The Feed: Fountain Square’s Pizza Boom, The Return Of The Return Of The Mac, And More
» Fountain Square is about to get its own pizza scene. According to the IBJ, not one, but two new pizza joints are headed to a neighborhood that currently has zero. Red Lion Grog House owner Walter Bolinger hopes to open Sidekicks Pizza (1105 Shelby St.) in the former home of End of the Line Public House this spring. Meanwhile, Chicago-based Papa Ray’s Pizza & Wings opens its first Indiana location in Pizza King’s former 1267 Shelby Street address.
» In other news on the pizza beat, Kirklin is losing Empire Pizzeria (106 S. Main St., 765-279-8220), known for its scratch-made ingredients. Owner Alex McClelland made the closing announcement on the restaurant’s Facebook page, and left the door open to launching another location in the future.
» If you missed Indy’s first Return of the Mac event in January (when tickets sold out in mere minutes), you’ve got a second shot at a food-induced coma, assuming you’re up for a short drive. Return of the Mac—Bloomington brings back the carbs on April 2. More than 20 chefs and restaurants will participate in the cheesy festivities at the Monroe County Convention Center.
» Expect interactive demonstrations with some of Indy’s best coffee pros at Tinker Coffee’s first Indianapolis Cup on May 6 at the Tube Factory (1125 S. Cruft St.). Milktooth, Open Society Public House, and Quills Coffee will be in the house, along with beer and wine, food trucks, and sweet treats. Only 100 tickets are available ($75 each), and proceeds benefit Project Alianza, an organization that provides educational support for children living in the coffeelands of Latin America.
» After years of uncertainty, a 1920s-era White Castle building at 660 Fort Wayne Avenue is off the chopping block, thanks to a deal between the city of Indianapolis and Indiana Landmarks. According to The Indianapolis Star, Indiana Landmarks bought the historic spot for $1 from the city, and vowed to restrict the sale of it to someone promising to retain the existing brick interior and make necessary structural improvements. White Castle served the last burger in this location in 1979, before moving to a bigger space. The building was last used as a recruiting office for the National Guard, which closed in 2005.
