Nebraska-grown, nationally-known Scooter’s Coffee to add $40M local facility 

OMAHA — Nebraska-based Scooter’s Coffee continues its fast growth by launching a third distribution center in the Omaha area, where the operation nearing 1,000 nationwide stores was born.

A groundbreaking event was held Tuesday for the 154,400-square-foot cold storage distribution center in Sarpy County’s Papillion. The facility set to open next June at 11656 S. 158 St., will contain warehouse, freezer and office space and support more than 330 Scooter’s coffeehouse locations.

It will be the largest of the Omaha area distribution centers and the second largest in the national network, behind one in Indianapolis. Officials said total investment in the new structure will be more than $40 million. 

More than 70 employees will open the store and about 100 are expected over time, said Nick Jarecke, chief supply chain officer for Scooter’s.

Papillon Mayor David Black was among those at the Tuesday event, and said growth of local brands and companies have special meaning to his suburban Sarpy County town just outside Omaha.

Said Black: “You can go to Illinois, you can go to Florida. You see Scooter’s. And to be able to say, ‘That’s a Sarpy County — that started in Sarpy County,’ there’s a lot of pride there.”

Jarecke said the new facility represents a key investment in regional growth and he also recognized ARCO National Construction, a leader in food and beverage facility construction.

“By strengthening our cold storage and distribution capabilities, we are better positioned to serve our franchises, maintain product quality and support the speed and consistency our customers expect,” Jarecke said in a statement.

Sam Stahnke, vice president of ARCO’s Omaha division, said his team was proud to play a role in supporting Scooter’s growth.

Founded in 1998 by Don and Linda Eckles, the Scooter’s enterprise known for specialty coffee drinks, smoothies, teas and drive-through service is now up to 920 stores in 32 states. The first coffeehouse at 24th Street and Cornhusker Road in Sarpy County’s Bellevue still remains.

Officials said six distribution centers exist nationally, and each houses products such as syrups, coffee beans and pastries that are delivered to Scooter’s outlets.

Coffee beans for stores nationwide are roasted at the local corporate headquarters campus. A company spokesman said that of all Scooter’s stores, about 20 are owned by the parent company and the rest are run by independent franchise operators.