Lynn Nejezchleb, a well known name in South Central Nebraska, and more directly, the community of Fairfield has taken himself into retirement from a legendary restaurant and brewery in his hometown, as after 15 “some odd years,” Nejezchleb handed over the keys to the new owner of the Fairfield Opera House Brewery and Grill.
The new owner, however is no stranger to the operation that Nejezchleb started back in 2006, as Scott Pell, who served as Nejezchleb’s head chef for around 12 years, as estimated by Pell, took over the reins of the South Central Nebraska hotspot in September.
PHONE BLOWS UP
Pell, came back to the operation, after departing for a different challenge in December, 2022, and when Nejezchleb put the Opera House up for sale, Pell’s phone, in his words, “blew up.”
“I had employees, food service providers, you name it, calling me and texting me that I had to come back, take over and keep the Opera House open,” Pell shared.
Adding, “so after a little thought, I took the dive and am taking the opportunities here and I’m going to run with it.”
Nejezchleb purchased the property on Fairfield’s main street after returning to his hometown in 2004, and after putting a lot of blood, sweat and tears into refurbishing the former opera house building into the well known brewery and grill to many in, and around Fairfield, Nejezchleb opened to the public in 2006. He added the brewery in 2014, and made what is now one of the most well known restaurants and breweries in South Central Nebraska, even statewide.
Nejezchleb admitted, however, “If I had known then, what I know now, things might have been a little different. It’s taken a lot of time and effort by myself, and my staff over the years to get where we are today.”
In all seriousness, though, Nejezchleb, in his typical soft and quiet way stands pretty proud of what has taken place since the day he took ownership of the building, bringing to life the Opera House Brewery and Grill.
“Everyone that currently works here, and has worked for me over the years are truly like one big family,” shared the 1967 Fairfield High School graduate.
With an appreciative facial expression, Nejezchleb directly turned his thoughts to what got him to where he now stands in life.
“The Fairfield community as a whole has blessed me over the course of time here. They have always been such a huge support since I bought the building and began renovating this place to become what it has become today.”
Nejezchleb added, “That’s not to say many other people that don’t live in Fairfield haven’t been a blessing to me, and the Opera House. We have amazing patrons and support from so many area’s in and around Fairfield. People have just been fantastic, and I’d just like to thank everyone that has patronized the Opera House over the years,” he reflected back.
“Loyalty speaks loudly, and I’m just so fond of this place, and proud of what the Opera House family has done during my ownership.”
PELL MOVING FORWARD
Pell now looks at his new adventure with open eyes and arms, as he’s begun the work of changing over operations, changing names with all the vendors that the Opera House uses for supplies to the brewery and grill.
“I have ideas of things I’d like to do, but right now, I’m just getting my feet set, and then I’ll think about possible changes and additions to our menu, but for now, people won’t see much change.”
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Pell added, “I’m in the process of dealing with paperwork to get a federal brewery license, so right now, we won’t be able to do any brewing of beer, but I’m hopeful that after the first of the year, at some point, we’ll be fully operational on both sides of the house, the restaurant and the brewery.”
Pell, who worked for Nejezchleb for the better part of 12 years, is glad he had that time with Nejezchleb which will make the transition easier.
“It’s not like I’m coming in as an unknown around here. I know our clients, and can almost tell who is in the restaurant by what is ordered, and what table they are sitting at. I’ve really gotten to know our patrons well, and I feel that will make this new start for me and my staff be pretty seamless.”
The staff of 12 or so that will be working with Pell have continued to stay on board with the operation. “We have some great people working here, they know our customers well, so as we begin this new venture, I don’t think those dining with us will see much change, if any,” Pell shared.
As for Nejezchleb, he may be “retired,” but he looks back fondly and memories, like the Sandy Creek football team dinners that are hosted at the Opera House Brewery and Grill.
“Some of those guys on teams in the past now have kids playing on this team. We’re just so lucky...I’m so lucky, and have been blessed with each group, each family, and each person that has walked through our door since I opened up.”
Nejezchleb added, “I’d like to think that the many people that supported me over the years, will give Scott the same support as he takes over. It’s not like I won’t be around some anyway, and lend Scott and his staff a hand when they need it.”
