BW3 returning to downtown

February 25, 2008
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New BW3Buffalo Wild Wings hopes to be back downtown by summer. The restaurant chain plans to take about 6,800 square feet next door to Borders at the southeast corner of Meridian and Washington streets. Franchise owner Pete Watson said he has agreed to lease the former home of Ralph's Deli, which has been vacant more than 10 years. He hopes to start construction in late March and open by early July. Watson owns 12 BW3 locations, including Indianapolis-area locations in Castleton, Fishers, Broad Ripple and Greenwood. Former downtown franchise owner Mike DeWeese closed his downtown BW3 on Maryland Street in May 2007 and reopened it as an independent called Bada Boomz.
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  • benjaminFebruary 25, 2008 1:12 PM
    I don't praise chains.. but i'm so freakin' excited about this!
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  • CorrNDFebruary 25, 2008 1:27 PM
    At first I thought this story may have been about BadaBoomz turning back into a bw3s. Seriously, Mike DeWeese can't be doing half the business as BadaBoomz that he was doing as bw3s.

    This new bw3s with Adobo Grill, Taste of Tango, Fogo de Chao and Dunkin' Donuts makes 5 new restaurants in a 2 block stretch of Washington. Throw in Scotty's Brewhouse just south of Washington and that's 6. Hopefully Indy can support all of them.
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  • MvilleFebruary 25, 2008 1:27 PM
    I agree Benjamin, this is one chain that I welcome downtown!
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  • benjaminFebruary 25, 2008 1:30 PM
    Hopefully Indy can support all of them.

    Hoosiers love their guts!
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  • JDCFebruary 25, 2008 1:40 PM
    This is great news!
    I'm so glad to see that space will be used!

    Any progress reports on the other Washington Street restaurants that CorrND metions above?
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  • bobFebruary 25, 2008 2:19 PM
    VACANT FOR SEVERAL YEARS!!!! I stated working downtown on April 13 1988. even then this store front was vacant. I have been dragged to BW3 a couple of times. MMMM if you can't say anything nice, come sit by me. The ONLY thing BW3 has going for it. is that the number of flat screen outnumber the guest. I’ve had better food out of a Budget Guest Motel vending machine at 3am. BUT, I’d rather see a BW3 then a vacant store front. Look at the bright side. They will refurbish the inside. So when they fail, it’s up-to-date for another restaurant to take over the space. Like an Outback, Olive Garden or Chills. Something the convention custom can recognize. LOL.

    3-2-1, OK began the CHAIN bitching.
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  • NickFebruary 25, 2008 2:51 PM
    I'm pretty amazed it has taken that long to get something in that location. I used to walk by there on the way to work, and I remember that a couple of years ago there was some major renovating going on in it...then nothing came of it. It just seems like a fairly prime location.

    Even though it is not a destination restaurant for me, I'm happy to see that space being used.
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  • benjaminFebruary 25, 2008 3:38 PM
    They will refurbish the inside. So when they fail, it’s up-to-date for another restaurant to take over the space. Like an Outback, Olive Garden or Chills. Something the convention custom can recognize. LOL.

    yeah, don't count on the BW3 failing. BW3 = WINGS. BEER. SPORTS.
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  • kjgFebruary 25, 2008 3:46 PM
    Thank god it is back! I have been going through major withdrawls without BW3 wings. I am interested in seeing how Scotty's and BW3's will work out being so close, but I am plenty okay with the options!
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  • AblerockFebruary 25, 2008 4:34 PM
    It's about time someone utilized that prime space. I could care less about BW3, but one less empty storefront on Washington Street is good news to me!
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  • GregFebruary 25, 2008 10:30 PM
    I'm kind of a fan of BW's - and I can't figure out why.

    I'd love to see scotty's move in - has that been official yet?

    Also, these restaurants all seem to be completely different types of food. I'd go to
    BW3's for one reason completely different than Tast of Tango.
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  • CrystalFebruary 26, 2008 8:21 AM
    Bring back KFC, Long John Silver and Wendy's while they are at it (lol)
    Downtown Indy seems so empty without them.
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  • GeorgeFebruary 26, 2008 9:09 AM
    If this is anything like the new prototypes @ Washington Sq and in Crawfordsville, buckle up for an amazing new experience. The old BW's Downtown was tired and poorly run. Look for an amazing audio visual experience and a much better look and feel when you walk in. I can't wait till my next Colts home game. New season, new stadium and new BW's, life does not get much better on a fall Sunday in Indpls.
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  • IndyGuyFebruary 26, 2008 9:10 AM
    Wondering if this prompted the Hooters renovation that is currently in progress? Think they are preparing for the return of BW3 + the addition of Scotty's?
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  • CoryFebruary 26, 2008 10:12 AM
    George: They do plan to use the new format for this restaurant.
    Greg: Scotty's has pulled construction permits, so it looks official.
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  • benjaminFebruary 26, 2008 10:25 AM
    The new format is great, very open. I can't wait to get blitzed on wings and beer (and walk home!)
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  • MelissaFebruary 26, 2008 12:53 PM
    This is wonderful news! Now all I need is a Target and a Petsmart to move into downtown, and the Kroger on 16th to be rennovated. Then I will never have to leave the downtown area!
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  • tommy three legsFebruary 26, 2008 1:42 PM
    bob

    I’ve had better food out of a Budget Guest Motel vending machine at 3am.

    I bet you were renting that motel room by the hour with a politician.

    BW3 has really good food and pretty good beer specials.
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  • Da HooeyFebruary 26, 2008 3:41 PM
    Good for Pete Watson. He will do VERY well there.

    Asian Zing sauce rocks!
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  • MikeFebruary 26, 2008 5:46 PM
    George, you should stop in to Badaboomz and see the amazing AV package they put in. All flat screen HD TV's.
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  • AgreeFebruary 26, 2008 6:30 PM
    I am not a big fan of BW's food. I do like their wings occasionally, but never eat them much. There taco rolls or whatever are good but not for 7 dollars, and the hamburgers, well lets just say I used to serve up better hamburgers at our local pool when I was a manager there! I am VERY excited for Scotty's though. I know the manager on the North Side and he said it is going to be awesome in there!
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  • sportsfanFebruary 26, 2008 7:17 PM
    We need more bars to watch sporting events downtown and this will fit the bill (along with Scottys). Try getting a table or seat at any home Colts game or the Final Four without getting to a bar 4 hours early....not going to happen. Maybe now it can.

    Just more entertainment venues available for the 2012 Superbowl!
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  • TerryFebruary 26, 2008 10:13 PM
    Any word on Penn Centre?
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  • CoryFebruary 27, 2008 8:48 AM
    If anyone has information on Penn Centre, please share. The developers aren't talking.
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  • ShaneFebruary 27, 2008 10:05 AM
    I'm excited about Scotty's........they have great food, and purchase a lot of lndiana produced meats
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  • BarbFebruary 27, 2008 11:26 AM
    I am hoping they have live entertainment on the weekends. The Dane Clark Band would be a great band to have at a grand opening.
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  • bethFebruary 27, 2008 2:30 PM
    Woot! I am super excited about this! I was utterly disappointed about BW3 turning into Badaboomz. While they may have a nice beer selection, it was a disappointment (from my one visit). But enough about that.

    My boyfriend and I have been frequenting the BW3 in Speedway to meet the spicy garlic craving--but I will be oh so happy to be able to walk to one again downtown!
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  • NaomiFebruary 28, 2008 7:37 AM
    Gawd am I excited Bdub's is coming back.
    I'll help build it if the owner pays me in wings.
    I can only imagine what it's going to be like at bdub's during the Bball tournament this year with 4 Indiana teams in Top 20. March Madness?
    Mass hysteria....wings, beer and IU Bball!
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  • danielMarch 26, 2008 11:31 AM
    Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!! badda bust was horrible can't wait to get our regular lunch place back.... somewhere to eat wings, play poker drink beer and watch games downtown again...
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