After 40 years with Runza, Kearney’s Tim Higgins set to retire

KEARNEY, NE — A longtime Kearney businessman is set to retire at the end of the month.

Tim Higgins says he will step down as managing partner of the city’s two Runza Restaurants locations on August 1. The retirement will cap Higgins’ 40-year career with the Nebraska-based restaurant chain. According to a news release, Higgins started as a part-time employee when he was 19 and was quickly promoted to store manager. Since then, Tim has managed 7 different Runza restaurants in 3 different cities.  He and his family moved to Kearney, Nebraska in 1997 to open the Kearney North location. 

“Working 7 days a week, 362 days a year takes its toll on a person,” Higgins said. “The time has come for me to step away from Runza.”

The current management team and staff will continue to handle the daily operations. Ownership will be transferred to the Runza National Corporation.

Beyond Runza, Higgins serves as a county commissioner. He previously was involved as a PTO president and president of the Kearney School Board. He is also involved in the local sports scene as a booster and umpire.

“I have been very blessed to be a part of Kearney and I am excited to see what my next adventure will bring,” Higgins said.