Indianapolis is My Home

21
Jul

Starbucks Closing 12 Indianapolis Area Stores

Author: Jason Bean, Category: Business, Carmel, Coffee Shops, Downtown, Greenwood, Indianapolis Area, Keystone, News, Northwest Side, Real Estate, Speedway, West Side

When I first heard about the news that Starbucks has finally appeared to out-grow their britches, I thought I’d read that there weren’t any Indianapolis stores closing. As the image above humorously depicts skewing the original imagery by M.C. Escher, Starbucks always seemed to be everywhere. Between their actual stores and their little satellite stores located in other stores, they’re everywhere!

At one point in our lives, my brothers and I have all worked at a Starbucks store. My middle brother went the furthest with it as he actually opened a new store, which I think is one of the ones being closed now, which doesn’t make any sense to me.

Here are some of the soon to be closed locations:

• College Avenue & Fall Creek Parkway
• 38th and Meridian St
• 3855 E. 96th Street
• 9642 Allisonville Rd.
• 5060 W. 38th St.
• 5945 Crawfordsville Rd
• 3021 W 16th St
• 3801 S. Keystone Ave
• Merchant Square in Carmel
• US 31 & Fry Road in Greenwood
• Albany & 17th St in Beech Grove
• Metropolis Mall 2499 Futura Parkway in Plainfield

I had a Starbucks coffee for the first time in quite awhile on Thursday night. I’ve been cutting back on my coffee purchases in general, but when I do have a drink it’s been purchased from local coffee shop the vast majority of the time.

All-in-all I think closing a number of stores is a great move for Starbucks. I’m sure it will be a great opportunity for local shops and even Dunkin Donuts to make more of run for market share as well.

From my time working at the SBUX though, I think they’re a great company to work for that seems to care about their employees and work with them to keep balance in their lives.

Story Source: Grinding to a halt: 12 local Starbucks
Image Source: MIT Laboratory for Branding Cultures

02
Jul

Dave Wilson’s One-Liners Comedy Club Closes in Greenwood

Author: Jason Bean, Category: Comedy, Greenwood, Local Businesses

Indianapolis will have one less thing to laugh at now along with a visual icon on the south side of the city in Greenwood. One-Liners’ comedy club will be closing down and it’s unknown if it was sold or just shutting down completely. The website looks like it’s now in some kind of partnership with Cracker’s Comedy Club, or maybe that’s just Dave being friendly with the local comedy scene.

The statement from their website says that the owner, Dave "The King" Wilson, a local WIBC talk radio host, in the article states the following:

In a statement on One-Liners’ Website, the couple said they were closing the business "to pursue other dreams."

There will be fewer laughs in the city and fewer people that will do a double-take as they drive on Main Street in Greenwood over by the I-65 intersection and see the backside of a plane that’s apparently crashed into the roof of the building.

They will certainly be missed.

The news story reports about some recent fines that the club had to pay due to some seemingly idiotic city ordinances and complaints that someone filed against them.

Greenwood comedy club closes after 16 years | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

13
Jun

The Bean Cup - It’s a Must!

Author: Jason Bean, Category: Business Entrepreneurs, Coffee Shops, Greenwood, Local Artists, Local Businesses, Local Musicians, South Side, Things To Do in Indy

After hearing about The Bean Cup a couple of different times from fellow Indianapolis blogger, Douglas Karr, I decided the next time I worked remotely I’d stop by for a visit.

I stopped in this afternoon to get some work done and try out their version of my favorite drink, a chai tea latte. I little darker than my favorite at my other remote office location (I feel dirty, like I’m cheating on my friends there).

I got to meet the two owners, Chris and Jason Carr. A great couple and seem to totally love what they’re doing with running The Bean Cup. The initiating factor to our conversation was that I thought it was cool they they run a place called "The Bean Cup" and their names are Chris and Jason. If you haven’t noticed yet, my name is Jason and my brother’s name is Chris and our last name is "Bean".

The other very interesting thing I learned today was about Douglas Karr, who’s affectionately referred to as "Norm" at The Bean Cup. Himself, Jason Carr and two other individuals and The Bean Cup, was recently featured in BusinessWeek. The group is competing in the Cisco I-Prize competition. Really cool!

The opening paragraph of the article lays everything out beautifully:

The Bean Cup, a coffee house on the southern edge of Indianapolis, is about as far as you get from Silicon Valley, culturally speaking. Shoehorned between an Arthur Murray Dance studio and a shuttered beauty salon in a nondescript strip mall, the Bean Cup bears faint resemblance to the storied Palo Alto work-play spaces where coders spend all night building what they hope will be the next big thing in tech. That’s not stopping Douglas Karr, a bearded, burly Gulf War vet, from using the Bean Cup to incubate his own big tech dreams.

Later on that afternoon I had an iced white-chocolate blackberry latte ( I think that’s what it was) that was delicious as well. The atmosphere is great, they seem to have a very diverse client base so I think everyone would be happy here if you love great coffees and tea and more.

Similarly to The Strange Brew they also feature artistic works from local artists which you can buy right off the wall if you find something you like. The only challenge I noticed was the same challenge I find with every location offering free wi-fi, FAR TOO FEW POWER PLUG ACCESS!!! The Carrs said they’ll be working on that soon so they will be no reason to not go visit and get some work done of your own.

All in all the final score is that the south side of Indianapolis has two great options for locally owned coffee shops where local artists (both artistic and music) can showcase their talents as well as connect with the community around us.

If you’re on the south side of Indy around the Greenwood Mall, stop by The Bean Cup and get your java fix there. If you’re further south, stop on by The Strange Brew. If you’re a regular customer of one already, give the other a try and spread the love. Don’t worry, St. Arbuck’s will get along without you and these local business owners will be more than happy to serve you some great coffee.

08
Jan

Silly Safaris Live Animal Shows

Author: Jason Bean, Category: Areas, Business, Business Entrepreneurs, Elementary, Greenwood, Local Businesses, People, Seminars, South Side

If you’re looking for a unique party for your kids birthday and those same kids just happen to love animals, look no further than Silly Safaris.

What kid doesn’t love animals? With Silly Safaris you get to let them see and interact with some really great things they may only see on Discovery Channel.

If you’re a teacher, you can also have Silly Safari come in for a special class or lesson on animals.

Here’s a little bit about what Silly Safari offers:

Read the rest of this entry »

18
Dec

Stir Crazy - Great Asian Grub and Atmosphere

Author: Jason Bean, Category: Castleton, Chain Restaurants, Dining, Greenwood, Things To Do in Indy

If you’ve been down to the south side lately, you’ve probably noticed that the Greenwood Park Mall has received a bit of a facelift. If there were a show called “Extreme Mall Makeover”, we’d have a winner.

I’ve eaten at the new location that’s part of the outside mall area at Greenwood Mall two times now. The best way to think about this, and I’m sure they’ll love me stating it this way, is P.F.Chang’s with a little more casual, laid-back, flare.

It’s called Stir Crazy and it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite restaurants on the south side.

The prices in general may be somewhat cheaper as well, but you can still spend some cash if you want to on a dinner.  However, the second time my wife and I got the Pu Pu Platter, which is delicious!, and dessert for about $20 after tip. They’ve also got a fresh ingredients bar that you can then mix spices and sauces with your favorite fresh meat. This part reminds me of B.D’s Mongolian Bar-B-Q.

If you decide to go with the Pu Pu Platter here are the selections we chose and really enjoyed:

• Crab Rangoons
• Coconut Shrimp
• Chicken Satay
• Chicken Imperial Rolls
• Chicken Potstickers

For dessert, we chose the Banana Wontons.

There are two locations in Indianapolis now, do yourself a favor and go have a great meal at one of them soon:

Greenwood Park Mall
1251 US Highway 31 N
Greenwood, IN 46142
317-888-6200

Castleton Square
Lifestyle Edition
6020 East 82nd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46250
317-845-5600

21
Nov

Holiday Traffic Warning

Author: Jason Bean, Category: Greenwood, News, Shopping

One of my least favorite times of the year is now close. No, it’s not Thanksgiving or Christmas, it’s the shopping season mayhem. Here’s a little bit of a warning to those that will be shopping around the south side over the coming weeks.

Red Light-Runners Beware: Indy Cops Watching: Enforcement Zones Target High-Risk Intersections

Eyes will be fixed on drivers who run red lights at some of the busiest intersections in Marion County, just as the busy holiday season gets into gear.

Police in Marion County are launching a new partnership which will put officers on the street in special enforcement zones to crack down on people who run red lights and commit other traffic offenses, 6News’ Julie Pursley reported.

Stop 11 Road at U.S. 31 South, just north of Greenwood Park Mall, is one of the target enforcement zones because it is designated as one of the most dangerous intersections in the county.

I can attest to this as I ran an “orange” light in this intersection a number of months back as I was trying to make it to the Kerasotes 16 theater to see the movie “300″ with a friend. $180 bucks, and I still missed the movie because Fandango screwed up my reservation as well and Kerasotes didn’t have it in their system. Most expensive movie I’ve ever NOT seen in my life!

Motorists who get pulled over in the high crash zones should expect to get a ticket.

“Officers are on zero tolerance. They are being paid overtime,” said Don Bickel, of the Marion County Traffic Safety Partnership.

Police agencies are teaming up to try to cut down on the number of accidents and fatalities at intersections.

People who work near 31 and Stop 11 said the area is notorious for accidents because drivers are in a hurry.

“That light gets ran all of the time,” said Craig Niehaus, manager of a nearby Jiffy Lube. “I’ve been here going on three years there have been four (crashes) since I’ve been here.”

Five other areas, considered high-crash intersections, will also be targeted. Those intersections are:

86th Street at Keystone Avenue Washington Street at Mitthoeffer Road Lafayette Road at Georgetown Road High School Road at Crawfordsville Road 79th Street at Michigan Road

Enforcement zones will be set up in those areas, and police will also be on the lookout for other violations.

On Tuesday morning, a man was ticketed for driving on a suspended license when he was stopped for a seat belt violation.

AAA Hoosier Motor Club is joining the partnership to get the word out that the crackdown is not about officers writing tickets, but is about saving lives.

“We’re all working together to try to emphasize that people need to pay attention,” said Greg Seiter, of AAA. “They need to adhere. They need to slow down and take their time.”

Several enforcement zones are near major malls. Police will patrol them heavily during the busy shopping period, but enforcement is expected to continue into next year.

Save yourself some money and some mayhem and do your shopping online this year.

Source: Red Light-Runners Beware: Indy Cops Watching on WTHR

06
Nov

Experience "Beowulf" in IMAX Splendor

Author: Jason Bean, Category: Cultural Events, Greenwood, IMAX Theater, Movies, South Side, Special Events

I loved the story of Beowulf when I was a student in high school. I always liked stories surrounding myths. I’m not sure how I feel about the new movie adaptation though. I’m sure it will be good, I just kind of wish it was a live-action film and not CGI.

When I first heard about it I thought it as going to be produced like “300″, which I loved.

Regardless, I’m sure THE way to experience the movie is in IMAX full-screen at Kerasotes 16 on the south side of Indianapolis. Not sure if I’ve got enough friends to worry about seeing it at a group rate, but good idea nonetheless.

Are you going to go see the movie? What do you think?

15
Aug

A Great Family Meal at Logan’s Roadhouse

Author: Jason Bean, Category: Business, Chain Restaurants, Dining, Greenwood

I’m not sure if this is a citywide, nationwide or just a local promotion, but you just can’t beat the deal at Logan’s Roadhouse in Greenwood has got going on right now on Monday and Tuesday nights.

You can get two adult entrees from a selected menu for $12.99 (FOR BOTH!) and kid’s meals are only $2.00. I’ve also got to highly recommend the Sante Fe tilapia filet, and when you pair that with a great salad and hot-out-of-the-oven rolls, it just makes for a great evening!

They’ve actually been doing it for awhile and hopefully there’s no end in site. We’ve been there the last few weeks and the place is just packed. I’ve got to think they have increased their business 10-fold on these evenings with this promotion.

What other restaurants in the city do you know of that have similar promotions that are family friendly? Let us know in the comments.

If you’re a restaurant owner in the Indy area and would like me to visit your restaurant and review it, just let me know!

Photo Credit: Squirrel Systems