The rise and fall of a renewable energy darling
The U.S. government is suing WindStream, which shut down in 2016. It says the company owes $3.12 million in loans that the U.S. Export-Import Bank guaranteed as WindStream was expanding globally.
Business Closures
Articles
Citing slow business, Patachou closes downtown’s Napolese restaurant
It first closed in March 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic and didn’t reopen until March of this year, in advance of the NCAA’s men’s basketball tournament, which took place mostly in Indianapolis.
Health department forces Broad Ripple ice cream shop to close
The Marion County Health Department forced the Baskin-Robbins in Broad Ripple to close last week because of a malfunctioning air conditioner. The shop’s owner said he has no plans to reopen.
Regulators liquidate troubled Indianapolis credit union
The financially troubled credit union had been operating under a conservatorship since January. As part of the liquidation, about 500 members and most of their deposits have been transferred to Indianapolis-based Elements Financial Credit Union.
Mitsubishi to close 82-worker climate control business in Franklin
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Climate Control Inc., which has operated in Franklin since the 1990s, will cease production next month. Mitsubishi has a turbocharger business in the same facility that will continue to operate.
Family Video chain closing all locations, including three in Indianapolis market
The Illinois-based video rental chain, which opened its first store in 1978, outlasted competitors Blockbuster, Movie Gallery and Hollywood Video, but said it could not withstand the disruptions caused by COVID-19.
Local chocolatier to open retail space, tasting room
SoChatti is adding the storefront to its production, research and warehouse facility in the Circle City Industrial Complex on the city’s near east side. Also this week: J’s Lobster & Fish Market, The Spice Box.
Two Indiana factories set to close, ending more than 130 jobs
A defense and aerospace supplier is set to end operations at the end of January and an auto parts supplier plans to complete its closure by June 30.
Pet supplies chain with 10 local stores going out of business
The retailer has 358 stores, including four in Indianapolis, two in Carmel and one each in Brownsburg, Greenwood, Shelbyville and Zionsville.
Sahm’s Restaurant Group closing downtown cafeteria, tavern
Ed Sahm, the restaurant group’s founder and owner, said the pandemic-related exodus of downtown office workers meant the two locations are no longer financially viable.
Chase to close three Indianapolis bank branches
The three branches, all of them in Indianapolis, will close on different dates in October and November. Even after the closures, though, Chase will still have three dozen or so locations around the city.
Owner closes Butler-Tarkington hardware store after 43 years in business
The Ace Hardware owner cited a variety of reasons for the closure, including the difficulty of competing against larger retailers and increased business costs.
Beech Grove Ponderosa, once a sales superstar, closes due to pandemic
The Beech Grove location’s owner, Fishers-based CMR Partners LLP, has also closed its three other Ponderosa locations since mid-July.
Crew Carwash taking over former CVS site
Crew got approval for the project even though it doesn’t conform to the city’s land-use plan. Also this week: Mass Ave Merchants Association, Prodigy Burger & Bar, Indy’s Burger Joint, Stage to Screen Catered Cabaret.
Fine-dining Japanese restaurant opens downtown
Hinata, which opened July 31, promises to offer diners authentic Japanese cuisine. Also this week, Tina’s Traditional Tearoom, Colts Pro Shop, The Warehouse Sale.
Three new businesses transform Irvington building
The former Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance office now houses a coworking space, events center and bar. Also this week: Green District Salads, Old Pro’s Table, BounceU and Della Leva Espresso Bar.
Speakeasy-style whiskey bar coming to Mass Ave
The historic Hammond Block building will be the second location for the bar that started in South Bend. Also this week: Fresh Thyme, The Empty Vase, Forever Gallery, Lily & Sparrow, Kits & Kaboodle and more.
Pittsburgh-based restaurant-and-bar chain closes last Indy location
Primanti Bros., which is known for serving french fries on its sandwiches, has permanently closed its downtown restaurant in Circle Centre Mall, at 49 W. Maryland St., according to its Facebook page.
City’s last traditional costume shop closes permanently after 50 years in business
Costumes by Margie, which opened in 1970, almost changed ownership last month, but the pandemic ruined those plans
Mass Ave Toys closes after 14-year run
The owner, who has operated toy stores for more than 40 years, said she closed the shop so she could retire.