Omaha billionaire Warren Buffett, considered a guru in the world of finance, has investments in many of America’s most beloved companies — Coca-Cola, McDonalds, Dairy Queen, Geico and Fruit of the Loom, to name a few. Every year, more than 35,000 people from all over the world travel to Omaha for Berkshire Hathaway’s Annual Shareholders meeting in Omaha just to hear Buffet speak. The Billion-Dollar Tour provides groups a behind-the-scenes look at Buffett’s life in Omaha.
“Buffett is one of the richest men in the world, and groups will get an inside look at his life here in Omaha — where he takes Paul McCartney, LeBron James and Bill Gates when they come to visit,” said Jessica Weishahn, tourism sales manager at Visit Omaha. “Groups will be fascinated hearing stories of how Buffett got his start, and seeing how he built his empire.”
Groups will explore Buffett’s stomping grounds and make memories worth a million bucks — maybe even a billion.
Viist Omaha
Jessica Weishahn, tourism sales manager
402-444-1760
jweishahn@visitomaha.com
visitomaha.com
Stop 1 – Warren’s favorite steakhouse
Groups will visit Buffett’s favorite Omaha steakhouse, and eat like a billionaire. Gorat’s is an old-school Italian steakhouse that has been in Omaha since 1944, and eating a meal here has become something of a pilgrimage for Berkshire shareholders and Buffett enthusiasts. Participants can enjoy Buffett’s favorite meal, which includes a T-bone steak, double order of hash browns and a Cherry Coke. Participants will also get a peek into Warren’s private dining space inside Gorat’s.
Stop 2 – Nebraska Furniture Mart
Tour one of the largest furniture stores in the world. Groups will dive into the history of Nebraska Furniture Mart and learn how Rose Blumkin, an impoverished Russian immigrant, started the business; how Buffett acquired the mart though a “million dollar handshake;” and the unique relationship that grew between them over the years. Explore aisles and floors of furniture, and even do a little shopping.
Stop 3 – The Rose Theater
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Rose Theater, one of the best children’s theaters in the country. Named after Rose Blumkin, this ornate theater is one of the few buildings in the Midwest that offers a unique combination of Moorish and Classical architecture. The Rose is one of the last grand movie palaces left from the days when going to the theater meant escaping into an opulent dreamland.
Stop 4 – eCreamery
Take a stroll down the streets of Omaha’s Dundee neighborhood and experience gourmet ice cream at its best. eCreamery serves unique flavors churned to perfection. Featured on the television show, Shark Tank, the mouth-watering ice cream has also been listed as one of Oprah’s favorite things. Billionaire Warren Buffet took Paul McCartney there when the music legend visited Omaha. Order Buffett’s favorite flavor, butter brickle, which by the way, was invented in … you guessed it, Omaha.
Stop 5 – Durham Museum
Tour The Durham Museum, one of the first Art Deco train stations in the country. This Smithsonian affiliate houses restored train cars, 1940s storefronts and the Byron Reed collection, which includes some of the world’s rarest coins and documents. Groups will have the chance to go inside a replica of Buffett’s grandfather’s grocery store, where at age 6, Warren made his first nickel. Be sure to enjoy a phosphate or malt at the museum’s authentic soda fountain.
