LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Labor Day celebrates the economic impact of the American labor force each year.
With it, usually comes a day off but for some businesses, keeping their doors open is a way to keep the day special.
The family-owned Lincoln restaurant, Pita and Naan, remains open for nearly all major holidays, and owner Omar Attaie says it’s a decision they do not regret.
“I’m happy to be at the restaurant. I’m also happy to spend time at home, but it’s the sense of community,” said Attaie.
He says the restaurant tends to be busier on holidays, and reports a 15-20% jump in sales, which he says is thanks in part to families looking for somewhere to gather.
“And then every other person that’s come in today has also said, thanks for being open on Labor Day, and something like that means a lot to us, that makes us confirm our decision of staying open,” said Attaie.
As they prepare their specialties and new favorites like, Butter chicken, Attaie says they welcome Labor Day crowds.
“It’s really cool, especially on holidays, to see a lot of people come back to town. They’ll bring their grandkids in and give them their first gyro that they’ve ever had,” he said.
Attaie’s dad, Mahboob, has been in the business for 40 years; he says the customers keep him going.
“I love my job and I work every day here, either holiday, Christmas time, Thanksgiving and Labor Day,” said Mahboob.
“If I’m out of the store, going down the block, 10 people call me asking, Where are you? Who’s running the store?” he joked.
Over time, he’s become a familiar face to their loyal customers, but Attaie says they also encourage new people to visit.
On Sunday night, the restaurant posted a picture of Mahboob and Nebraska Volleyball player Rebekah Allick to their Facebook page; a small nod to the Nebraska sports fans out there.
“We were watching the Volleyball game last night and the game kept getting delayed and we saw all the Huskers on their hands and knees trying to make sure the game goes on, that they could play,” described Attaie.
“And, they were doing whatever it takes to be there for their fans, for their community and it was just a fun way to announce that we’re staying open and we’re there for the community too” he said.
Dining and Cooking