Patachou owner’s pizzeria receives variance approval
Cafe Patachou owner Martha Hoover can now move forward with plans to open a pizzeria next to her trademark eatery at 49th
and Pennsylvania streets.
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Articles
Biglari was persistent in pressing Western Sizzlin deal
Steak n Shake CEO Sardar Biglari proposed buying Western Sizzlin in January and again in May and advocated the unusual structure
of the $39 million transaction.
Boot, apparel sales boost Shoe Carnival profit
Shoe Carnival Inc.’s quarterly same-store sales, which measure revenue from locations open at least a year, climbed 10.2 percent.
Airport retailers want relief from street pricing policy
Airport concessionaires stung by a 10-percent drop in passenger traffic have asked the Indianapolis Airport Authority to ease
a policy that was implemented more than 10 years ago to keep prices in line with what consumers pay outside
the airport.
Pizza restaurants in works; wine shop heading to Fishers
Hot Box Pizza plans to open a downtown location in the Harness Factory Lofts building, and WineTyme, a new local shop selling
wines, craft beers and gourmet food, is coming to Fishers.
Indianapolis looks to Cleveland, Philadelphia for City Market examples
The troubled Indianapolis City Market is looking East for a new direction. This summer, its executive director, Jim Reilly,
visited Philadelphia and Cleveland to observe their successful urban markets and seek pointers that might be applied here.
Failed jewelry retailer to sell millions in inventory
An old-line Indianapolis jewelry business has shut down, setting the stage for the sale of millions of dollars in remaining
inventory through auctions planned in Indianapolis, Chicago, Miami and Naples, Fla.
October retail sales rise slightly, beat predictions
Retail sales rose more than expected in October due largely to a big rebound in auto sales. But broader consumer spending
remains under pressure.
Rich buying again, but middle class still hurting
Recent earnings reports from major retailers suggest that the wealthy, who pulled back their spending the hardest during the
financial meltdown last fall, are once again being enticed to open their wallets and going back to higher-end outlets. But
those on the lower economic rungs are still scrimping by, heading to Walmart for the basics.
Noble Roman’s reports profit despite lower revenue
Indianapolis-based Noble Roman’s Inc. said late Monday that it posted a third-quarter profit of $459,535, or 2 cents per share—a 44-percent improvement over the same period last year. But revenue for the quarter fell to $1.9 million, from $2.2 million in 2008.
Wal-Mart gets into the casket business
Batesville Casket Co., the world’s largest manufacturer, says it’s watching, but isn’t worried.
Former Smith-Holden Music employees open new Bloomington store
Two key employees of the recently closed store in downtown Bloomington have opened their own venture,
Melody Music Shop.
Steak n Shake and the new NEA chief
Should Biglari take Landesman’s remarks as praise where he can get it, or consider them an insult?
Retail sales tick up for second consecutive month
Consumers, enticed by cooler weather, early holiday discounts and an improving economy, spent a little more in October.
HHGregg’s quarterly earnings, sales jump
HHGregg reported a rise in quarterly profit and sales Thursday morning that exceeded analyst expectations, despite a decrease
in same-store sales.
Bloomington chamber weighs in on chain-store ban
The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is opposing Mayor Mark Kruzan’s proposal to restrict chain stores and
restaurants downtown.
Hat World acquires 37-store Sports Fan-Attic chain
Locally based Hat World Inc. has agreed to acquire a popular 37-store athletic retail chain in hopes of doing for collegiate
and professional sports licensed apparel what Hat World did for headwear.
Saturn’s loss, Byrider’s gain
J.D. Byrider, the Indianapolis chain of used-car lots, is courting Saturn dealers to come into the fold as Byrider franchisees.
Anderson gas-station chain sues BP after 32-store deal sours
Ricker Oil’s Oct. 22 suit claims British petroleum giant BP is charging unjustified royalty fees while delivering no boost
from its national advertising, its proprietary IT system or its bulk purchase pricing.
Steak n Shake’s Biglari adds intrigue by buying stake in insurer
The Indianapolis-based company’s CEO revealed earlier this year that he intends to use Steak n Shake as a holding company
that will pursue purchases “either related or unrelated to its ongoing business activities.”