Plainfield roadside diner added to landmarks list
The Plainfield Diner is among five endangered structures new to Indiana Landmarks' annual top 10 list released Wednesday.
Retail
Articles
Simon Property cooperating With FTC on Prime Outlets inquiry
Some retail tenants of outlet malls are concerned about Simon gaining too much market power should its acquisition of Prime
Outlets be approved.
INSIDE DISH: Papa Roux pops after stumbling at the start
Art Bouvier fled his corporate IT gig to open a small Cajun place without
a business plan or prior restaurant experience. After a number of blunders, Papa Roux looks like it will pan out.
All Things Automotive aims for national reach, 20 stores by year-end
GM’s axing of its Saturn brand may fuel the nationwide emergence of an Indianapolis-based used-car franchisor. The first All
Things Automotive franchise will open this month in Fishers, at the former Saturn store owned by Lockhart Automotive Group.
Entrepreneurial couples banking on demand for art
One art-collecting couple has opened a fine-art gallery in Zionsville, while the founder of a contemporary craft show is planning
a boutique in Irvington.
Work begins on Penn Arts apartment, retail project
Renovation work finally has begun on the building at 16th and Pennsylvania streets. Developer Christopher Piazza found two
equity partners for the project because banks were unwilling to lend.
INSIDE DISH: Mug-n-Bun rides on 50-year formula
IBJ's new video feature on restaurateurs tries curbside
service at Speedway's Mug-n-Bun, unchanged in concept since the 1960s but now sporting subtle tweaks.
With five new acquisitions, Skillman builds car-lot dynasty
Ray Skillman bought five car lots in the last 12 months from other dealers who have struggled during the recession. Skillman now ranks among the five largest dealers in the area, and his chain is poised
for even more growth.
Many retail locations plagued by vacancies
Vacancy rates unseen in 20 years are hampering efforts by developers.
Santorini owner realizes ‘American Dream’ with national honor
Fountain Square eatery owner Taki Sawi is one of only three restaurant operators to receive an award given by National Restaurant
Association every two years.
INSIDE DISH: Restaurateur rebounds with Pizzology
After a sales slowdown during the recession forced him to close the high-end eatery L'explorateur, Neal Brown mulled
a move into Neopolitan-style pizza with friendlier price points. The result—Pizzology Pizzeria & Pub—is off
to a profitable start.
Biglari’s comparisons to Buffett debated
Sardar Biglari has copied some of the trademarks of his investing idol, Warren Buffett, including a folksy annual letter to
shareholders. But Biglari is just starting his career and already is showing signs of taking a different approach than that
of the Oracle of Omaha.
Simon Property Group cranks up bid for General Growth
Simon Property Group upped its offer for rival General Growth Properties Inc., pledging to invest $2.5 billion in a reorganization
and match the terms of a bankruptcy exit plan led by Brookfield Asset Management Inc.
Local Scholars Inn sold, to reopen under new name
The Mass Ave. restaurant is set to become Mesh, which will feature a more casual atmosphere and menu, as well as a new operator who will
lease the space
from the building’s owners.
Report: Simon may drop General Growth bid
Shares in General Growth Properties Inc., the second-biggest U.S. mall owner, fell as much as 6.7 percent Monday morning after
a newsletter report that Simon Property Group Inc. may abandon a takeover bid for its smaller rival.
INSIDE DISH: Harried chef at R bistro tries to keep it fresh
In IBJ's new video feature on front-burner business issues that vex restaurants, Regina Mehallick
of downtown's R bistro mulls the financial and personal demands of running a chef-owned eatery with a menu that changes
every week.
Steak n Shake unveils new restaurant prototype
The company now known as Biglari Holdings Inc. on Thursday unveiled a new prototype for future Steak n Shake restaurants.
CEO Sardar Biglari said the goal is to open about 1,500 new franchise locations in the coming years.
UPDATE: Steak n Shake shareholders OK name change
Steak n Shake Co. shareholders on Thursday approved changing the parent company’s name to Biglari Holdings Inc. Shares
begin trading under the new name on Friday.
Steak n Shake CEO woos investors in New York City
Steak n Shake Co. doesn't operate a single restaurant in New York City, where it is hosting its annual meeting Thursday.
But the world financial capital is chock full of high-profile investors intrigued by Steak n Shake CEO Sardar Biglari's
plans to harvest cash from the 485-location restaurant chain and deploy it on other investments.
Red Key’s rules will live on after owner’s death
Russel Settle, 92, was renowned for telling customers at the landmark Red Key Tavern to mind their manners in the northside
pub featured in a Dan Wakefield novel.