OMAHA, NE. (THECOUNT) — Steven L. Mercer, owner Nebraska, “Time Out Foods,” died suddenly on Christmas Day, according to reports.

Mercer died Wednesday. He was 59.

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Mercer is survived by his mother, as well as numerous close relatives and friends.

Visitation for Mercer will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Forest Lawn Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Monday at 11 a.m., reports KETV.

According to a piece in “Unique Eats and Eateries,” Time Out opened in 1969 as a sit-down restaurant to help develop minority business in North Omaha. In 1972, Steve Mercer’s parents bought the business from Swanson. Using their family recipe for fried chicken, the restaurant became a success.

Mercer started helping out at the age of 11 and bought the restaurant from his parents at the age of 22.

He often joked that the secret recipe put Kentucky Fried Chicken to shame. Time Out was named the best fried chicken in Omaha multiple times.

A cause of death was not provided as of Friday.

DEVELOPING::

Geo quick facts: Omaha is a city in the U.S. state of Nebraska, on the Missouri River close to the Iowa border. A stop on the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, it’s known for its pioneer history, museums and cultural centers. The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium spearheads conservation work and features a big cat complex as well as indoor jungle, rainforest and desert habitats – wikipedia.