Colts-themed restaurant closes its doors after financial losses
The Blue Crew Sports Grill on Indianapolis’ far north side closed its doors Thursday after seven years in business, according to a post on the eatery’s Facebook page.
Bars/Taverns
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Charlie & Barney’s ends 36-year restaurant run
Indianapolis chain Charlie & Barney’s, known for its chili, has closed its flagship downtown location, leaving it without a restaurant for the first time since its 1977 founding.
Higher payroll taxes take toll on restaurants
So far, 2013 has been “a roller coaster ride” for Indiana eateries, according the state trade association’s president. Industry observers say a 2-percent increase in the payroll tax is a likely culprit in a nationwide sales decline.
Fate uncertain on Sunday alcohol-sales bill
Supporters of ending Indiana's ban on Sunday retail alcohol sales will have to wait at least another week before knowing whether their effort will advance in the Indiana Legislature.
Scotty’s plans new restaurants, loses contracts on others
Scott Wise, who operates nine restaurants in Indiana, plans to open two more Scotty’s Brewhouses in Indiana next year. However, his company also is losing the management contracts on two restaurants that carry the Scotty’s name.
St. Elmo to be featured on cable television show
“Drinking Made Easy” traveled to Indianapolis to sample several of the city’s hotspots and their cocktails. The episode airs Wednesday night on cable network AXS TV.
State may revoke accused liquor license speculator’s permit
The Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Commission says Slobodan Lakich bought a license last year for $9,000, then tried to flip it for $30,000.
INSIDE DISH: New partners boost sales at Pure
Receipts at the locavore's haven in Fountain Square have surged since February, when two new partners took over day-to-day management, redefined the space, expanded the menu and turned its hours of operation upside down.
INSIDE DISH: Unlikely pair pilot Ship to profit
OK, so an accountant and a tattoo artist start a bar. Except it's no joke. Clearly defined roles have helped the odd-couple co-owners of The Sinking Ship navigate a turbulent startup and land on solid financial ground.
INSIDE DISH: Smokers’ haven prepares for ban
Mass Avenue Pub survived a two-year hiatus in the mid-2000s after a massive infrastructure collapse. Its owners think going smokeless on Friday will be a comparative breeze, even though 65 percent of their clientele like to light up.
INSIDE DISH: Husband-wife team revive sushi joint’s reputation
Scott and Debbie Bennett sank their savings into purchasing Greenwood's Yokohama, which had a past peppered with disappointed patrons.
INSIDE DISH: Nostalgic Shallos does brisk business swiftly
The 31-year-old, south-side institution is approaching a potential turning point as it breaks sales records and continues to hone lightning-quick food prep and table turnover.
INSIDE DISH: Gastropub owners get aggressive after big first year
The Local Eatery and Pub in Westfield streaked past break-even point in its first 12 months, leading its relieved but exhausted owners to plan new projects.
Downtown crowds still strong even after game time
Thousands of people stayed downtown to watch the game from a nearby restaurant or bar, many of which had lines stretching out the front door to get inside.
Distribution plan keeps provisions plentiful despite crowds
Downtown's Super Bowl revelry still is going strong thanks in large part to a special distribution strategy that includes extra routes, earlier deliveries and an ample supply of food and booze to replenish local establishments. (with video)
Super Bowl payoff substantial, but may fall short of hype
There’s no doubt the Super Bowl crowds showered Indianapolis with cash all week. The question is, how much of it will stick after the big game is over? And how much will it mean to Indianapolis’ economy?
INSIDE DISH: Noodle readies for Super Bowl rush
Owner Hal Yeagy expects at least three months of business over 10 days at the newly nonsmoking Slippery Noodle Inn, and he's spending nearly $300,000 on physical improvements and a temporary tent to make sure it rocks.
Brugge owners eye downtown buildings for brewery, eatery
Owners of Broad Ripple’s Brugge Brasserie want to bring a new restaurant concept to the Massachusetts Avenue district downtown, where they also plan to relocate the craft brewery that supplies beer to Brugge.
New booze permits unleash gold rush
The Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Commission plans to sell up to 101 new three-way restaurant permits for Marion County at an auction Nov. 18. The offering follows a recalculation—using fresh U.S. Census numbers—of how many permits should be distributed in the city.
INSIDE DISH: Great Divide bridges Lockerbie past, present
Ralph's Great Divide has staked out an identity as a downtown survivor, making vital changes after its first proprietor's death and weathering a big downturn in sales during the recent recession.