INSIDE DISH: St. Elmo stakes out expansion plan
Co-owner Craig Huse's designs to create a 3,000-square-foot bar above the landmark eatery is just another example of Elmo's tradition-based evolution.
Retail
Articles
Finish Line reports rise in quarterly earnings, sales
The Indianapolis-based retailer earned $34.3 million in its fiscal quarter, compared with $30.6 million a year ago. Revenue rose 2.7 percent, to $384.6 million.
Toning-shoe trend fading, but doesn’t trip up Finish Line
The toning trend in athletic shoes apparently has run its course. Sales of the oddly shaped shoes fell more than 45 percent in the fourth quarter for The Finish Line Inc., but the local retailer still posted improved profit and revenue.
Indiana report says drugstores, grocers best at not selling liquor to minors
Liquor stores didn’t do as well, undercutting their argument against allowing other retailers to sell cold beer.
Luna Music closes Mass Ave. store
Closure leaves locally owned independent record shop with one location, in Meridian Kessler, as the industry struggles to compete with digital downloading.
Colts-themed restaurant in works in betting parlor space
A South Florida restaurateur has plans to open a Indianapolis Colts-themed restaurant in Claypool Court, a retail and hotel center near Circle Centre mall downtown.
Altum’s staying put at current west Carmel location
The nursery on Michigan Road had planned to move to a smaller piece of land about four miles north, but hasn’t found a buyer. Kroger nixed a deal to buy its property last fall.
Borders closing another local bookstore
The Ann Arbor, Mich.-based bookstore chain, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization last month, announced yesterday it would close the Border’s store in the Shops at River Crossing near the Fashion Mall.
Shoe Carnival reports record annual profit
The Evansville-based shoe and apparel retailer said it earned $26.8 million in its last fiscal year. The company also reported record same-store sales.
Fountain Square staple Peppy Grill thrives on independence
The sign behind the counter at the we-never-close greasy spoon sums up its distinct personality: “Cows may come and cows may go, but the bull in this place goes on forever.”
INSIDE DISH: Cafe bolsters base of Turkish food fans
Ascending from server to owner of Bosphorus Istanbul Cafe, Orhan Demirtas has leveraged a relationship with Eli Lilly and Co. to diversify revenue, and solidified his base by opening a new breakfast cafe and hookah bar.
Annual profit, revenue shrink for Noble Roman’s
The Indianapolis-based pizza franchisor saw declining results from its restaurants, but got a boost from its growing line of take-and-bake products.
Office/retail building planned for Fort Ben
Speculative development is almost unheard of these days, but the Fort Harrison Reuse Authority is taking the plunge as it works toward breaking ground this year on what it expects will be a 45,000-square-foot building geared toward retail and office tenants.
Retail sales up 1 percent in February
Shoppers snapped up new cars, clothing and electronics gadgets in February, pushing retail sales up for the eighth straight month.
Lawsuit about parking issues puts Calle 52 restaurant project on hold
Plans for a new Latin restaurant at 52nd Street and College Avenue are on hold after another restaurant owner sued to overturn city approval of a parking variance.
Retail chain Family Leisure finding new identity
Recreational product superstore Family Leisure changed its name from Watson’s two years ago, but it could take years before the company led by Kevin Prefontaine builds the kind of brand equity tied up in the old name.
Noble Roman’s expands grocery offerings to boost bottom line
The Indianapolis company, founded in 1972, started as a chain of sit-down family restaurants but continues to find new outlets for its products.
Appellate court upholds state alcohol permit quotas
Judges’ decision deals blow to state’s package liquor stores, which sought to stop the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission from issuing new permits until the judges could clarify state quota laws.
Broad Ripple Village awaits garage bids
City leaders in February put out a request seeking ideas for how to design and finance a parking garage in Broad Ripple to ease traffic tensions. Responses are due March 11.
INSIDE DISH: Arsenal owners’ ploy is gaming plus grubbing
Gameroom lords Andrew Chang and Troy Branam want players to come for Dungeons & Dragons and stay for the Wizards Gumbo.