Illinois governor bans indoor dining in Chicago as virus cases surge
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot says she isn’t sure the governor’s new restrictions are targeting the right people and worries that they will adversely affect the city’s economy.
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Huse Culinary closing book on downtown Burger Study due to pandemic
Launched in 2017, Burger Study was designed to attract downtown office workers, convention attendees and spectators for sporting events and concerts. All of those populations have been cut thin by the pandemic.
Hickory Hillz BBQ opening in downtown Franklin
It will be the second restaurant for the business that started in Edinburgh in 2005. Also this week: Guardian RV Storage, Sun King, Big Woods, Liftoff Creamery and Athletic Annex.
IBJ Podcast: ‘Tumultuous.’ That’s how restaurateur Eddie Sahm describes surviving the pandemic.
There’s one thing Eddie is certain about: Without more government assistance, a large percentage of local restaurants will close. And that, he said, won’t be good for the community.
Total Wine & More liquor superstore to open in Nora
The 86th Street store, which is set to open next month, will be the first in Indiana for the Maryland-based chain. Also this week: Nada and Downtown Arts Market.
After Biglari unleashes venom on Cracker Barrel, CEO fires back
Biglari Holdings’ Sardar Biglari is pushing for reforms at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store even as Biglari restaurant Steak n Shake teeters.
Chick-fil-A planning new downtown restaurant
The new Chick-fil-A will occupy the cellar and ground floor of 10 E. Washington St., which has been vacant since the menswear chain Jos. A. Bank closed its store there in 2017. Also this week: The Exchange Whiskey Bar and Dave & Buster’s.
City launches $11 million grant fund for hospitality industry
The program, called the Hospitality Establishment Lifeline Program, will provide grants to Marion County bars, restaurants and live entertainment venues that pay food and beverage taxes.
New art and design shop to serve in-person, online customers
Up to now, the business has primarily served architects and designers in bigger markets. Also this week: Lou Malnati’s, Dave & Busters, Godiva Chocolatier, Nesso, Jiffy Lube.
Cold weather means new challenges for struggling restaurants
Restaurants are trying to figure out how to extend the outdoor dining season using space heaters, tents, temporary igloos and even blankets. Heat lamps are already in short supply.
Sahm’s Restaurant Group closing downtown cafeteria, tavern
Ed Sahm, the restaurant group’s founder and owner, said the pandemic-related exodus of downtown office workers meant the two locations are no longer financially viable.
Cracker Barrel launches ‘ghost kitchen’ test pilot in Indianapolis
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. is converting one of its Indianapolis restaurants into a food-preparation-only location as a way for the company to experiment with the emerging “ghost kitchen” trend.
Artisan gift shop coming to Fountain Square
The husband-and-wife owners previously sold their creations on social media and at craft fairs. Also this week: Joella’s Hot Chicken, SweeTie’s Gourmet Treats, Lily & Sparrow and Ross Dress for Less.
ClusterTruck expanding to Broad Ripple, Fishers
ClusterTruck plans to start deliveries in Broad Ripple on Monday and in Fishers on Oct. 8, marking an expansion of the food-delivery company’s suburban Indianapolis footprint.
Survey: More than 40% of Indiana restaurant operators fear viability
More than four out of 10 restaurant operators in Indiana say it is unlikely they will still be in business six months from now if current business conditions continue, according to survey released Tuesday by the Indiana Restaurant and Lodging Association.
IBJ Podcast: Pete the Planner urges immediate support for restaurants, plus answers to burning money questions
We all know that restaurants have been devastated by the pandemic. Some have closed, and Pete predicts more are about to. He suggests determining how much you can afford to help and then spending that cash at two or three restaurants that are meaningful to you.
Hotels, restaurants face new conundrum: How to offer service without a smile
Six months into the pandemic, conveying warmth is the new hot topic among hoteliers and restaurateurs. Some are coming up with new ways.
Broad Ripple tequila-and-tacos joint expanding to Fishers
The three principals behind Sangrita Saloon are adapting the high-end Mexican concept for the 4,000-square-foot Sangrita Grill & Cantina in the Yard at Fishers District culinary hub.
All my takeout has delivered a mountain of trash. So I asked experts how to minimize it.
The stream of paper, plastic, aluminum and glass that came through my door from roughly 30 takeout orders shocked and depressed me. I accumulated enough waste to fill two recycling containers—nearly 100 gallons of space—not to mention a torrent of guilt.
International Marketplace district welcomes new, reopening restaurants
Meanwhile, plans are in the works for a $12 million International Marketplace welcome center and museum that would replace a former Value City Furniture store.