Omaha Steaks was founded in 1917 as Table Supply Meats by J.J. Simon and his son, B.A. Simon. Since then, the company has been a major cultural and economic force in Omaha with its 1,800 worker employment base and another temporary work force of 1,900 during the holiday season. The company also makes its telemarketing facility available to Central High groups such as the Alumni Association and P.E.P. for their annual telephone fundraising campaigns and supports numerous arts, health, and civic organizations, including Opera Omaha, Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha Symphony, and Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts.
Lester Simon, B.A. Simon’s son, joined the company in 1929, becoming president in 1946. He started the company’s first mail-order venture in 1952, changed its name to Omaha Steaks, and moved the company to a new plant on South 96 Street in 1966. He graduated from Central in 1924.
Alan D. Simon, a graduate of the Wharton School of Finance, is the chairman of Omaha Steaks International. He has most recently received the Volunteer of the Year Award from President Bush. He graduated from Central in 1952.
Frederick J. Simon, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, serves on the boards of Joslyn Art Museum, Opera Omaha Foundation, the Santa Fe Opera and Chamber Music Festival, and many other civic organizations. He graduated from Central in 1955.
Stephen H. Simon, a graduate of the University of Indiana, is Vice President and General Manager of Omaha Steaks International, the Food Service division. His service includes being a board member of the Jewish Press, the Arizona Symphony, and the Arizona Center for Performing Arts. He graduated from Central in 1957.
Stephen passed away in 2006 at the age of 66.