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.
Retail
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Apple replaces Indiana native in charge of retail operations
Angela Ahrendts, who was born and raised in New Palestine in Hancock County and received her undergraduate merchandising and marketing degree from Ball State University, spent five years overseeing Apple's 506 retail stores and e-commerce operations.
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.
Craft-beer guru planning taproom in Greenwood with ax-throwing hook
The investor group behind Tap & Axe, which includes the founder of craft-focused Hoosier Brewing Co., expects to spend more than $500,000 in the end to buy and renovate its 109-year-old downtown location.
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.
Apparel retailer with hundreds of Indy employees files for bankruptcy
Debt-burdened FullBeauty Brands has a restructuring plan ready to go that would turn over ownership to its creditors. But a federal trustee wants to tap the brakes.
Counties seek state relief from big-box retailer tax appeals
In Indiana alone, there are more than 300 pending tax appeals involving big-box retailers. County leaders are seeking a statewide legislative fix.
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.
Clarks shoe store closing at Circle Centre
The downtown mall has hemorrhaged tenants in recent years, including the loss of its two department store anchors.
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.
National car dealer backs away from massive HHGregg HQ site
Napleton Auto Group says it’s still weighing its options for relocating one of its local Kia dealerships after dropping a contract to buy the former appliance chain headquarters and retail site.
Books & Brews acquires local craft brewery Flat12 Bierwerks
The acquisition continues a partnership that began two years ago when Flat12 Bierwerks began brewing all of Books & Brews’ flagship and seasonal beers.
Local partnership acquires chain of 31 Indiana liquor stores
A group composed of a former medical equipment executive, Indiana’s former secretary of commerce and the chairman of the Indiana Republican Party has acquired Save-On Liquors.
Napleton eyes former HHGregg HQ on 96th Street for Kia dealership, more retail
The Chicago-based auto group that entered the Indianapolis market with a big splash in 2017 has requested a zoning change for the mammoth HHGregg property that would include car sales and repair.
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.
Drowning in debt, FullBeauty Brands to file Chapter 11
The online retailer of plus-size women’s apparel with a deep history in Indianapolis and nearly half its workers here is attempting to extricate itself from a debt load of $1.3 billion.
Airport wants to add FAO Schwarz, MAC cosmetics, others to retail lineup
Airport officials have reached lease agreements covering 19 retailers, the first wave of deals negotiated as part of the airport’s concessions refresh program. The airport authority’s board is set to vote on the contracts Friday.
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.