Sardar Biglari, chairman and CEO of Biglari Holdings Inc., the Texas-based parent of Steak n Shake, rolled out a hedge-fund-style
compensation plan for himself late last month that could put staggering sums in his pocket.
After purchasing the Franklin-based company two years ago, TruFoods says it now is positioned to seek franchisees in an attempt
to grow the Ritter’s chain to 100 locations within five years.
Shoe Carnival Inc.'s first-quarter sales grew more than 13 percent, to $189.5 million.
The Nebraska-based outdoor retailer plans to open new stores again after a two-year, recession-induced halt on expansion.
But the company is not reviving its plan for the 96-acre plot it owns in Greenwood.
The
Broad Ripple-based brewpub's owners bet its Belgian beer and vittles will go over just as well outside Indy. But first
they need $1 million from an investor, in part to streamline brewing.
Indianapolis-based pizza and sub chain saw a decline in royalties and ongoing fees from franchisees in the first quarter.
The bar and restaurant will take about 3,600 square feet in the building, which has OneAmerica and ExactTarget as its anchor
office tenants.
Consumers took a breather in April after a strong March boosted by an early Easter. Overall, though, most retailers are likely
to be pleased with the spring selling season, analysts say.
The Plainfield Diner is among five endangered structures new to Indiana Landmarks' annual top 10 list released Wednesday.
Some retail tenants of outlet malls are concerned about Simon gaining too much market power should its acquisition of Prime
Outlets be approved.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vacancy rates unseen in 20 years are hampering efforts by developers.
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.
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.
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.
