INSIDE DISH: Gastropub owners get aggressive after big first year
The Local Eatery and Pub in Westfield streaked past break-even point in its first 12 months, leading its relieved but exhausted owners to plan new projects.
Mason King
Articles
LEADING QUESTIONS: Debriefing with Super Bowl chief
Host Committee CEO Allison Melangton opens up about the last three years. Why is she called "The Binder Whisperer"? How did she react to pushback against "super scarves"? When did she need to get tough with the NFL?
VIDEO: Quick trip down the zipline
IBJ gets an advance preview of Super Bowl Village's zipline experience, which will lose money for the host committee over 10 days in the name of ramping up overall buzz.
Super Bowl parties are boon for fledgling downtown venue
The operators of the new Crane Bay Event Center two blocks west of Lucas Oil Stadium expect to more than recoup their $1.2 million investment in renovating the space by hosting high-profile parties before the Super Bowl, including the Rolling Stone events.
INSIDE DISH: Noodle readies for Super Bowl rush
Owner Hal Yeagy expects at least three months of business over 10 days at the newly nonsmoking Slippery Noodle Inn, and he's spending nearly $300,000 on physical improvements and a temporary tent to make sure it rocks.
LEADING QUESTIONS: Expanded Kahn’s banks on holidays
How much bubbly does Kahn's Fine Wines & Spirits sell at year's end? How have operations changed with the addition of two new stores? Owner Jim Arnold has answers.
INSIDE DISH: Patrick’s finds room at the Inn in ‘X-mas miracle’
Beth Dickerson and Patrick Mullen had one month to find a new home for their struggling restaurant and move. A lucky break at Brick Street Inn and dozens of patrons (straight out of "It's a Wonderful Life") helped make it happen.
LEADING QUESTIONS: Council prez takes 11th-hour run at ban, redistricting
Why is Ryan Vaughn ending his tenure as City-County Council president with two hot-button proposals? Can he get the votes for a stronger smoking ban? How does he react to a call for his removal?
INSIDE DISH: Brewpub beats sales goals in rocky first year
With an $80,000 nut and some luck with bank loans, D.J. McCallister has beaten staffing woes and an unforeseen sales slump to make newcomer Black Swan Brewpub a break-even enterprise.
LEADING QUESTIONS: Sales training guru takes own advice
What lessons in salesmanship and humility did Paul Lushin learn as an Indianapolis police officer? What common mistakes do managers make? When should they give employees the reins?
LEADING QUESTIONS: Marian prez rocks get-it-done mantra
What outrageous promise did Marian University's president make (and then keep) to the school's first football recruits? How does he snare those big donations? How has his urgent mindset paid off? Dan Elsener has answers.
INSIDE DISH: Great Divide bridges Lockerbie past, present
Ralph's Great Divide has staked out an identity as a downtown survivor, making vital changes after its first proprietor's death and weathering a big downturn in sales during the recent recession.
LEADING QUESTIONS: Pugnacious DeLaney seeks simpler life
What position did Ann DeLaney turn down in the 1996 presidential election to remain head of The Julian Center? After 15 years, why did she step down? How much of TV's "Indiana Week in Review" is theater?
LEADING QUESTIONS: LDI chairman Lacy still charging hard
What's next on Andre Lacy's bucket list after a 9,300-mile round trip via motorcycle to the Arctic Circle? Why stay active at LDI Ltd. after passing the CEO reins? As a state fair leader, how does he regard the stage-collapse tragedy? The 72-year-old dynamo has answers.
INSIDE DISH: Avec Moi in midst of startup tests
Kris Parmelee pulled off a major career shift by switching from consultancy to the kitchen. But getting her home-cooking takeout startup, Avec Moi, off the ground has been tough.
LEADING QUESTIONS: Design guru abides in rocky economy
Why does the owner of A2SO4 Architecture believe a 20 percent drop in billings is a victory? Just how cutthroat has the design field become? What's the significance of moving the firm into a church? Sanford Garner has answers.
INSIDE DISH: Willard builds on family-dining plan
Franklin's neighborhood brew-and-pub-food palace—with roots in the community reaching back to 1860—has boosted sales through a shift in strategy following a city smoking ban.
LEADING QUESTIONS: Investment guru on calming clients
What does the CEO of City Securities Corp. say when shell-shocked investors want to sell? Does the recent market slide point to a return of 2008? Where are the opportunities? Michael Bosway has answers.
INSIDE DISH: Pizzeria novices hit their stride, watch sales rise
The duo behind Brozinni Pizzeria in Greenwood didn't know much about dough in the beginning, but they're making a lot of it now.
LEADING QUESTIONS: Fast-food guru digs philanthropy
What formative experience helped inspire a Taco Bell franchisee to donate well over $1 million to youth charities? What was his biggest bonehead mistake in business? Charlie Brown has answers.