LEADING QUESTIONS: Foodie rebukes allure of ‘Plan B’
What did the founder of Cafe Patachou learn from Butler's Brad Stevens? Why not try franchises? Martha Hoover responds in Part II of her IBJ interview.
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Finish Line launches running venture, reports strong sales
The Finish Line Inc. will partner with a private equity firm to expand its specialty running shops and develop Run.com, the Indianapolis-based retailer said Friday. The company also reported strong fourth-quarter earnings, but its outlook sent shares tumbling.
Lafayette Square amusement center closes
America’s Incredible Pizza Co. shut down on Sunday, leaving a 75,000-square-foot vacancy in the struggling shopping center on Indianapolis’ west side.
INSIDE DISH: Patachou Inc. has full plate with expansion plans
Founder Martha Hoover expects to open two new restaurants by the end of the year and as many as six more by 2020, including eateries outside central Indiana.
New hardware store tries to carve out niche near downtown
In a city and industry dominated by big-box home-improvement chains, North Meridian Hardware owner Keith Payne hopes his independent store can build a loyal following among downtown’s denizens.
French mall operator looks to Simon for know-how
Simon Property Group Inc.’s cutting-edge experience as the biggest U.S. mall owner will help Klepierre SA boost rental income at its shopping centers, the French company’s CEO says.
Entrepreneurs see early success with new liqueur
Blue MF is a vodka-and-rum-based liqueur concocted by three Indiana University fraternity brothers turned entrepreneurs. Their firm, Indianapolis-based More Fun Liqueur, launched its signature drink in October and now is seeking investors to help fund expansion.
Purdue graduate takes top job at McDonald’s
McDonald’s Corp. said Chief Operating Officer Don Thompson, who grew up in Indianapolis and graduated from Purdue University, will take over as CEO, becoming the first black chief of the world’s largest restaurant chain.
Mike’s Carwash trial awaits closing arguments
Lawyers on Wednesday finished presenting evidence to determine the true value of Mike’s Carwash Inc. and how much a former co-owner should have been paid for his share in the company.
Popular barbershop gets makeover from community
Whiteland residents have rallied around a beloved barber who has been cutting hair in the Johnson County community for more than four decades by helping him remodel his shop.
Law goes into effect banning retail sales of ‘bath salts’
Under the measure, retailers could lose their business licenses for a year if they're caught selling the synthetic drugs.
Annual profit, revenue rise for Noble Roman’s
Noble Roman’s saw royalties and fees from traditional franchises decrease last year, but royalties and fees from non-traditional franchises increased, and the company saw more growth from take-n-bake products.
Mike’s Carwash ownership trial gets under way
The private company and principals Bill and Mike Dahm are defendants in the lawsuit brought by Jerry Dahm, a cousin who once owned 35 percent of the company and claims he was forced to sell his shares at a discounted rate.
Mass Ave restaurant plans clear first hurdle
The city’s Historic Preservation Commission has approved rezoning and variance requests for two buildings sought by the owners of Broad Ripple’s Brugge Brasserie just south of the intersection of Massachusetts and Park avenues.
Lockhart Automotive moves Cadillac dealership to Fishers
The car retailer, rebounding from the discontinuation of some of its brands, is repurposing its former Hummer dealership.
State economy finally gaining traction
Leading indicators for Indiana’s economy are looking up: Banks are increasing lending, real estate developers are pulling the trigger on long-shelved projects, manufacturers are expanding, and consumers are even buying big-ticket items, including automobiles.
MainGate chasing NFL apparel deal
Indianapolis-based MainGate Inc. is in hot pursuit of the NFL’s exclusive Super Bowl on-site merchandise contract. And it might not be the only local company pursuing the multimillion-dollar deal.
HHGregg gets $40M from life insurance on former CEO
HHGregg has collected a $40 million payout from a life insurance policy it took out on former executive chairman Jerry W. Throgmartin, who died in January after a sudden illness.
Castleton Square Mall lands Borders replacement
Forever 21, a privately held California-based chain, has begun converting the roughly 25,000-square-foot former bookstore at the south entrance to the mall and is targeting a summer opening.
Indiana legislators OK lifting Sunday cycle sales ban
Indiana's motorcycle dealers will be allowed to buy and sell their bikes on Sundays under a change in state law that legislators have approved.