Carl and Diane Kucera of Litchfield are a cornerstone in food and beverage service returning to Mahoney State Park later this month. Their new business, Carl’s at Mahoney, opens within Peter Kiewit Lodge soon, according to a release from Nebraska Game & Parks.
The Kuceras are well-known for their catering business, Country Catering, which they have operated for 25 years, and for Carl’s Tavern in Ord, which opened in 2021.
Service will begin March 15-17 with a convenient Grab and Go format, where guests can purchase a variety of to-go food and drink items.
Carl’s also will host a St. Patrick’s Day Buffet featuring corned beef from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 17. It is the first of the weekly Sunday brunch buffets. The buffet will be $21.99 for adults and includes a drink and dessert; kids buffet is just $9.99.
A bar featuring local beers, cider and wine, and classic drinks also will open starting March 15. Hours are noon to 5 p.m., or by appointment, on Fridays and Saturdays. The bar will offer beer and wine from 10 a.m. to noon and will be full service from noon to 2 p.m. or by appointment on Sundays.
Grab and Go will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays for the immediate future. Offerings will include items such as hot and cold drinks, rolls, donuts, pizza, fruit, salad, wine, beer, chicken strips, and hot and cold sandwiches.
The business will continue opening in phases and expects to expand the Grab and Go section to seven days a week by peak park visitation season. It also will offer table service, with appetizers, entrees and desserts, and catering for events.
Jeff Fields, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission parks division administrator expressed his excitement saying, “The Kuceras have a great reputation for making delicious American-style food and are committed to providing great food and excellent service to the growing operation at the park.”
A vehicle park entry permit is required to enter Mahoney State Park. Visitors can buy one in advance of their visit to Carl’s by visiting OutdoorNebraska.gov.
