Mexican-fusion eatery Comida opens in The Ambassador
The space just north of Central Library formerly housed Plow & Anchor and other restaurants. Also this week: The Barre Code, Orangetheory Fitness, Target and Claire’s.
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IBJ Podcast: Chef Hardesty’s new SoBro project isn’t a traditional restaurant but you can get a meal there
Renown local chef Greg Hardesty talks about his plans to offer private dining, a coffee bar, pop-up meals and more—even a service to supply home chefs with hard-to-find ingredients.
Small wineries want chance to self-distribute products
The number of wine wholesalers in Indiana has dwindled from hundreds to a couple of dozen. That has raised concerns for small wineries that might not produce enough wine to attract a major distributor.
Chef Greg Hardesty’s latest kitchen project has ‘anything goes’ approach
It’s clear what chef Greg Hardesty’s newest venture, Studio C, is not: a traditional restaurant. But labeling what it is—well, that’s more difficult.
Scotty’s Brewhouse in Noblesville closes suddenly
The Scotty's Brewhouse in Noblesville has abruptly closed, the Indianapolis-based restaurant and bar chain announced Wednesday, marking the fifth closure for Scotty’s since the end of last year.
Papa John’s offers Purdue tuition in bid for labor loyalty
Papa John’s International Inc. is offering its employees tuition to Purdue University online classes—part of the beleaguered chain’s efforts to shift the narrative away from the missteps of its founder.
82nd Street eatery to pair doughnuts, beer
The unlikely combination is designed to appeal to daytime and evening customers. Also this week: LouVino, King Dough, Osteria Pronto and Taco John’s.
District Tap eyeing expansion into downtown Indianapolis
The north-side restaurant’s owners want to create a location in the former space of Broken English Taco Pub, but their plans have been complicated by a proposed patio door.
Lawmakers consider changes to allow more alcohol permits in growing communities
The omnibus alcohol bill authored by Rep. Ben Smaltz, R-Auburn, would also create a special alcohol permit for a planned food hall at the Bottleworks development on Massachusetts Avenue.
Senate OKs bill to allow food, beverage tax in three Indy suburbs
The tax would have the biggest impact in Greenwood, where it could generate $2.5 million in 2020 and $2.6 million in 2021.
Helium Comedy Club set for March opening
The club, which will be the chain’s fifth, will open with a headliner who was part of the Saturday Night Live cast. Also this week: Books & Brews, Sushi Boss and Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping.
UPDATE: Scotty’s Brewhouse founder faces new investor lawsuit for alleged fraud
The suit against Scott Wise alleges that two investors lost more than $1 million they had invested, due to Wise’s misleading statements and shares that were never properly registered. Wise said he didn’t mislead any investor in Scotty’s Brewhouse.
Longtime downtown steakhouse Shula’s preparing to close
The steakhouse, part of a chain founded by NFL coaching legend Don Shula, plans to leave the Westin Indianapolis at the end of next month.
Duckpin bowling coming to Franklin
New owner of 90-year-old building aims to add to town’s entertainment mix. Also this week: Dos Hombres Taco House, Scarlet Lane Brewing, Belle Tire, Huntington Learning Center and more.
Restaurateur pulling plug on Hard Rock Cafe downtown
When the location opened in 1999, Hard Rock was still considered a fashionable brand and a good get for a downtown in the midst of a renaissance powered in part by Circle Centre mall.
Former Elbow Room site downtown to house two restaurants
A longtime local chef and his wife plan to open a fast-casual spot for breakfast and lunch, as well as a dinner restaurant. The iconic flatiron building also will include space for private events.
U.S. restaurant prices experience largest jump since 2011
Full-service restaurants, facing higher labor and food costs, raised prices by the largest amount in more than seven years in December, a Labor Department report released Friday shows.
Vacant Shelby Street property getting makeover
A St. Vincent de Paul store and coffee shop will occupy the space. Also this week: Bovaconti Coffee, My Sugar Pie, Simply Divine Cupcakes and Starbucks.
Sun King seeks fast, but smart, growth
It’s daunting to keep tabs on what Sun King Brewing Co. is doing these days.
Crispy Bird fried-chicken joint by Patachou closing after departure of founding team
Instead of trying to continue operating the Meridian-Kessler eatery, Patachou leaders say the space is needed to temporarily house the operations of the company’s fast-growing, not-for-profit foundation.