After about 25 years, Fort Wayne has a downtown grocery store again as GK Baked Goods opens their highly anticipated market in the Metro Building on West Berry Street this week.
The official opening is Friday, Feb. 10, but GK Café & Provisions was operating the cafe on the down-low the last few days with a soft opening Wednesday, Feb. 8.
Katie Jo of Junk Ditch Brewing, where GK also operates, says the idea of the market space evolved.
“We were originally approached about opening a restaurant,” she said.
As they bounced ideas back and forth scratching their heads, they came up with the idea of the outlet.
The discussions opened up an original idea of a grocery that another group had for the building before the pandemic shuttered the idea. Now such a store seems only logical for a vibrant, growing downtown busting with new residential property.
Some would call it a micro-grocery stocked with staples like meat, eggs, milk, produce, and condiments and some other items. True to Junk Ditch’s other endeavors, they are striving for high-quality items that make up the foundations of our pantries and cupboards.
It responds to the needs of residents in nearby neighborhoods while providing a retail outlet for local and regional producers. Most of those relationships have enhanced the company’s passion for high quality local goods. Those products come from familiar places like True Kimchi, Wood Farms, Cook’s Orchard, Windrose Urban Farm, Wholesome Meadows Farm, and other local vendors.
“Not everything is local, but there’s a lot,” Katie Jo said.
Katie says the space small, but that’s by design.
“It has a big-city feel,” she said.
That reflects the style of pastry chef Grace Kelly May who puts her baked goods and pastries on display.
Patrons of Junk Ditch Brewing have raved about her artisan creations, such as breads, croissants, and cinnamon rolls.
Last-minute Valentine’s plans
Here are some of the local Valentine’s Day events and specials being talked about in Fort Wayne.
Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Valentine’s Day is Tuesday. So take note and finalize your plans for your special someone.
The Dinner Detective has two dinner theater shows, Feb. 14 and 18 at the Courtyard by Marriott, 1150 S. Harrison St., in downtown Fort Wayne. Entrees include Mediterranean chicken breast, pan-seared tilapia or gnocchi, salad, dessert, complimentary drinks, and a cash bar. You can find out more at
thedinnerdective.com/fortwayne.
If you are looking to make a splash, the Bootlegger’s Ball at the historic Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum in Auburn might be the ticket. The museum is hosting a Prohibition-themed gala complete with cocktails and dancing — of course, complete with the classic cars. Individual and couples tickets are available at (260) 925-1444 or acdamstore.com.
If all else fails, there’s Taco Tuesday. Seriously. At Cebolla’s Mexican Grill, 5930 W. Jefferson Blvd., you can enjoy supper and a song with their Valentine’s Day Serenade. Elvis impersonator Brent Cooper treats dinners to their favorite Elvis love songs from 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Jefferson Pointe adds boba location
A new bubble tea joint has opened its doors in Fort Wayne, as Kung Fu Tea has set up shop in Jefferson Pointe.
Kung Fu Tea has more than 250 locations around the nation, including one in Fishers. They offer milk tea, boba, and classic teas.
Wings, Etc. expanding Fort Wayne footprint
A fourth Wings, Etc. Grill and Pub is coming to Fort Wayne.
Before the end of the year, the company says they’ll open up at north side of Illinois Road at Glencarin Boulevard, about a mile east of Scott Road. They plan to break ground in the spring.
Wings, Etc., has locations on Dupont, Bluffton, and Maysville roads.
Asian fare coming to former Chapman’s spot
Salsa Grille will open Zing Cuisine soon at their southwest Fort Wayne location, offering up Asian fusion fare.
Chapman’s Brewing Company had operated from the location at 5735 Falls Drive.
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.
