Indianapolis, IN
Broad Ripple business owners beckon former patrons to return – Indianapolis Business Journal
Owners of Broad Ripple bars and other businesses have a message for former patrons: The lengthy reconstruction project on Broad Ripple Avenue is over and new public safety measures are in place. Please come back.
The entertainment district has had a difficult trifecta of circumstances, beginning with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, followed by construction on the main street that wrapped up late last year and a string of violent incidents last summer. Bar owners told IBJ on Wednesday that they’ve taken a big financial hit.
Patrick Sparks has owned Brick House Dueling Pianos for 47 years. This year, he had to use $350,000 of his savings to get by, he said. With 21 months left on his lease, he’s hoping that next year will see a pickup large enough to prevent him from draining his dwindling retirement funds , so he can keep the bar open.
Sparks and other owners spoke to media following a regular meeting of late night business owners and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Officers at Kilroy’s Bar & Grill at 831 Broad Ripple Ave..
The meetings arose due to the challenges the entertainment district has faced in recent years, including a high-profile triple homicide last summer and multiple efforts at improving safety in the entertainment district. Those discussions included the consideration of a gun-free zone, which Broad Ripple stakeholders ultimately axed due to potential costs.
While Sparks expected business to pick back up this past summer, he said his bar has had fewer patrons than last summer. Owners said the reputation the area gained last summer has driven away business.
“I hear constantly, from the younger kids especially that used to come in late night, ‘Whoa, Patrick, we love your piano bar, but we just don’t come to Broad Ripple anymore; we don’t feel safe at night. So, I have to preach to them,” Sparks told IBJ.
IMPD North District Commander Matthew Thomas said the department has seen success in getting businesses to buy into IMPD’s B-Link camera program, as well as in the usage of other technology such as public safety cameras and license plate readers. Above all, though, he said it’s been beneficial to have a seat at the table for IMPD at the monthly bar owner-focused meetings.
“We’re very enthusiastic about the collaboration that’s being done in Broad Ripple,” Thomas said. “There’s not a day goes by that we can’t pick up the phone and call each other, whether it’s IMPD contacting the Village Association or business owners contacting each other, we’re seeing such great increase of communication.”
Kilroy’s, which hosted the meeting, is investing in the Broad Ripple location despite a recent downturn in business during construction on the property’s outdoor patio to create an event space. Jade Sharpe, director of operations, said the community has nearly weathered the storm.
“I know everybody was a little leery of what the summer would bring, and we’ve had a great, smooth summer, and that just kind of goes to show what we can do,” Sharpe told IBJ. We all work together and acknowledge what any of the issues may be and addressing them.”
Sparks, however, also characterized the summer as “very slow.” The challenge now is bringing back customers. They’re working to do that through organized bar crawls, but also weighing other options that could make the area more appealing.
One possibility was the establishment of a designated outdoor refreshment area, or a DORA, such as the recently-established DORA in Carmel. Attendees compared the potential to something like the Fourth Street Live! district in Louisville, which is closed to traffic and has a secured perimeter.
Wednesday’s discussion was the first on this topic. Establishing such a district in Broad Ripple would require city-level legislation.
Democratic Councilor John Barth, who represents the district, said that the idea of having a closed-off area with automatic bollards like Kirkwood Avenue in Bloomington is appealing. Barth said closing the road to traffic on evenings could help foster a more festive atmosphere.
Still, there are a lot of details to sort out.
“This is the very beginning of a long process to think about doing something like that,” Barth told IBJ.
Indianapolis, IN
Man arrested for gun and drug possession in downtown Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers arrested a man Tuesday for possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and possession of marijuana according to an Thursday IMPD Downtown District Facebook post.
Police pulled over 33-year-old Malcolm Murray at the intersection if East Ohio Street and North Delaware Street because Murray did not have a license.
Police asked Murray if he had any weapons in his car and he told the officers no.
Police asked Murray to leave the car and Murray put down a crossbody bag that he was wearing.
Narcotics detection K-9 Bruce identified narcotics odor in the car. Police searched the car and found a handgun and marijuana inside the crossbody bag.
Police say that Murray tried to blame the female passenger saying, “Ain’t that your gun.”
Police arrested Murray for possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and possession of marijuana.
Indianapolis, IN
Downtown fitness center 4th annual ‘Pump it for Parkinson’s’ fundraiser
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The National Institute for Fitness and Sport hosted its fourth “Pump it for Parkinson’s” on Thursday. It’s a step-a-thon style event with more than 500 locations participating.
Organizers set a goal of hitting 50 million nationally this year. Last year, the fundraiser hit 33 million steps. Locally, NIFS hopes to reach 2 million steps.
The annual fundraiser is part of the nonprofit’s efforts for Parkinson’s Awareness Month, which falls in April.
This year, the group partnered with White River State Park and put up signage for people to track their steps to submit.
President Emily Davenport says exercise has proven to be key in managing Parkinson’s symptoms.
“When we started this initiative four years ago, our goal was to raise awareness on the benefits,” Davenport said. “It’s amazing what we’ve learned of how many people are touched by this disease, whether it’s the diagnosis for themself or a family member, a friend who has that diagnosis.”
Steps were completed on the track in the gym or on exercise machines. NIFS has worked with exercise equipment company NuStep since the event’s inception.
Sales Manager Shane Lehto says his coworkers make a day of the event every year at their Michigan headquarters.
“We also invite the public to come in,” Lehto said. “We’ve got several of our machines set up. We’ve got a big screen TV that’s got a track that they can race on.”
Pump it for Parkinson’s complements the organization’s work in fitness for aging populations. It also runs “Bold Moves,” an exercise regimen for people living with the disease.
Alex Carpenter is an instructor at NIFS who leads some of those classes. He says it’s rewarding to see someone’s progress.
“Honestly, (it’s) the best part of my day,” Carpenter said. “Just seeing that positive interaction and hearing those things that they’re actually benefiting from this — I found through this that this is definitely my passion in life.”
Also new this year, the event includes a vendor fair featuring local resources.
“Hoop it for Parkinson’s” returns on Thursday alongside the step-a-thon portion of the event. It’s a special basketball game at 2 p.m. with people who have the disease.
To submit steps to this year’s Pump it for Parkinson’s, visit the event’s website. Donations can also be made on the Parkinson’s Foundation website.
Indianapolis, IN
Sunday, April 12, 2026 Business Highlights – Indianapolis Today
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
This episode of the BEO Show covers a variety of business topics, including the OWMBD Vendor of the Month, an update on the collapse of Saks Global, a new OMWBD certification management system, a look at the business of comedy with Sherri Shepherd, a salute to the female-owned design firm IDO, Inc., and tax and overtime tips from the Indiana CPA Society.
Why it matters
The BEO Show provides a comprehensive overview of important business news and trends impacting the Indianapolis and Indiana business community, covering topics ranging from minority-owned business development to the evolving retail landscape to the growing comedy industry.
The details
The episode features interviews with several business leaders and experts, including Jill Hall of ReproGraphix, Inc., William Stern of Cardiff, David Fredricks of OMWBD, comedian and talk show host Sherri Shepherd, and the principals of the female-owned design firm IDO, Inc. The topics discussed offer insights into the challenges and opportunities facing businesses of all sizes in the region.
- The BEO Show airs on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
The players
Jill Hall
Owner of ReproGraphix, Inc., a print and graphics company.
William Stern
CEO and Founder of Cardiff, a business consulting firm.
David Fredricks
Director of the Indianapolis Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBD).
Sherri Shepherd
Talk show host and business woman.
Amanda J. Medlen
Principal and CEO of IDO, Inc., a female-owned design firm.
Lee A. Boyland
Principal and COO of IDO, Inc., a female-owned design firm.
Jennifer Knotts
CFO of IDO, Inc., a female-owned design firm.
Courtney Kincaid
President of the Indiana CPA Society.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What they’re saying
“We must continue to support and empower minority and women-owned businesses in our community.”
— David Fredricks, Director, OMWBD
“The business of comedy is evolving, and comedians need to think strategically about building their brands and revenue streams.”
— Sherri Shepherd, Talk Show Host, Business Woman
“As a female-owned firm, we are proud to design spaces that reflect the diversity and creativity of our community.”
— Amanda J. Medlen, Principal/CEO, IDO, Inc.
What’s next
Viewers can find more information about the topics covered in the episode on the websites and social media pages of the featured guests and organizations.
The takeaway
The BEO Show provides a valuable platform for showcasing the vibrant and diverse business community in Indianapolis and Indiana, highlighting the challenges, opportunities, and innovative solutions that are shaping the region’s economic landscape.
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