey $18 avocado toasts.”
“We wanted to fill the gap in the middle,” Steve said. “We have intentionally developed a café with a casual atmosphere and good, affordable food.”
Steve said he also offers gluten-free options and is conscientious of dairy allergens. “We can look our customers in the eye and tell them what’s in their food,” he said.
Having risen through the ranks in the restaurant world over the last 40 years, Steve said he was lucky to have experience with many aspects including fine dining, country clubs, and even a few chains. And so, with that experience tucked in his pocket, Steve and Deborah decided early on that their business would be a breakfast and lunch only café. In doing so, they could develop a business that would afford them time with their children and grandchildren.
“We knew dinner was not going to be an option,” Steve said. “We didn’t want those crazy long hours. We want to live life.”
Open for breakfast and lunch, 7 AM – 2 PM seven days a week (with varying holiday hours), Café Diem offers sit-down, take-out, drive-thru, and delivery options.
Steve attributed Café Diem's success to his dedicated staff, who consistently provide excellent customer service, making customers feel welcome.
“We have a great group of people who engage with our customers in a caring manner. They are loyal to the business, and they take good care of each other. What more can I ask?” Steve said. “And in return, I try to offer an atmosphere that fits their needs. Closing at 2 PM allows our staff to make a living and still have a life of their own."
“We also owe our success to our loyal customers,” Steve said. “Out of 100 people who walk through the door, 80 or 90 have been here before. We appreciate that. We really do. And while we know they come here for a hearty meal we know that sometimes breakfast isn’t just breakfast. People get together to commune over food. To make a genuine connection. And we’re very grateful they choose Café Diem.”
“We have intentionally developed a café with a casual atmosphere and good, affordable food.”