Restaurants, bars say they’re getting squeezed by rising music licensing costs
Businesses say the rising licensing costs have become overwhelming, and some question whether it’s even worth playing music at all.
Bars/Taverns
Dozens of downtown businesses to offer WNBA-themed specials during All-Star Weekend
Nearly 30 local businesses across the city are offering limited-time deals and themed experiences during WNBA All-Star Weekend.
Former home of Tiki Bob’s among downtown buildings sold to Simon family in $4.5M deal
The acquisitions come as the family redevelops the former CSX warehouse property on the eastern side of the same block.
Second Broad Ripple bar owner charged with underreporting millions in sales
The owner of Rock Lobster and other bars is the second owner charged as a result of an investigation that began with 10 Broad Ripple establishments.
Owner of Broad Ripple bar charged with underreporting more than $4.5M in sales
John Yaggi also faces a misdemeanor charge related to allegations that he offered an employee higher-paying shifts in exchange for sexual favors.
West Fork Whiskey Co. to rebrand coffee-to-cocktails concept, open second location
West Fork Social House, an expansion of the distillery’s coffee-to-cocktails concept, is part of a joint venture with a popular Broad Ripple sports bar.
Country singer Clayton Anderson says his Indianapolis bars will be lively
After living in Nashville, Tennessee, for more than a decade, Anderson said he’s seen “Music City” thrive because of popular bars in Nashville’s Lower Broadway entertainment district. Now he wants to try to do the same thing in Indianapolis.
Indianapolis set to host 10,000-plus for national gathering of beer brewers
More than 550 vendors are set to showcase their products at the Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America, but experts told IBJ the conference goes far beyond the walls of the Indiana Convention Center.
Stand-up comedy isn’t confined to traditional clubs
Several independent producers work outside the context of the two-drink minimums and brick-wall backdrops associated with comedy clubs.
Coffee-to-cocktails concept taking over Broad Ripple Starbucks location
The move by Thieves, a bar that’s operated since 2020 at 915 Broad Ripple Ave., means doubling its space, broadening its menu and expanding its hours of operations.
Chatterbox owner calls political clash a ‘set-up’; customer says she was there for music
A video of a March 14 exchange between a bartender at the Chatterbox and a woman wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat has sparked a flurry of online reaction.
Voodoo Brewing Co. to make Indiana debut with Fishers location
A menu of “elevated pub” fare will be complemented by Voodoo beer and Indiana-based beers, plus seltzers, non-alcoholic drinks and a full bar.
Country singer plans to open 2 bar-and-grill locations in Indianapolis
Bedford native Clayton Anderson, who performed as part of Farm Aid in 2023, plans to invite local artists and industry friends to perform in the Nashville-inspired establishments.
Surgeon general calls for label on alcohol to warn of cancer risk
Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said alcohol consumption is to blame for nearly one million preventable cancer cases in the U.S. over the last decade.
New sports bar Tom’s Watch opens in downtown Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the 13th Tom’s Watch Bar location. The 10,000-square-foot restaurant features 135 screens as well as a full food and drink menu.
Bars, restaurants assessing impact of new ‘happy hour’ law
“Happy hour” made its return to Indiana in July, with the state’s restaurants and bars able to market drink specials during specific times of the day to their customers.
Alamo Drafthouse to open at intersection of movies and motorsports
Auto racing dominates the decor of the Alamo Drafthouse that will open Monday about 4 miles north of Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Zionsville Town Council approves designated outdoor refreshment area
Zionsville is the first Boone County community to approve plans for the increasingly common district, known as a DORA.
Wine bar and bistro closing at Conrad Indianapolis
Tastings—A Wine Experience announced plans for its “last call” after 15 years in operation.
Sahm’s Tavern up next for Irvington spot associated with Black Acre, Scarlet Lane
Sahm’s Hospitality Group plans to resurrect its Sahm’s Tavern concept by taking over an Irvington address that’s been a taproom for two different Indianapolis craft breweries.