New FNBO branch gonna open...Runza probably not coming anytime soon!

Background Photo: FNBO Dell Range when approaching completion | Foreground Photo: FNBO Standalone sign advertises sponsorship of CFD - Optopolis

First National Bank of Omaha (often abbreviated as FNBO) is going to be opening in September at the site of what was originally expected to become a Runza restaurant on Dell Range Blvd.

Runza was looking to come to Cheyenne...

Unless you don't use online media at all, chances are decent that you heard somewhere that Runza was looking to come to Cheyenne. KingFM reported on this topic, at the time stating that the location wasn't yet known. That all changed when a sign was posted next door to City Brew Coffee on Dell Range Blvd.

Runza Coming Soon sign posted next door to City Brew, seen in January 2022 - Optopolis

For those unaware, Runza is a chain restaurant based out of Nebraska that is known for their sandwiches that contain ground beef, cabbage, and onions, although they also offer other options seen on their online menu, such as cheeseburgers and chicken sandwiches.

Unfortunately, in August 2022, the plan for a Cheyenne store began to fall apart, with the sign begin taken down. As reported by Cap City News, "[Runza] sold the undeveloped lot on Dell Range Boulevard that had been the projected site of the store."

The site of the then-soon-to-be FNBO after the Runza sign was taken down - Optopolis

As it stands right now according to Runza's store locator, no Wyoming locations (including the reported Torrington location) appear to have opened. The page advertising the possible Cheyenne store has since been taken down (it can be viewed in the Wayback Machine). The nearest locations to Cheyenne include Longmont and Loveland in Colorado; and Gering, Scottsbluff, Sidney, and Alliance in Nebraska.

FNBO comes into the picture

As reported here at Optopolis in 2022, items began appearing in the Cheyenne City Planning website that further confirmed a First National Bank of Omaha, a bank based out of Nebraska, was indeed coming to the site where Runza originally wanted to open. They were also in the process of buying out the Western States Bank's two Cheyenne locations, both of which have since been converted into FNBO.

FNBO Yellowstone Rd at Carlson, former Western States Bank - Optopolis

Around the last week of February 2023, ground began to break at the then-soon-to-be FNBO. By April 7th, framework of the building was already being to be put in place; by the end of April, walls were starting to go up as well. As of mid-July, most of the exterior of the building was complete; the billboard had been taken down, and the parking lot and drive thru were being built. By early August, landscaping began taking place around the building.

Opening date confirmed

Now, with the start of September right around the corner, signs have been posted at the FNBO advertising that the new branch will open on September 5th. This location will be the third FNBO in Cheyenne in consideration of the rebranding of the Western States Bank locations. The location does not yet appear to be listed in the FNBO branch locator.

Sign posted in front door of Dell Range FNBO advertising that it will open on September 5th.

How do you feel about FNBO taking over Cheyenne's Western State's banks? Also, at this point, do you believe there is even a thin chance of Runza coming to Cheyenne... or Wyoming for that matter? Let us know in the comments!

Location: Cheyenne, WY, USA

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