At one time, Summit Club wowed Fort Wayne for decades with premier views and fine dining on the 25th and 26th floors of the Fort Wayne National Bank Building. Later, Empyrean Events Center operated from the lofty heights of the 339-foot-tall PNC Center. 

Soon, La Vetta Luxury Event Venue will be moving into that space at 110 W. Berry St. 

It’s the latest effort from Maureen and Mike Catalogna, who founded Catablu and Blu Spoon Catering. 

According to a press release, La Vetta, which is Italian for “The Summit,” will deliver “an unparalleled event experience that merges innovation, style, and breathtaking views.” 

That includes more than 20,000 square feet of space with a grand ballroom, lounges, an in-house bar, and a “stunning staircase” that joins the two floors. 

At least for now, it will only host booked events such as weddings and corporate events with up to 550 people. Owners hope to have the space ready by mid-November. 

For more information, go to lavettaeventvenue.com.

Beef-A-Roo moving into former Penguin Points

Two former Penguin Point locations in Warsaw will have a new life. The spaces at 2401 E. Center St. and 408 N. Detroit St. will soon reopen as Beef-A-Roo. 

Beef-A-Roo has 18 locations, including one in Lebanon, Indiana, as well as restaurants in Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, and Texas. 

Beef-A-Roo began in 1967 and calls themselves a fast-casual sandwich joint serving roast beef, burgers, chicken, and turkey, wraps, soups, baked potatoes, salads, and many healthy options. 

In November, Penguin Point closed their last remaining stores in Warsaw, Auburn, Columbia City, North Manchester, Syracuse, and Wabash. That’s after closing seven other stores in 2022, including the Penguin Point on Winchester Road. 

New pizza spot opens in Garrett

It’s out with the old and in with the new as a pizza joint has moved into a familiar spot in Garrett. 

Boxcar Pizza has opened at 105 N. Randolph St., where Timmy’s Pizza & BBQ and Pizza once operated. 

Boxcar Pizza feature hand-tossed, Chicago-style, brushed crust garlic butter pizza, pulled pork nachos, grinders, wings, sausage, pizza, and veggie roll. 

You can try the spot from noon-8 p.m. on Sunday; 4-8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday; and noon-10 p.m. Saturday.

Last summer, Timmy’s Pizza & BBQ sold their building and focused on serving up pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and Piggyback Mac at festivals and fairs. They also set up a trailer at 1346 S. Randolph St. at Timmy’s Hall. 

Pair of area watering holes tap out

Within days of each other, Junk Ditch Brewing Company and Chapman’s Brewing Company took to social media to announce they would be closing taprooms outside of Fort Wayne.

First, Junk Ditch announced their taproom in Huntington, which opened in 2022, would be closing “effective immediately” as they refocus on their Fort Wayne location at 1825 W. Main St., their food truck, and catering.

A couple of days later, Chapman’s announced they would be closing their Columbia City taproom, which opened downtown in 2017, on Oct. 4.

“The decision to close was exceedingly difficult and only occurred after extensive internal deliberation,” the post read.

Chapman’s continues to operate out of Electric Works.

GK Cafe changes hours

GK Cafe & Provisions, 202 W. Berry St., have changed their hours. The downtown shop is now open daily from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. They also offer discounted baked goods on Monday and Tuesday when the kitchen is closed.

Celebrate Sunrise’s grand opening

Sunrise Mart, 3105 N. Anthony Blvd., will celebrate their grand opening from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19. The celebration will include live music, grocery deals and giveaways, games, local artists and vendors, a mechanical bull, a bounce house, and “spooky surprises.” 

The mini grocery store has been open since July and features everyday staples, plus El Viejon #2 Mexican restaurant, Uramaki Sushi, and baked goods from Chalo Indian Bites.

Bake sugar-free cake with Taye’s Treats

Taye’s Treats, 521 Broadway St., New Haven, will host a sugar-free cake class at 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 14. 

The class includes a 6-inch, three-layer cake. 

You can get your $50 tickets by checking out Taye’s Treats events section on their Facebook page.

Off the Eaten Path is the Whatzup weekly column that covers Northeast Indiana’s restaurant and food news. Send your news items to info@whatzup.com.