Indiana lawmakers vote to lift state ban on happy hours
State Sen. Kyle Walker, the bill’s sponsor, told lawmakers Tuesday that the tourism and restaurant industries want the legislation in order to attract more patrons and increase food sales.
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Kilwins confectionary and ice cream shop to open in Fishers
Kilwins, founded in 1947, is known for its menu of hand-crafted chocolates, hand-paddled fudge and ice cream. The shop will be its second in central Indiana.
Cunningham Restaurant Group opens downtown delivery kitchen
A new downtown delivery kitchen is offering menu items from Livery, Modita, Union 50, Mesh, Bru Burger Bar and Tavern at the Point.
Local businesses hoping All-Star Rewards program will boost their profiles
The program, which runs through Feb. 18, allows consumers to visit participating businesses and other locations around the state, accumulating points that they can then redeem for NBA-related prizes.
Indianapolis to host World Food Championships in November
The competitive event featuring 1,500 home cooks, professional chefs and BBQ teams is scheduled Nov. 8-12 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
UPDATE: Huse Culinary to take over Champps spot at Indianapolis International Airport
Champps, which is set to close at the end of February, was one of the original tenants for the new terminal when it opened in 2008. Huse and its partners plan a dual-branded concept at the site.
Burger King owner buying out its biggest U.S. franchisee for about $1 billion
Carrols Restaurant Group runs 1,022 Burger King restaurants in 23 states, including more than 100 in Indiana.
Starbucks sued by consumer group that calls its claim of ethical sourcing false and misleading
Starbucks said Wednesday it was aware of the lawsuit and will “aggressively defend against the asserted claims.”
Westfield’s Rail Cafe & Market, Cone + Crumb to close this month
Melanie and Toby Miles opened Rail Epicurean Market in 2014, closed it in 2020 due to the pandemic and reopened it as Rail Cafe + Market in 2022.
Starbucks now letting customers use their own cups for most orders
The mega-chain announced Wednesday that it will allow customers to use their own personal vessels for nearly all drink orders in the United States and Canada as part of the company’s effort to reduce waste.
2023 Year in Review: Coffee concepts put jolt into food and beverage landscape
Coffee shops flowed into central Indiana this year, highlighted by 10 companies that launched new locations. Plus, there were a slew of restaurant openings and closings.
Ten entertainment and dining debuts on deck for 2024
Broadway shows, a music festival and surrealism at the Lume are new attractions planned for Indianapolis in the new year.
The 15 most-downloaded IBJ Podcast episodes of 2023
A couple of themes you’ll notice: Entrepreneurs make for popular protests and Pete the Planner is a popular guest. At the top of the list is host Mason King’s interview with restaurateur Mike Cunningham, founder of Cunningham Restaurant Group.
UPDATE: Taco Bell Cantina franchisee schedules opening despite lawsuit
A lawsuit claims the planned Cantina is too close—within one-tenth of a mile—to Circle Centre Mall’s Taco Bell, setting up unfair competition in violation the Indiana Deceptive Franchise Practices Act.
IBJ Podcast: ‘We’re survivors’—how the founders of Clancy’s Hamburgers and Grindstone Charley’s evolved to The Fountain Room
The story of Clancy’s Hospitality in many ways is the story of the central Indiana restaurant industry.
IBJ Podcast: How Westfield resident Joey Chestnut makes a good living in competitive eating
Chestnut is the first to admit that competitive eating is a little weird, but he has a natural affinity for it, and it allows him to make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year.
Ash & Elm Cider Co. planning expansion into Carmel with restaurant, tasting room
Ash & Elm’s planned 3,500-square-foot location, part of a multi-phase development by Carmel-based Old Town Cos., will be the company’s second restaurant and tasting room when it opens in spring 2024.
Mix Food Hall closes at Kroger stores in Carmel, Fishers
Mix Food Hall locations, which offered menu items from several restaurants and filled them through online ordering, have shut down less than a year after opening in Hamilton County.
Las Vegas concept that exited Broad Ripple plans to take over former Hard Rock Cafe location
Tanya Davis plans to open a new version of Vegas Lounge & Bar on the first floor of the historic Morrison Opera Place building at 47-49 S. Meridian St.
Steakhouse planned at former LouVino location in Fishers Nickel Plate District
The 4,200-square-foot Cooper & Cow Steakhouse & Bourbon Lounge is scheduled to open in December at 8626 E. 116th St.