First Indiana site for Big Blue Swim School planned at Hamilton Town Center
A Carmel couple intends to open four more learn-to-swim pool facilities, with Avon on deck after Noblesville.
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RE/MAX claims franchisee steered brokers to competitor
Denver-based RE/MAX LLC and RE/MAX Integrated Regions LLC filed a complaint in federal court last month against James “Jimmy” Dulin and The Hamilton Group Inc., which does business as RE/MAX Ability Plus.
Ramen chain targets Indiana, plans restaurant in Fishers
Burbank-based Jinya Ramen Bar said it has signed a deal with a franchisee to open two local restaurants early next year.
Indy area’s second X-Golf center opening this fall
The Carmel-based franchisee for the line of sprawling indoor golf and entertainment centers says he’s already looking ahead to additional stores, maybe one in downtown Indianapolis.
Fast-casual Pickleman’s sandwich chain to enter market with Noblesville store
This will be the first Indiana location for Pickleman’s, a Missouri-based chain with 24 locations. The local franchisees plan to open a total of four Indianapolis-area stores over the next four years.
Rise’n Roll bakery to open downtown store next week
This will be Rise’n Roll’s fifth Indianapolis-area location, in addition to stores in Broad Ripple, Fishers, Greenwood and Avon.
Drew Brees, former teammates partner on central Indiana stretching studios
Stretch Zone opened its first of three planned new Indiana franchises in Zionsville last month. Fishers resident Ben Smith, who co-owns the franchise with former NFL star Drew Brees, said he’s hoping to eventually open locations across the state.
Health department forces Broad Ripple ice cream shop to close
The Marion County Health Department forced the Baskin-Robbins in Broad Ripple to close last week because of a malfunctioning air conditioner. The shop’s owner said he has no plans to reopen.
Blo Blow Dry Bar chain entering Indiana with three Indy-area locations
The Canada-based hair styling chain specializes in wash and blow-dry services and special-occasion hairstyling. It has more than 100 locations, but none in Indiana so far.
Veteran franchisees bringing Dave’s Hot Chicken chain to Indy
A Fort Wayne-based franchise group that operates 45 Pizza Hut locations, including some in Hamilton and Boone counties, has signed a deal to open 15 Dave’s Hot Chicken locations in Indiana. Most are expected to be in the Indy-area market.
Crumbl Cookies chain to open first Indiana store in Fishers
The Fishers shop opens this week, to be followed later this year by locations in Indianapolis, Greenwood, Carmel and Zionsville.
Culver’s franchisee plans up to 10 more restaurants, new Noblesville HQ
Jeff Meyer is turning the former Boys & Girls Club at 1700 Conner St. into his company’s headquarters. And he plans to keep things rolling by opening another eight to 10 stores by the end of 2023.
Fort Harrison’s last historic building up for grabs
The building, which formerly served as the post exchange for soldiers stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison, was offered for sale by the Fort Harrison Reuse Authority this week. Also this week: Tru by Hilton, Culver’s and more.
Car detailing specialty chain opening first Indiana store
Detail Garage, a California-based retail chain, will open a franchised store in Plainfield on Friday. It’s the first in Indiana for the fast-growing retail arm of Chemical Guys, which makes a line of car detailing products.
Oregon-based drive-thru coffee chain coming to Indy market
The Human Bean, which opened its first shop in 1998, is coming to Westfield. The local franchisee said he’s scouting Hamilton County for more sites. Also this week: Noble Roman’s, Big Woods and more.
Beech Grove Ponderosa, once a sales superstar, closes due to pandemic
The Beech Grove location’s owner, Fishers-based CMR Partners LLP, has also closed its three other Ponderosa locations since mid-July.
Indianapolis-area Popeyes restaurants under new ownership
The new franchisee for the 16 Popeyes locations is Cincinnati-based Gilligan Co., which operates convenience stores and quick-service restaurants including Subway and Dunkin Donuts.
Saladworks to launch aggressive Indiana franchising strategy with Westfield store
The CEO of a fast-casual restaurant that offers customizable salads said there’s potential for 20 franchised locations in central Indiana.
Local Bar Louie restaurants escape parent’s bankruptcy-related closure list
Gastropub chain Bar Louie Restaurants filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Monday and closed 38 corporate-owned restaurants across the country. But the Addison, Texas-based chain’s two Indianapolis-area locations are franchises and remain open.
Connecticut-based fun center operator eyeing Indy market
It’s part of a multi-state expansion that comes just more than a year after the original Thrillz opened. Also this week, the reopening of Cinemark 8, Kilroy’s Bar and Grill and The Boiling.