U.S. retail sales move in opposite direction from stocks
A key question for the economy this year is whether consumer spending can keep growing and offset the impacts of stock market volatility and slowing growth overseas.
Restaurants
Articles
Steak n Shake ups ante in cheap-food strategy
The burger chain in November announced that it recorded a 3 percent increase in same-store sales in the third quarter. It was the 27th quarter in a row in which same-store sales rose compared with the same period a year earlier—a stunning run of success in the topsy-turvy world of restaurants.
Mass Ave farm-to-table pioneer R bistro to close
Feb. 27 will be the last day of business for the restaurant founded by chef Regina Mehallick that helped fuel Indianapolis’ homegrown eatery boom.
Tex-Mex restaurant coming to Indiana Avenue
Corner Cantina is set to open Thursday in the Indiana Avenue building last occupied by New Orleans on the Avenue.
Johnny Rockets closes restaurant in Circle Centre mall
The burger joint served its last customers on Sunday in the mall’s food court, joining a growing list of tenants departing the mall’s third floor.
Crowded by Mass Ave, Chatham Arch exploring permit parking
A surge of activity in the Mass Ave area is spilling over into the historic neighborhood that’s now considering whether to restrict parking on its streets.
DINING: Former O’Charley’s spiced up as Jiallo’s
African-Caribbean Cuisine restaurant sets up shop in International Marketplace district.
Max & Erma’s closures include one local restaurant
Restaurant chain Max & Erma's has closed 13 Midwest locations, including one in the Indianapolis area, in an effort to streamline operations and deal with underperforming outlets.
Court decision paves way for Enzo Pizza vs. City Market trial
A Marion Superior Court judge declined to dismiss Enzo’s lawsuit against its former landlord. The pizzeria claimed it was unfairly ousted from its longtime location in the market’s east wing.
DINING: State Fair staple Barto’s hops to Greenwood with Hops & Fire
Don’t go to the eager-to-please new pub and eatery looking for deep-fried sweet corn or country-fried bacon or other fairground fare.
Restaurateur plans condos behind new eatery on New York Street
Mike Cunningham and business partner Patrick Heitz have received approval to build two upscale condos in one structure at the rear of the Vida restaurant, set to open early next month.
More firms give employees chance to drink on the job
Observers say the trend is a reflection of the increasing blurring of the lines between work and social lives.
DINING: Southwestern saloon Reata saddles onto Meridian
If any conventioneers ask you where to go for line dancing within walking distance, you now know what to tell them.
Owner closes all five Indy-area Bagger Dave’s restaurants
Southfield, Michigan-based Diversified Restaurant Holdings Inc. said it shut down eight of its 26 Bagger Dave’s restaurants in all, including seven in Indiana. It said the restaurants were losing money.
Local McAlister’s franchisee sells 19 restaurants
McIndy Ventures LLC, which opened its first McAlister’s in 2002 in Indianapolis, has sold its portfolio of eateries across Indiana to Tennessee-based Southern Rock Restaurants LLC.
Chipotle tweaking cooking methods in wake of outbreaks
The fast-but-fresh restaurant chain plans to change the way it handles its meats, vegetables and cheese to combat a hit to its image from incidences of foodborne illness.
DINING: Broad Ripple staple Chumley’s transitions into Village Tap Room
The Tijuana Sunshine Dog, wrapped in bacon with caramelized onion, queso fresco, and peppadew pepper chowchow, is not for the feint of heart.
Artisan distilleries are on the rise since 2013 law change
The state has approved permits to let 13 distilleries sell vodka, bourbon, whiskey and other spirits directly to the public. More permits are under consideration.
Downtown Dunaway’s restaurant building attracts buyer
A local company bought the historic building at 351 S. East St., near the entrance of the Fletcher Place neighborhood, and plans to convert it into office space.
DINING: Illinois Street gets Byrned
If you’ve ordered from the window of Byrne’s Grilled Pizza’s food truck, you should have a pretty good idea what to expect at its new brick and mortar location