Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowLongtime Meridian-Kessler sports bar and restaurant Moe & Johnny’s has closed for the foreseeable future, the establishment has announced.
“The year 2020 has proven to be a challenge that is taking us back to the drawing board,” the business posted on its Facebook page on Sunday. “So, it is with a heavy heart and a deep consideration for our community that we have decided to close our doors entirely until further notice.
“We look forward to what the future holds, and finding out what that future looks like. Thank you, again, for everything. We hope that you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy,” the post continued.
The post did not indicate if or when the establishment may reopen, and IBJ was unable to reach the business Monday morning by phone or email.
Originally owned by Chuck Mack, Moe & Johnny’s opened in 1994 at 5380 N. College Ave. The establishment came under new ownership last year when Levi Kinney and his restaurant group acquired the business.
Located just south of Broad Ripple on the southwest corner of College Avenue and 54th Street, Moe & Johnny’s served lunch and dinner, with menu items including burgers, sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas and salads. It also served breakfast and coffee drinks at an adjacent establishment called Cornerstone Coffee House.
Moe & Johnny’s had recently invested in more than 30 high-definition televisions and a new sound system when the pandemic hit, forcing it to pivot to carryout and delivery only.
It erected a large tent in its parking lot to supplement its existing patio seating, and reopened for outdoor service in May. The restaurant reopened its indoor bar and dining-room seating in mid-June, and removed the outdoor tent at the end of September.
On Oct. 30, Moe & Johnny’s announced that, because of the rise in COVID-19 cases, it was once again discontinuing dine-in service and shifting to carryout and delivery only.
Please enable JavaScript to view this content.
Does anyone remember back in the 70’s when that place was The Bulldog? Man, it was the greatest dive bar ever!
Sad to hear about this neighborhood mainstay that was walking distance from my home. I hope they can resurface in the future and I’ll be there to support.
The saddest words ever heard at approx 3am. The Bulldog Lounge is now closed. You don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here
Actually, it was the Bulldog Lounge until the late 90s when it went through a makeover and name change.
The Bulldog…horrendous pizza, lovely ladies, and lots of drunks. What a great place.
Chuck Mack and Scott Tegarden were brilliant when they decided to keep the Cornerstone Cafe open past 5:00 PM as a quiet, classic watering hole, with really good food. Few people knew that the red leather furniture came from the King Cole restaurant in downtown indy. Usually, at 7:20 PM, Scott would serenade the crowd with the sweet sounds from his clarinet. The art work was beautiful, all local and a great picture of Scott playing his clarinet. Thank you, both Chuck and Scott. That was a great idea.
Saw it coming once it changed owners
Sorry to see it go. It was a great Butler hangout though the staff and other changes after the change in ownership were unsettling. Here’s hoping they can re-open once the pandemic settles down.
A little more digging should be done than just reading a Facebook post… cmon Susan.