Following the acquisition and demolition of the former Pepsi facility along Harrison Street, the city of Fort Wayne is now in the process of acquiring the neighboring property where Don Chava’s sits.
In a press release, it is stated the property at the southeast corner of Wells and 2nd streets is being sold to the city by JGA Properties Inc. at its appraised value, “ensuring a fair and equitable transaction.”
The release also states Don Chava’s will remain open through at least 2025.
“We are grateful for the many years we’ve spent on the Wells Street corridor and for all the friends who’ve made Don Chava’s a part of this community,” owner Roberto Soto said. “This opportunity allows us to bring to life an exciting concept featuring authentic Mexican food and atmosphere, as part of the growing Riverfront district.”
The acquisition comes as the city continues its riverfront initiative, which includes the Treeline District at the former Pepsi site.
Country Roads Coffee reach Final Four
An area coffee company finished in the top four of the “Coolest Thing Made in Indiana” competition, which was presented by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
Country Roads Coffee in Albion was among Indiana companies featured in the NCAA Tournament-style bracket.
Country Roads, which you can find weekly at the YLNI Farmers Market in the Olde East End Building on Saturday mornings, made their way into the Final Four, where they lost out to Hard Truth Whiskey Co. of Nashville.
The first round of the competition began Oct. 31, with Country Roads beating out Boston Scientific, Yamaha Marine Precision Propellers, Hiker Trailers, and Bear Wallow Distillery en route to the Final Four.
The final two companies standing are Hard Truth and Harpsicle Harps of Rising Sun.
Country Roads is the creation of Kerry and Jocelyn Clouse. After starting in 2018, they now sell more than 2,000 pounds of coffee a month. They feature imported beans from Central and South America, Africa, and Indonesia. Along with the farmers market, you can find them at several area groceries. For more information on the company, go to countryroadscoffee.com.
Michelin chef collaborating at Rune
Michelin chef Christian Hunter will join chef Sean Richardson for a five-course tasting dinner at Rune, 2725 Broadway, on Sunday, Dec. 22.
In a social media post, Richardson recalls a chance encounter with Hunter prior to opening Rune this year.
“We talked briefly about the chance to do some cooking together, and fast forward a handful of months later and he is going to be making a trip to Fort Wayne to collaborate on our next tasting dinner,” the post reads.
Hunter is co-owner and culinary director at Atelier in Chicago. He was a finalist for the James Beard Best Chef: Northeast in 2023, the same year he received the Young Chef Award from the Michelin Guide.
Tickets are $115 per person, and you can make your reservation at runerestaurant.com.
Draft Taproom goes to ’80s Miami
Speaking of collaborations, Draft Taproom & Coffee, 1833 Wells St., have partnered with Basted to offer a dinner straight out of a 1980s South Florida crime drama.
From 6-9 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 29, The Grand Theft Auto-themed Mission 1: The Party — An Evening in Vice City, Florida, USA will have the music, decor, drinks, and cuisine from the Miami nightlife of the era. You also get the unmistakable fashion of South Beach.
The night starts with a round of Vice Point Polenta Parmesan chips with guava BBQ sauce or the vegan Cheat Code, featuring Miso honey mustard brussels tossed with agave mustard glaze.
For the main course, enjoy a Kingpin Cubano with smoked pork, ham topped with dijon mustard, Swiss cheese, and a pickle, or Forellis Fried Chickn’, a vegan mix of oyster mushrooms in goujachang and sweet maple soy and fondant potatoes.
Finish with Key Lime pies — or Lies, as the menu calls it — with coffee liqueur foam, basil gel, candied mint, and graham cracker powder.
Tickets are $25 to reserve your seat and can be purchased at bastedchef.com/events.
Amoré offers upscale dining downtown
Amoré — Italian, Steak & Seafood has opened its doors at 239 W. Pearl St.
Located in the newest multi-use building in downtown Fort Wayne, the upscale restaurant is the latest project from Chuck and Lisa Surack.
Amoré is open for lunch and dinner, serving classic Italian dishes, steak, and seafood with elevated dining and considerable regionally sourced ingredients.
It’s open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
After delay, Raising Cane’s opens
Diners craving Raising Cane’s chicken fingers had to wait a bit longer to enjoy grub in Fort Wayne.
The national chain was set to open Dec. 5 in the Northcrest Shopping Center, but was delayed.
However, a grand opening was held Tuesday, Dec. 10, with a ribbon-cutting and people entering to win free Cane’s for a year.
The restaurant sits at 701 Coliseum Blvd. E., where Pizza Hut stood for decades before closing in 2020.
Founders showing up for Culver’s celebration
Culver’s newest location is open in New Haven at 6244 State Road 930.
Their official grand opening celebration is Monday, Dec. 16, complete with prizes and a visit from founders Craig and Lea Culver and other company officials.
The store marks the 1,000th franchise for the chain.
Catch the big game at Union Street Market
Crane Bar, 1622 Broadway, has opened in the West Hall at Union Street Market at Electric Works.
Featuring large video screens and a deep bench of drinks, it promises to be a popular spot for catching the game or grabbing a bite.
They’re open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.
News and Venues covers Northeast Indiana’s music and arts organizations, venues, and colleges, from large to small. Send your news items to info@whatzup.com.
