City Center tenants expand with new concepts

Two longtime tenants at Carmel’s City Center are opening additional businesses—a Hawaii-themed cafe and a strength training facility—that will fill newly available storefronts in the mixed-use complex.

Jimia Smith, vice president and marketing director for Carmel City Center, told IBJ on Tuesday that the founder of Matt the Miller’s Tavern is bringing a new cafe to the soon-to-be-former Hubbard & Cravens space. Also, InCycle owner Cathy Miller is opening a strength-training facility in City Center’s new United Fidelity Bank building later this year.

Hubbard & Cravens Coffee and Tea at 703 Veterans Way posted signs earlier this month announcing the Carmel location would end its seven-year run on Jan. 31. The Indianapolis-based coffee chain’s other stores at 4930 N. Pennsylvania St. and 11 S. Meridian St., as well as the Broad Ripple location at 6229 Carrollton Ave., will remain open.

Smith said Craig Barnum, founder of Matt the Miller’s Tavern, has signed a lease and shared plans to transform the 2,500-square-foot coffee shop into the Manele Café. Barnum did not respond to requests for comment, but Smith said Manele Cafe—named after a region on the island of Lanai in Hawaii—will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

“I’m not sure of the timeline on how long that is going to take,” Smith said. “You’ll see ‘Coming Soon’ signage going up at the end of the month.”

Smith described the concept as a counter-service restaurant focusing on cold and warm bowl options served alongside beer, wine, juice—and potentially Hubbard & Cravens coffee.

Customers will be able to build upon a base of grains or greens with a variety of customizable proteins, vegetables, sauces and other toppings. Those looking for a tropical approach can order a cold bowl with a base of frozen acai, papaya or kale. Sweeter options would feature honey or agave syrup, goji berries, chia seeds or other fruit.

Barnum’s other restaurant in City Center, Matt the Miller’s Tavern, opened at 11 W. City Center Drive in September 2012.

InCycle, City Center’s indoor cycling studio, has been around for nearly as long.

Cathy Miller opened InCycle at 736 Hanover Place in 2013. Now, she’s looking to flex a new set of muscles this May by opening a complementary business just a short walk away.

InCycle Strength will be the first business to open in Suite 218 of the United Fidelity Bank Building at 800 S. Rangeline Road.

“I feel like the fact that we’ve been able to carve out a niche for ourself and continue to grow while franchises come in, I think that says something for what we’re doing,” Miller said.

The 1,115-square-foot studio will offer personal training as well as small group sessions.

Large instruction classes will also offer clients the ability to train with weights, kettle bells and the TRX System—a form of suspension training that uses body weight exercises to develop strength, balance, flexibility and core stability.

Trainers will be TRX System-certified, and in addition to the three new staff members she’s hired, Miller plans to bring a nutritionist on board to help clients follow a diet that supports their health goals.