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.”
Retail
Articles
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.
Consumer confidence hits 3-year high this month
The Consumer Confidence Index rose in February to its highest point in three years as consumers are feeling more positive about their income prospects and the direction the economy is headed.
Blockbuster selling movie-rental chain to creditors
The bankrupt chain will immediately close 609 stores. The company declined to comment on whether any of the 20-some stores in the Indianapolis area will be among the casualties.
Midway Produce acquired by U.S. Foodservice
Founded in 1999, Indianapolis-based Midway Produce mostly distributes produce to restaurants, health care facilities and schools throughout central Indiana.
Judge tosses Noble Roman’s franchisee claims
Noble Roman's Inc. has won a pivotal courtroom victory in a battle with 14 former franchisees of its dual-branded Noble Roman’s Pizza and Tuscano’s Italian Style Subs restaurants.
Castleton Plaza seeks bankruptcy reorganization
Shopping center on East 82nd Street lists nearly $10.4 million in liabilities and about $7.6 million in assets. The Chapter 11 filing follows a request to foreclose on the property from the center’s lender.
Near-east-side business district gets new tenant—a yoga studio
The budding commercial district, dubbed 10 East Main Street, landed Metta Yoga at 2807 E. 10th St.
Marsh agrees to settle labor complaint
Marsh Supermarkets Inc. has agreed to pay a total of $42,500 to settle a National Labor Relations Board case accusing the grocery chain of interfering with workers’ attempts to unionize.
UPDATE: Borders files bankruptcy, to close 2 area stores
Borders will close its downtown-Indianapolis and Carmel stores as part of its plan to shutter about 30 percent of its stores nationally.
INSIDE DISH: Egyptian Cafe posts hot profits, fears smoking ban
Mohey Osman has breathed life into a Middle Eastern tradition at the Broad Ripple eatery and hooka bar, but a state smoking ban could choke the business.