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The big egg squabble is only beginning. As has been widely reported, Georgia-based chain diner Waffle House (which boasted 24 Indiana locations as of 2022) announced that as of February 3, it would start tacking a 50-cent fee onto every egg they sell, a reaction to the “continuing egg shortage caused by HPAI (bird flu)” that’s prompted prices to skyrocket. The company says it expects the additional fee to be “short-lived,” but Tennessee-based chain Cracker Barrel (28 Indiana locations) appears to view its competitors’ efforts to navigate the effects of the rapidly spreading virus as a business opportunity. The latter business, which has certainly faced troubles of its own, publicly suggested Waffle House’s price increase was inhospitable. You know what they say, folks: If you’re not paying for it, someone else is!
Carmel’s newest French spot opens tonight. We told you about Josephine last year. It’s the French spot from Ambrosia Hospitality Group set for Sophia Square. The restaurant at 110 W. Main St. has dropped its menu online, and things are looking sharp, with a tightly edited lineup of traditional classics such as steak frites, onion soup, and escargot. Reservations are booking up fast online, and things kick off at 4 p.m. on Friday.
The Philippine Cultural Center just launched a new dining option. The Star caught the opening of mom-and-pop restaurant Ardys Concession at the 4141 S. East St. community gathering place. The business began as a kabob-focused food truck and now serves traditional Filipino dishes—many of which will be on offer at its Super Bowl party this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Chain Mexican dining is betting big on Indy. Del Taco, a California-based, 600-location fast Mexican chain owned by Jack in the Box, announced in a press release that its first Indiana locations are on the horizon. A local franchise group is planning 10 outposts across Avon, Bedford, Bloomington, Columbus, Greenwood, Indy, and Plainfield, exact addresses and opening dates TBD. Del Taco’s “proven business model and potential for multi-unit development present a solid opportunity for long-term growth,” says franchise group spokesperson Cole Sinclair, which I suspect is a true expression of the ownership group’s passion for delicious food and thoughtful hospitality.
Also new to Indiana is Bubbakoo’s Burritos, a New Jersey-based “Mexican fusion” chain with locations across the U.S. Via press release, it say its first Indy shop will open on February 11 at 826 E. 82nd St. This, too, will be a franchise location of the chain, operated by first-timers Hiren and Ashish Patel.
Two new Indy-area hotels will offer some new drinking and dining options. Mariott-owned Aloft Hotels is poised to open at 136 E. Market St., a launch first teased by the Star all the way back in 2018. Back then, it said it would open for business in “third quarter 2019,” so you can probably guess what happened there. The hotel includes a craft cocktail bar called WXYZ, a name the owners note is a proprietary, trademark-registered name. Yes, they trademarked the alphabet, but that doesn’t mean the drinks can’t be good. The new Aloft is expected to open later this month.
Korea-based Lotte Hotel & Resorts is hoping to open its second L7 U.S. location in Westfield. The Star reports that multinational conglomerate Lotte Corporation is seeking to build five floors of luxury lodgings at the northeast corner of 161st Street and U.S. 31, pending a late-April decision from the city council. If it moves forward, a restaurant and lounge with a focus on Korean-style hospitality will be part of the package.
The Avenue Coffeehouse & Cafe has hit a milestone. The community-focused gathering place is bringing back its brunch series on February 23 as part of a celebration of its second anniversary. That same weekend, it’s also holding a set of events “to reflect on the journey so far and cast a bold vision for the future.” Organizers promise “delicious food and good vibes” but say the jam-packed weekend is also “a reflection of the resilience, artistry, and spirit that have shaped The Avenue and the culture we’re proud to celebrate.”
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