From carp to copi: Unpopular fish getting a makeover
If “invasive carp” doesn’t sound appetizing, how about a plate of copi? The state of Illinois is unveiling a market-tested rebranding campaign to make the fish appealing to consumers.
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Q&A with Randy De John, who’s working to bring back customer service
Randy De John experienced the flaws of the food-delivery industry firsthand at his home in Fishers. So, being a restaurant industry veteran of 37 years and a former managing partner at Casler’s Kitchen & Bar, he decided to do something about it.
Kountry Kitchen owners break ground for new restaurant at original site
In 2016, the Food Network selected Kountry Kitchen—which was destroyed by fire in 2020—as one of the best soul food restaurants in the United States.
Pressure growing to remove PFAS from fast food wrappers
Known as “forever chemicals” for their persistence in the environment, PFAS have been used for decades to prevent grease, water and other liquids from soaking through wrappers, boxes and bags.
McDonald’s selling all 850 of its restaurants in Russia
Last year, McDonald’s Russian operations contributed 9% of the company’s total annual sales, or around $2 billion.
McDonald’s to sell its Russian business, try to keep workers
More than three decades after it became the first American fast food restaurant to open in the Soviet Union, McDonald’s said Monday that it has started the process of selling its business in Russia, another symbol of the country’s increasing isolation over its war in Ukraine.
Fewer nuggets, smaller salads as shrinkflation hits U.S. restaurant diners
Feeling a bit cheated when you look down at your plate? It’s not just a figment of your imagination—portions at some U.S. restaurants are indeed getting smaller.
Vegetable oil prices soar, far outstripping other food inflation
Extreme weather and the war in Ukraine have tightened global supplies of the four most commonly used types of vegetable oil—staple ingredients that are as ubiquitous in home kitchens as they are in restaurants and packaged foods.
Apartments added to hotel proposal on south side of downtown
The development team behind a hotel planned for a parcel across from Shapiro’s Delicatessen in downtown Indianapolis is adding about 60 apartments to the mix, as well as a rooftop restaurant.
Q&A: Restaurateur makes everything ‘just peachy’
Just months before the pandemic, Charity Elliott decided to launch her own restaurant, Just Peachy Cafe, in her hometown of Shelbyville. And with the help of her retired mom, husband Chad and sons Gavin and Garett, the restaurant has grown a loyal following in Indy’s southern suburbs.
A Rev spotlight for chefs who fed those in need through pandemic
The executive chefs at Second Helpings and Wheeler Mission Ministries will receive star treatment at Indianapolis Motor Speedway event.
Q&A with Kristine Brockman, co-owner of GoldLeaf Savory & Sweet cafe
Today, GoldLeaf—1901 E. 46th St.—serves what it labels “snacks” (Wasabi Grilled Cheese, a Croissant with Gruyere and Ham, for example); offers an espresso bar (cappuccinos, cold brews, mochas, etc.) and serves beer and wine in an eclectic café filled with plants and art.
BrewDog bar in Fountain Square is permanently closed
The bar opened on the first floor of the Forte apartment building, 1140 Shelby St., in September 2019.
Staffing and supply woes complicate business for hospitality industry as pandemic eases
Restaurants, just like hotels, had to let most of their staffs go early in the pandemic because there was no one for them to serve. But now that business is picking up again, many of those former restaurant and hotel staffers have moved on.
Indy Chicken & Beer Festival moving to Monument Circle for 2nd year
Once again, the festival is expected to feature some of the city’s best-known restaurants and brewers, music, a wing-eating contest and other activities.
Q&A with Gwendolyn Rogers, who is grasping her Disney dream
Rogers is placing one of her Cake Bake Shop restaurants at Disney’s BoardWalk at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando. The Disney site is expected to open next year.
Cafe Patachou, Amelia’s Bread among four tenants lined up for revamped Stutz
SomeraRoad Inc., which acquired the Stutz Motor Car Co. factory complex last year for $25.8 million, confirmed Friday the four businesses will open on the ground floor of two Stutz buildings closest to the intersection of North Capitol Avenue and 10th Street.
‘MasterChef’ champion opens hometown restaurant at Fishers Test Kitchen
Inspo, a concept by Fishers resident Kelsey Murphy, joins One Trick Pony and Gordito’s at Fishers Test Kitchen.
Familiar name, self-pour beer concept planned at former Moe & Johnny’s site
The Bulldog Bar & Lounge, which is expected to open in May, will feature 48 self-serve taps in addition to traditional bar service and a restaurant named BD Social.
Major restaurant chains commit to eliminating ‘forever chemicals’
The effort to stamp out the chemicals comes in response to an investigation by Consumer Reports that found toxic chemicals in a majority of the food wrappers and packaging from chain restaurants and grocery stores that were tested.