Expect department stores, apparel retailers to continue to retrench in 2020
More than 7,600 stores closed this year through October, a record for that point in the year, according to Credit Suisse. And the outlook for 2020 doesn’t look any brighter.
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Big Woods in Nashville closing for updates to menu, decor
The new menu will feature new twists on old dishes, such as meatloaf and fried chicken, and the decor will get a freshening-up, although there are no plans to expand seating.
As robots take over warehousing, workers pushed to adapt
While fears that robots will replace human workers haven’t come to fruition, there are growing concerns that keeping up with the pace of the latest artificial intelligence technology is taking a toll on human workers’ health, safety and morale.
ISU’s Dreiser Hall to get $18M renovation
The project will improve the 70-year-old building’s HVAC and plumbing systems, its fire suppression system and electrical needs and also bring it into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
IBJ Podcast: The top Indianapolis-area stories of 2019
Podcast host Mason King talks with IBJ Managing Editor Lesley Weidenbener and reporter Anthony Schoettle about Penske Corp.’s acquisition of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Eli Lilly and Co.’s biggest acquisition ever, trucking giant Celadon’s demise, Ambrose’s decision to pull back from the GM stamping plant site and more.
2019 YEAR IN REVIEW: Ambrose pulls out of GM stamping plant project
Ambrose had detailed plans in 2018 for a $1.4 billion, mixed-use development called Waterside—and said construction would start in 2019. But on Sept. 27, Ambrose said it planned to reposition its business and move away from mixed-use and office projects, including Waterside.
2019 YEAR IN REVIEW: Scotty’s Brewhouse, Palomino, Granite City among 2019’s biggest restaurant closures
When Scotty’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December 2018, it had 19 locations, including seven Indianapolis-area Scotty’s Brewhouses and a Thr3e Wise Men Brewing Co. in Broad Ripple. By the middle of this year, most of those had closed, including all the Indianapolis-area sites.
10 news events that changed central Indiana in 2019
There was no shortage of huge news stories in central Indiana this year—with Roger Penske’s purchase of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the launching of the Red Line and the closing of trucking giant Celadon.
New owner of Giorgio’s Pizza hopes to sling slices beyond downtown
Elif Ozdemir purchased the eatery at 9 E. Market Street in November with the goal of keeping the existing pizzeria largely as is—although she plans to add a food truck.
Upscale steakhouse with Indiana pedigree to open downtown
It will be the third Indiana location for Fort Wayne-based Eddie Merlot’s, which plans to take over space in one of downtown’s oldest buildings vacated last year by Red the Steakhouse.
Champagne and shoes: Luxury stores adapt to changing shopper
New entrants have disrupted the luxury sector by creating different channels to attain the seemingly unattainable. For luxury department stores that once had a lock on where the well-heeled could shop, that has forced them to reimagine their approach.
IBJ Podcast: Rick Eichholtz talks about the closing of Ike & Jonesy’s
Rick tells podcast host Mason King about how he became a bar owner, what his dad thought about the idea, and how he feels about Ike & Jonesy’s closing after more than three decades.
Plan to house homeless off to slow start
It’s been more than two years since the city and state chose four developers to build 500 affordable housing units—including some reserved for people experiencing homelessness.
Fresh baby food maker plans first retail shop in Castleton
The shop in Castleton is expected to open in March and will sell fresh baby food plus merchandise for both babies and mothers. The company also offers baby food subscription boxes.
Earth Fare closing all three Indianapolis-area grocery stores
The chain, which specializes in organic and natural food, plans to close its stores in Carmel, Noblesville and Greenwood on Jan. 11.
Cunningham Restaurant Group plans third Rize, this time in Carmel
When the restaurant opens at 12955 Old Meridian Street, it will join Bru Burger Bar, another CRG concept, in a renovated Gateway Plaza retail center.
Brewpub named best in America coming to Indianapolis
Hammond-based 18th Street Brewery—which was voted the best brewpub in America this year by readers of USA Today—has officially announced plans to open an Indianapolis location.
Lawrence Township schools plan expansive busing facility on 40 acres
The facility would have 220 bus parking spaces with protective canopies, a visitor and staff parking lot with 88 spaces, a 231-vehicle parking lot for bus drivers, a fuel island, a six- to 10-bay maintenance facility, a training center and staff offices.
North-side community development group hires new CEO
Elan Daniel, a former deputy director of community and economic development for the city of Indianapolis, will start with Mapleton Fall Creek Development Corp. next month.
Ike & Jonesy’s to close as building owner develops boutique hotel
After a 36-year run, the owners of the downtown nightlife institution say it will close after its New Year’s Eve party and a “Last Hurrah Celebration.”