Star City Six – Nathan Stewart
McKinney’s Irish Pub and Tipsy Tina’s Taco Cantina (mckinneyspublincoln.com / tipsytinas.wordpress.com.) are locally owned restaurants/bars in Lincoln’s downtown Haymarket District. Nathan Stewart is a co-owner of McKinney’s Irish Pub and Tipsy Tina’s Taco Cantina.
Tell us a little about your business.
McKinney’s was started in 2013. We’re known for our great selection of craft beer and Irish whiskeys. Our kitchen also serves up delicious and dynamic spin-offs of your favorite bar foods with daily specials throughout the week. Tipsy Tina’s just opened within the past year, but we feel like we’ve done a good job of establishing ourselves already. People love coming in for street tacos and a few drinks. We have over 140 types of tequilas and 40 types of mezcals! We make all of our salsas, dips, and dressings from scratch.
How did you get started in the business?
I started as a bus boy in the restaurant industry when I was 15. I went on to eventually manage food and beverage for a Holiday Inn before taking the leap to open up my own establishment.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
COVID has taken a hit on everyone in the hospitality industry, but I’m grateful to be in Lincoln where we have such a supportive community.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Opening Tipsy Tina’s during COVID is something I’m very proud of.
Tell us a little about your family.
I’m from Grand Island. I moved to Lincoln for college. My wife Shandie and I have been married since 2010. We have a three-year-old named Mccallynn, a 14-year-old named Burlyn, and a German Shepherd name Nacho.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Deciding to become a business owner.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I enjoy golfing and working on my Corvette.
Who inspires you?
The owner of Dreisbach’s Steakhouse in Grand Island, where I got my start in the industry. He taught me a lot.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Go big or go home!
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Kind.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“Livin’ On The Edge” by Aerosmith.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
Photography. It’s a passion of mine I’ve done on the side for about five years.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I wouldn’t mind being a little better at golf.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
The Big Brothers Big Sisters program in Grand Island and Clinic with a Heart. We participate in their golf tournament each year.
What is your favorite movie?
Caddyshack.
What is your favorite TV show?
Dexter.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Tom Cruise.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
(402) 217-3021; info@mckinneyspublincoln.com; mckinneyspublincoln.com / tipsytinas.wordpress.com.