Roundup: Downtown debuts include Urban Eats, Chef JJ’s Luncheonette, Nature’s Table

Here are a few downtown tidbits to warm you up this morning:

• Nature’s Table, a fast-casual restaurant focused on healthy dining, opened Monday at the Irsay Family YMCA at CityWay.

The location is operated by franchisee Kim Hendren, who owns three other area Nature Table's locations, also in nontraditional settings. They are at the Indianapolis International Airport, Indiana University Health campus and St. Vincent Hospital, and another at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Founded in 1977 in Orlando, Florida, Nature’s Table has more than 60 locations in 10 states, mostly in office buildings, airports, hospitals, university campuses and malls.

The eatery's local hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

• Urban Eats Grill & Cantina is “coming soon” to the street-level space at 250 S. Meridian St. last occupied by El Rodeo.

Described as modern Mexican on its Facebook page, Urban Eats should open in February.

• Chef JJ’s is adding a luncheonette to its downtown location at 42 W. South St., west of the Slippery Noodle Inn.

A press release says: “You asked, and we listened! Chef JJ's Luncheonette is coming soon to our downtown location. What is a luncheonette? Often located inside a retail store, these small restaurants date back to the late 1800s and by definition is ‘a place that serves small lunches.’ Enjoy lunch on site or take it with you to go. Follow us on social media or check our website for preview date announcements.”

Founded in 2005, Chef JJ’s offers corporate team-building, private events and grilling classes using the Big Green Egg grill.

• Arts A Poppin at 425 Massachusetts Ave. across from Silver in the City is going out of business (see accompanying image). The gift shop offers many items made by local artists. It merchandise includes pottery, jewelry, soaps and lotions.

Elsewhere:

• H. Josephine Home, a studio gallery specializing in art, antiques, home furnishings, accessories and design services, is set to open Friday at 6516 Carrollton Ave. in Broad Ripple.

The space is near the 8 Fifteen clothing boutique and the Cake Bake Shop. H. Josephine Home is operated by Mandy Skelton.

• Alex and Ani is “coming soon” to the Fashion Mall at Keystone and will occupy space near Urban Outfitters. The Cranston, Rhode Island-based jewelry retailer was founded in 2004 and has more than 100 locations in the United States, Canada, Bahamas, Costa Rica, Panama and Puerto Rico.

The location at the Fashion Mall will be the first Alex and Ani stand-alone store in Indiana, although its jewelry also is available in outlets such as Nordstrom and Von Maur.