Local Taco Bell franchisee acquired by California firm
Southern Bells Inc., an Indianapolis-based franchisee that operates 76 regional fast-food restaurants, has been acquired by the country’s largest franchisee of Applebee’s restaurants.
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Microlenders aim to help businesses grow, survive
Indiana has three certified, not-for-profit SBA microloan intermediaries, which not only make short-term microloans—as any lender can—but also use the SBA grants they receive to offer business coaching along with the financing.
Bazbeaux founders settle lawsuit
Former husband and wife agree to end joint ownership of pizza restaurant, ending dispute that erupted with opening of Fountain Square sandwich shop.
Two Scotty’s to reopen as Detour American Grilles
The owner of the restaurants, Fishers-based MSCB, switched to the new formats after terminating its contracts with the current operator, Indianapolis-based A Pots & Pans Production.
Scotty’s plans new restaurants, loses contracts on others
Scott Wise, who operates nine restaurants in Indiana, plans to open two more Scotty’s Brewhouses in Indiana next year. However, his company also is losing the management contracts on two restaurants that carry the Scotty’s name.
Yats founders prepare to franchise chain across Midwest
Yats founders Joe and Regina Vuskovich decided earlier this year to grow their restaurant through franchising. Broad Ripple resident John Sutton and his sister Brittany Franken jumped at the opportunity.
Local chain takes vacant Clearwater restaurant spot
Zionsville-based Oobatz! will open in building formerly occupied by Uno Chicago Grill.
Another Broken Egg, Drake’s join local restaurant scene
Three others, including Granite City Food & Brewery, are adding to their number of Indianapolis-area locations.
Local Ruth’s Chris franchisee takes aim at breakfast
The operator of the Ruth’s Chris Steak House locations in Indianapolis is delving into the breakfast business by acquiring the rights to open 16 Another Broken Egg restaurants. The first is slated to open in February on the north side.
St. Elmo to be featured on cable television show
“Drinking Made Easy” traveled to Indianapolis to sample several of the city’s hotspots and their cocktails. The episode airs Wednesday night on cable network AXS TV.
INSIDE DISH: Carmel eatery unafraid to break a few eggs, rules
Restaurateur Larry Hanes stuck to his guns in creating Eggshell Bistro, bending conventions with eclectic decor, artisanal coffees, and a simple menu with restrained portions.
Broncos’ Manning to own 21 Papa John’s pizza franchises
Peyton Manning will be introduced as the company’s newest franchisee in the Denver area during a television spot with Papa John’s Chief Executive John Schnatter on Sunday during the telecast of NBC’s “Football Night in America.”
INSIDE DISH: New partners boost sales at Pure
Receipts at the locavore's haven in Fountain Square have surged since February, when two new partners took over day-to-day management, redefined the space, expanded the menu and turned its hours of operation upside down.
Steak n Shake opening in United Arab Emirates
The Indianapolis-based restaurant chain struck a deal to open 40 locations starting next year in the Middle Eastern country, its first venture outside the United States.
Local furniture maker acquires northern Indiana company
Facility Concepts Inc.’s purchase of Classico Seating in Peru, Ind., gives the manufacturer of restaurant furniture about 100 employees and 250,000 square feet of manufacturing space.
Biglari agrees to antitrust fine in Cracker Barrel deal
The chain-restaurant operator that owns Indianapolis-based Steak n Shake has agreed to pay $850,000 to settle procedural antitrust violations stemming from its purchase of shares in Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc.
Steak n Shake loses appeal over franchisee’s pricing
A longtime Steak n Shake franchisee who sued the chain after it insisted on setting prices for menu items prevailed again Friday as the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed an Illinois federal court’s ruling in the franchisee’s favor.
Steak n Shake customer traffic up in latest quarter
Biglari Holdings Inc., parent of Steak n Shake, said Friday that customer traffic to the restaurant chain grew 2.2 percent during the quarter ended July 4, boosting same-store sales 2.9 percent.
DINING: Neighborhood joint offers tasty tweaks on bar/grill staples
Last in a month-long series of “Grill” restaurant reviews. This week: JT’s Grille and Bar.
INSIDE DISH: Unlikely pair pilot Ship to profit
OK, so an accountant and a tattoo artist start a bar. Except it's no joke. Clearly defined roles have helped the odd-couple co-owners of The Sinking Ship navigate a turbulent startup and land on solid financial ground.