By Maja Mihalinec – Contributor
What was once the home to the Aksarben racetrack is now occupied by a variety of entertainment, dining, shopping and residential units, all united under the name of Aksarben Village.
Dining options at the Aksarben Village include Wohlner’s, Godfather’s Pizza and Jones Bros. Cupcakes. If students wish to grab a drink to go, they can also visit Juice Stop.
The entertainment options at the Aksarben Village are not just limited to dining. Along with the LIV Lounge, a performance stage, 100-foot tower, picnic shelter and tables inhibiting open-green space at Stinson Park.
With Aksarben Village so close to UNO’s South Campus, students are regular clients.
“Having your business located around a college campus has many perks,” Lisa Bockman from the Noddle Company said. “All hours of the day, there is heavy traffic as each student has a different daily schedule.”
Another reason to have a business located in Aksarben Village is that it is “green,” and being eco-friendly improves building efficiency and potentially lowers operating costs, Bockman said.
Aksarben Village is expecting some additions, starting Dec. 10 with the opening of the Aksarben Cinema.
The cinema has 10 screens with state-of-the-art equipment, a wide selection of concessions and a bar area.
Next January, Blue Cross – Blue Shield will be moving into the shopping center, followed by Mojo Smokehouse & Ales in spring 2011.
Village restaurants also offer deals for visitors. Jones Bros. Cupcakes gives away a free cupcake to its Facebook friends. Every day, Jones Bros. posts the name of the cupcake of the day on its Facebook page. Those who come in and ask for it by name get it for free, while supplies last.
“We are always excited to have people come in and tell us the name of the cupcake of the day,” said Celeste Robinson, a server at the Jones Bros. Cupcakes.
The retailers enjoy the excitement that students bring.
Bockman said that students of all ages can find what they need at Aksarben Village.
“There is no age limit here and we try to offer something for everyone,” she said. “The tenants at Aksarben Village work together and want everyone’s experience to be excellent.”
