It all started in 1949 with the Original Runza® Sandwich. Homemade dough made from scratch everyday — stuffed full of ground beef, onions, cabbage, and secret spices—and then baked fresh and served hot.

Runza Sandwiches

The Runza® Timeline

It takes a long time to make a sandwich as great as a Runza® . Here is a brief history of what it takes us to bring this great food to you!

World War II ends.
1945
1st Runza® Drive Inn opens in Lincoln, NE near Pioneers Park. Founded by Sally Everett and her brother, Alex Brening.
The first color television is introduced in the U.S.
1951
1958
The first US satellite, the Explorer 1, is launched into orbit.
The Kennedy Nixon debate appears as the first Presidential debate on T.V.
1960
Sally Everett's son, Donald Everett Sr., begins working full time at Runza®.
1964
The Beatles gain international fame as a rock band.
The second Runza® location opens at 56th & Holdrege in Lincoln, NE.
Donald Everett, Sr. purchases the trade name and incorporates Runza® Restaurants.
1969
The US becomes the first nation to land astronauts on the moon.
The movie Star Wars is released.
1977
Runza® begins advertising on TV.
Runza® Restaurants begins franchising.
Mount St. Helens erupted.
1980
Car hops are replaced with drive-thru.
Runza® expands to 20 locations.
The Macintosh computer is introduced.
1984
The Italian Runza® Sandwich is introduced to the menu.
Runza® expands to 40 locations.
1989
The Berlin wall falls, uniting East Germany and capitalistic West Germany.
Grilled Chicken Sandwiches are introduced to the menu.
Runza® celebrates its 40th Anniversary with a $1.99 Meal Deal promotion.
Rock n' Roll Runza® opens in downtown Lincoln, NE.
The "Grandma Runza® " character is introduced in advertising.
1992
The World Wide Web started up for home use.
Donald Everett Sr. named State Restaurateur of the Year.
Runza® introduces four Kids Meals: Kids Runza® Sandwich, Small Burger, Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets and Mini Corn Dogs.
Runza® Rex (a friendly T-Rex) is introduced as Runza® mascot. Chomper, Bronty and Cornelius are introduced a few months later as his Runza® dinosaur friends.
1996
President Clinton defeats Bob Dole for second presidential term.
Donald Everett Jr. named President of Runza® Restaurants.
Runza® celebrates its 50th Anniversary with a two-day block party in downtown, Lincoln, NE.
Runza® has expanded to 63 locations in Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Iowa and South Dakota.
Runza® raised over $40,000 for families of the victims of 9/11.
2001
Runza® debuts new logo.
2002
Runza® launches two new product lines: Garden Fresh Salads & Premium Ice Cream.
2003
2004
Runza® rolls out a new line of Deli Wraps.
Runza® wins the Restaurant Neighbor Award from the National Restaurant Association. The award acknowledged Runza®'s annual fundraising initiative, "Great Books for Great Kids."
2005
2006
Dawn Everett Amend is President of the Nebraska Restaurant Association.
2006
Runza® expands to over 70 locations in Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas and Iowa.
Runza® expands to over 80 locations in Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas and Iowa.
2008
2009
Runza® celebrates its 60th Anniversary!