Omaha Exploration

After constructing the one story building just west of downtown Benson at 6564 Maple Street, Herman Hansen opened his grocery store. One year later he rented the store Butch Shewell who turned it into a Checkerboard grocery store.

It seems it would remain a grocery until 1942 when Ethel West opened the Maple Inn. Ethel had previously operated the Empire Buffet at 14th and Howard Street downtown. By 1958, the 45-seat cafe was listed for sale again. That’s when an employee of the Martin Bomber Plant took over.

Joe Seidenspinner’s father was a longtime cafe owner so he had plenty of experience being around the business and knew what to expect. So after his father passed away in 1957, the younger Joe left his job to follow in his footsteps. 

He named it Joe’s Cafe and dedicated himself to providing home cooked meals six days a week starting promptly at 6 AM. As he got up there in age, he said at one point that he should shorten his hours but didn’t because he really enjoyed the work. In 1994, the Omaha World Herald referred to the 72 year old as the dean of Omaha cafe owners. Joe continued to operate the cafe that had become a second home to so many in the community until he passed away in 2000.

Like most places that have been around a while, it has seen changes including the transformation of the Benson business district a few blocks east to an entertainment destination. The fact that Joe’s sits a few blocks away though means that there’s usually ample parking and a quieter environment allowing for conversation. Another significant change happened inside when the old living quarters in the back of the building was turned into another dining room.

The cafe had plenty of regulars who would meet for coffee and sometimes return for lunch and a friendly game of horseshoes out back. The cafe had a reputation for the friendliness of its staff and its customers who would often buy a stranger’s meal to brighten up their day. Following Joe’s death it had a few different owners but the name has remained the same. Before taking over at Joe’s in 2010, Jose Palomares operated a restaurant called Pateria & Restaurant San Luis at 24th and L Streets in addition to a small grocery store at 24th and P Streets.

By 2013 the cafe was painted with its distinctive orange exterior to complement the booths inside. One thing that hasn’t changed is the old school lunch counter which may date back to when Ethel first turned the spot into a cafe in 1942. The cafe is open 363 days per year including Thanksgiving. It continues to thrive in its familiar home of the last 66 years. Joe’s offers more than just friendly conversation and the opportunity for a free meal by a generous customer, it’s recognized as one of the best cafes in town.

Please feel free to comment to share your thoughts and memories.

Until next time, keep exploring!

More pictures

Omaha Exploration is sponsored by

Click here to contact me if you’re interested in sponsoring OE.