McDonald’s ending its test run of AI-powered drive-thrus with IBM
Numerous fast food chains have begun exploring the implementation of AI across operations over recent years, with many pointing to possibilities of maximizing speed and cutting costs.
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Retail sales rise meager 0.1% as still-high inflation curbs spending
Economists said the report reflected an increasingly cautious consumer.
New restaurant to take over Marco’s site at 54th and Keystone
The Shadow Lounge will open in a building that was previously occupied by Marco’s Restaurant & Lounge and Capri Italian Restaurant across six decades.
IBJ Podcast: Sushi eatery owner expanding in Mass Ave area with new restaurant, refreshed Metro
Bill Pritt digs into the origin story of Mass Ave’s Forty Five Degrees and the real estate acquisition—and yogurt shop—that helped him succeed. Plus, he serves up details from his plans for Harrison’s Restaurant and the Metro.
Return of the deals: ‘Happy hour’ discounted drinks will be legal in Indiana for first time in decades
Indiana banned the happy hour tradition of cheap drinks sold for a limited time in 1985. A new law goes into effect July 1.
Supreme Court, siding with Starbucks, makes it harder for NLRB to win court orders in labor disputes
Workers at 437 company-owned U.S. Starbucks stores have voted to unionize since late 2021, according to the NLRB, but none of those stores has secured a labor agreement with Starbucks.
Former Milktooth chefs bring new perspective to Speedway venture
On June 12, Josh Kline and Zoë Taylor will open their own business in Speedway: a combined restaurant, bakery and market known as Borage.
Wawa breaks ground on first Indiana store in Indianapolis
The convenience store chain has a cult-like following, and about 100 VIP customers attended Thursday’s groundbreaking, creating a party atmosphere.
Mexican restaurant planned at new development in Fishers District
Arechiga Restaurant Group is set to open Piedra in Fishers in a 5,000-square-foot space with an outdoor patio area at The Union at Fishers District.
Dollar Tree looking at options for Family Dollar, including possible sale
Dollar Tree acquired Family Dollar nearly a decade ago for more than $8 billion after a bidding war with rival Dollar General and has had difficulty incorporating Family Dollar into its business.
Zionsville-based startup selling coffee with a high-tech, NFT twist
Zionsville-based startup Coin Coffee LLC has a new take on an age-old practice—connecting with others over coffee. The company’s business model includes coffee, art and nonfungible tokens as a way to promote artists.
Chucky-D restaurant opens at former downtown Punch Burger site
Chucky-D is a concept launched by three partners who have experience managing Asian restaurants in central Indiana.
North of 96th roundup: Family Express continues expansion in central Indiana
Multiple retailers, restaurants and other businesses have recently opened or are planning new locations in the north suburbs of Indianapolis.
Broad Ripple location will be 8th for Higher Grade smoke shop
CBD and vape retailer Higher Grade also plans to sell late-night soft drinks and snacks in the Broad Ripple entertainment district.
Cooking oil recycler cleans up at IMS, Gainbridge
Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions filters customers’ used cooking oil for reuse. It also cleans customers’ fryers and carts off used cooking oil to be recycled into biodiesel fuel.
Basketball training facility set to open at former Marsh store in Fishers
H&H North will feature a full-length basketball court, two half-courts, a 6,500-square-foot fitness space operated by Fishers-based Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training and workout recovery areas.
Meijer plans to build 75,000-square-foot grocery store on east side of Fishers
Plans submitted to the city call for a medium-format Meijer Grocery and a gas station to be constructed on the north side of the roundabout at Cyntheanne Road and Southeastern Parkway.
Target says it plans to cut prices on thousands of basic items
Target is very cognizant of the spending pullback by shoppers amid high inflation. In March, it reported its first annual decline in sales in seven years.
Red Lobster files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection
After closing dozens of restaurants, including one in Indianapolis, the seafood chain has agreed to sell itself to its lenders―giving it a $100 million financing commitment to keep it afloat.
Bicycle shops see bumpy ride after pandemic boom
Hobbled by pandemic-related supply chain issues, shops sold all their bikes and had trouble restocking. Now, inventory has caught up, but fewer people need new bikes.