River City Six – Brandon Hahn
Meet Brandon Hahn, owner of La Casa Pizzaria.
Tell us a little about your business.
La Casa Pizzaria is a family-owned and operated restaurant specializing in Neapolitan-style pizza and Italian entrees. We have been proud to serve the Omaha area since 1953.
How did you get started in the business?
I started as a janitor at the restaurant on the weekends in 2001 when I was 14.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Well, we might be right in the middle of that right now. Current conditions aside, I would have to say that trying to get a food truck up and running in an area with no rules, regulations, or information was quite the challenge. Then, adapting to the market as the industry quickly changed and expanded.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
When the decision was made to allow me to enter the ownership group of the business.
Tell us a little about your family.
My fiancée Leesa and I live with our two dogs, Izzy and Zooey, and our two cats, Tiny and Booger. We are getting married later this summer.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Meeting Leesa really changed things for me. My priorities have shifted significantly (for the better!) since she came into my life.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
What is a day off? Just kidding…I like to hang out with the dogs, do some metalwork in the workshop, play some instruments, whatever piques my interest. I have a lot of hobbies that all get severely neglected so there is a lot to choose from.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I can play four different instruments and can remember any useless piece of information I stumble upon.
Who inspires you?
Leesa inspires me to make our lives better. My dad inspires me to continue the La Casa legacy and to do as good of a job as he did. My Aunt Nicole continues to inspire me to be a better leader. I’m inspired by people who are good at what they do, no matter what that is.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“In a world that has decided that it’s going to lose its mind, be more kind my friends, try to be more kind.” – Frank Turner
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
The ability to get out of the car without making old man sounds after age 30.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
I’m going to sound like a little kid, but I’d love to be an open-wheel racing driver.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
I love the Nebraska Humane Society. I was a dog walker there for awhile when time was more abundant. My pets are my babies and they’re all adopted!
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
Where the Red Fern Grows.
What is your favorite movie?
Forrest Gump.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Tom Hanks.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
(402) 556-6464; brandon@lacasapizzaria.net; lacasapizzaria.net.