History
1949 | Runza® was Founded
The first Runza®, founded by Sally Everett and her brother, Alex Brening, opens in Lincoln, NE near Pioneers Park.
1964
Donald Everett Sr.
Don Everett Sr., Sally Everett’s son, begins working full time at Runza®.
1966
Trademark & 2nd Location
Don Everett, Sr. opens the second Runza® location at 56th & Holdrege in Lincoln, NE, purchasing the trade name and incorporating Runza® Restaurants.
1973
Lederhosen Uniforms
Lederhosen-style uniforms; a nod to the German heritage of the Runza® Sandwich.
1979
Franchising
Runza® Restaurants begins franchising.
1981
Drive-Thrus
Drive-thru lanes replace car hops.
1983
Runza® implements a new logo.
1986
Today's Temp
Runza® launches its famous “Today’s Temperature is Today’s Price” promotion.
1989
Celebrating 40 years
Runza® celebrates its 40th Anniversary with a $1.99 Meal Deal promotion.
1989
Grilled Chicken
Grilled Chicken Sandwiches are introduced to the menu.
1991
Rock 'n Roll Runza®
Rock 'n Roll Runza® opens in downtown Lincoln, NE. A classic, diner-style Runza® with a jukebox, rollerskating servers, and even a full bar!
1994
Outstanding Achievement
Don Everett, Sr. named State Restauranteur of the Year.
1995
Friends
Rex roars into Runza® as the mascot along with his friends Chomper, Bronty & Cornelius to introduce Kids Meals.
1997 | Family
The tradition of Runza®'s strong leadership is passed down to the third generation of the Everett family.
Dawn (Everett) Amend – Purchasing Director | Donald Everett, Jr. – President | Renee (Everett) Sjulin – Vice President
1999
Let's Party!
50th Anniversary is celebrated with a two-day block party in downtown Lincoln, NE.
2000
Go Big Bread
Runza® becomes an official partner of University of Nebraska athletics.
2001
Goodbye, Hello
Dino nuggets are replaced with chicken strips.
2002
Best invention ever!
The Frings™ era begins.
2007
Perfect Combo
Cinnamon rolls are introduced as the perfect side to our homemade chili.
2008 | Expansion
80 locations in Runza®-land.
2009
Shopping Time
Runzashop.com lights up the internet and Runzatic®s everywhere order merchandise to show off their favorite place to eat.
2009
6 Decades
Celebrated 60 years with 60¢ Runza® sandwich and burger sales.
2010
We Love Winter
Today's Temperature is Today's Price transitions to Temperature Tuesdays®.
2011
Spicy
Our Facebook fans create the Spicy Jack Burger, which is then made into a chicken sandwich and Runza® sandwich.
2012
Great Books for Great Kids
The Great Books for Great Kids fundraiser marks 10 successful years, raising a total of more than $275,000 for local libraries, literacy organizations, and school foundations.
2014
Near & Far
Sandwich shipping goes nationwide. Runzatic®s across the country love ordering a taste of home.
2017
New Look
A new building prototype and logo launch.
2019
70 Never Looked So Good
Happy 70th to us!
2021
App-solutely
The Runza® Rewards mobile app offers a new way to interact with customers.
2023
Really?!?
Runza® collaborates with local ice cream company, 402 Creamery, to create a special, limited-time Chili & Cinnamon Roll flavor.
2023 | Goal Met
Runza® has over 90 locations in NE, IA, CO, KS & SD.
2024 | Special Occasion
75 years of serving homemade, fresh food.
