A Fort Wayne staple, Powers Hamburgers at 1402 S. Harrison St., will soon go up for sale.
Owner Gloria Hall told WANE-TV she and her husband, Michael, have started the process of dealing the local landmark that specializing in those yummy little onion-engulfed burgers.
The process could take a few months, and Hall said there is no rush. She told the television station there wasn’t any significant reason other than they were looking for a change. It’s just time for new blood and new energy.
They were clear in the news report that they are not just looking for a buyer. They are looking for the right buyer.
The couple want to be careful that the next owner preserves its tasty traditions and the name.
The Halls say Powers is doing fine, although they’ve had to adjust hours for staffing issues and have closed a few days for a maintenance of a cooler.
They have owned Powers since 1999 and have been around the place more than 45 years.
Shared kitchen opens in Waynedale
There is always risk associated with starting or expanding a business. A local business wants to make that step of faith a little less daunting for those in the food service industry.
A and J Kitchen, 2700 Lower Huntington Road in Waynedale, is the brainchild of Janet Robinson. It’s a shared kitchen, meaning it’s a plug-and-play concept where you rent space to reduce overhead.
With years in the restaurant and bakery business, Robinson has learned a thing or two about the ins and outs of the industry. She also knows the regulations that cover food prep.
She’s ready for new eateries to sprout in Fort Wayne by providing a space to perfect and prepare dishes. She’s got plenty of space that includes stoves and ovens, sinks and coolers, and refrigerators.
With a shared kitchen, many, if not most, of the health requirements are covered. However, you still need to sign a lease, usually six months, be ServSafe certificated, and have insurance.
“We are the next step in doing business from your home and owning a restaurant or a venue,” Robinson said.
As a result, entrepreneurs don’t fork over money to gain the right tools and equipment at the start. They are also free from maintenance headaches.
“It is like living with your parents and then getting your first apartment,” Robinson said. “The commitment isn’t as big, but you are still on your own to do some things.”
In short, cooks and bakers show up with their food and get to work being creative.
“I can have several businesses (in the kitchen) at one time,” Robinson said. “They reserve the time and days they want and they can do it 24/7.”
Charcuterie shop open at Union Street Market
Kitchen & Co. Wine Bar has officially opened at Union Street Market at Electric Works.
It’s the newest location for the mother-daughter team of Jennifer Krider and Kaitlyn Morgan, who also own a shop in Columbia City.
They specialize in charcuterie, grazing boxes, wraps, and salads. Their wine selection includes products from local vineyards.
Sidecar Patio hosts Halloween-themed nights
Copper Spoon’s Halloween-themed pop-up bar is in full swing at the eatery’s Sidecar Patio, 301 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Nightmare Before Miracle is open Tuesday-Thursday from 5-10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 5 p.m.-midnight through Oct. 25.
Organizers warn that due to capacity of 50 people, spots fill up quickly on the weekends. So, choosing a weekday might be a better option. A good day to swing by might be a Wednesday, when there is a different theme each week with costume contests. With Harry Potter and Horror Villains behind us, the next themed night will be Nightmare Before Christmas on Wednesday, Oct. 25.
Once Nightmare Before Miracle wraps up, be on the lookout for the annual Miracle on Jefferson.
Fort Wayne’s trick-or-treat hours
I know it’s not exactly food food, but everyone loves Halloween treats — even if you have to sneak some from your kids.
Fort Wayne’s official, police-recommended hours are 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31. You are reminded to visit only those houses with their front porch lights on.
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.
