LENORA, KS, September 30, 2025 – Nex-Tech has made a $50,000 loan to support the opening of a new restaurant to serve the rural communities of northwest Kansas. Waldo Tavern in Waldo, Kansas will serve famous American dishes, as well as specials from wherever Waldo travels to that month. The loan was made possible through the Nex-Tech Revolving Loan Fund which provides funds to eligible local businesses to create jobs and contribute to sustaining the local economy. The loan is a testament to Nex-Tech’s commitment to making life better for the customers and communities they serve.
Speaking on the loan support, CEO of Nex-Tech, Jimmy Todd, said, “We are happy to assist another local business that will enhance the quality of life in our service footprint. These communities already have world-class fiber broadband, now we are going the extra mile to provide financial resources to help them serve our communities.”
Named after the town of Waldo and the famous animated character, Waldo Tavern will blend small-town charm with made-from-scratch American cuisine to create a dining experience that honors both heritage and hospitality. Waldo Tavern, located at 119 Highway 281, will open to the public later in October and offer dine-in, take-out, catering, and private event hosting options. They will welcome visitors, tourists, and residents to enjoy unforgettable rural Kansas hospitality.
The restaurant project will entail the renovation of the business location and installation of serving facilities and equipment. Owners of Waldo Tavern, Nicholas Bennison and Crystal Blair, said, “When other funding avenues were out of reach, Nex-Tech stepped up to provide critical support, enabling us to open in a historical rural community deeply rooted in tradition and made this dream a reality,” stated Nicholas Bennison, proprietor of The Waldo Tavern. “We’re proud to open in a location that means so much to so many, and to be a part of preserving its history while helping shape its future… we are proud to bring our tavern to life; a place where stories can be shared, friendships are forged, traditions come to life and where the warmth of great food and company is always on tap”, Nicholas added.
The project brought together business leaders at the Innovation Center, Nex-Tech, and the Bennison family to pool resources together and get it across the finish line. Michael Berges, Business Support Director at the Innovation Center, who worked with Nic and Crystal to develop the business and financial plans, said, “Finding the right partner for the Waldo Tavern came with its share of obstacles, but Crystal and Nicholas never stopped working toward their goal. They kept pushing me for solutions to advise on their business opportunity, and it was rewarding to see their persistence. I believe in their tenacity to bring a great experience to another of our rural communities and create a place we will all want to stop.”
Nex-Tech is a participant in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program (REDLG) through which it has supported many rural projects and business initiatives, created jobs across the region, and contributed to a sustainable local economy. “Nex-Tech is committed to supporting businesses and entrepreneurs across northwest and central Kansas,” said Friday Otuya, Community Engagement Specialist. “We currently have over $1 million available through our revolving loan fund and are eager to help local businesses start, expand, or innovate.” Interested businesses can reach out to our Community Engagement team at econdevo@nex-tech.com.
So far, Nex-Tech has facilitated over ten million dollars in loans and grants, and this investment has created nearly 300 jobs across the region. Projects funded include a medical facility, a housing project, a local plumbing business, a motel, hospitals and health centers, restaurants, a welding shop, county and city governments, a senior center, construction companies, an energy exploration firm, a fiber processing facility, an auto repair shop, and more.
For more information about the Nex-Tech Revolving Loan Fund, visit: https://www.nex-tech.com/about/economic-development/community-loans-grants/.
Visit Waldo Tavern on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Waldo-Tavern-61570923626743/