He had a strong hunch. Dreamers always have a hankering to cut against the grain. And Tim Longardner had enough experience, a lot in the food service industry and as a food truck operator, to know what works.
Even so, he’s floored. The response to the Acme’s reopening as Acme by Full Circle is about as resounding as small-town soldier returning to welcome home parade.
Less than 14 days since reopening, “We’ve run out of food every night. We’ve sold out of something every night,” Longardner said sheepishly. “We have people lining up every day before we open at 4 p.m.”
They’ve been working off photocopied black-and-white sheets for menus. They unveiled their expanded menu last weekend, offering some interesting twists on the pizza,
“I’m told, ‘It’s not Acme Pizza.’ I don’t know what that means, but the response to our version is still good,” Longardner said. “We’ll figure it out. It’s a good problem to have.”
Heather Borden is one of those people who was counting the days for the joint to reopen. She’s been a patron since her youth when her family would pile into the car to take her dad to work.
She’s already been back four times, including once with her dad who’s in his 80s.
“It’s so clean, it’s fresh, it’s bright,” Borden said. “It’s the same place, but so different.”
She loves the wings, which alongside the BBQ is what Full Circle is known for. But her boyfriend wasn’t so easily sold, since he typically avoided the Acme signature foods.
“He’s picky,” she said. “He doesn’t like wings or ribs. He loves how Acme by Full Circle does it.”
More twists on the space are coming, but mum’s the word for now.
Two in one at Georgetown Square
We told you a few weeks ago Bandido’s was closing at Georgetown Square. At that time, we knew the owners were rebranding and would introduce Guadalupe’s Mexican Grill to the location, but there’s more coming.
The former Bandido’s is making room for a second restaurant: New York Pizza and Grill Kabobs. Not only will it offer Italian food, like pizza, but Pakistani and Indian food will also be on the menu.
Both restaurants are expected to be up and running in the early part of the year.
By the way, Guadalupe’s at Illinois and Scott roads has been going strong for a while. Their location on 544 E. Dupont Road reportedly is just days away from opening, if it’s not already open by the time this hits print. A store at 10364 Leo Road is also moving closer to opening.
Korean BBQ coming to North Clinton spot
Dae Gee Korean BBQ is expected to open in the first quarter of 2023 and will use the former Fish House and Outback Steakhouse location at 4910 N. Clinton St.
Most meals are served in a bowl or wrap. Dae Gee boasts of an interactive experience with meat grilled at the table, including beef rib pork and chicken, all in their marinade.
The company boasts health-focused, premium Korean food perfected with family recipes.
This is the first foray into Indiana for the Denver-based franchise.
Thankful for Thanksgiving Day options
No judgment here: Doing Thanksgiving right is a lot of work for even the most skilled cook.
So for those not skilled in the kitchen, there are a few options for dining out or at home meals. This does not include just crashing someone else’s holiday celebration. Technically, that’s also an option. All I can say is proceed with an abundance of caution.
So, here are the more socially acceptable options than unannounced visits to family and friends.
Cracker Barrel and Bob Evans have several traditional meal options. At Cracker Barrel, dining in begins at 11 a.m., and Bob Evans will be open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. You’ll want to double check your favorite location.
Golden Corral, 5335 Distribution Drive, will offer dine-in or carryout from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Eddie Merlot’s is offering a three-course Thanksgiving feast. They’ll be open from noon-8 p.m., and reservations are recommended.
In downtown, Fort Wayne Ruth’s Chris is open for their traditional Thanksgiving feast. The Arbor at Bradley, 204 W. Main St., is open from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Reservations are required.
Of course, you know Popeye’s has a chicken sandwich, but did you know they have cajun turkey? And they’ll even ship it to your home, pre-cooked. They are sold out online, so you’ll have to check with your local store to see if they have any left. You’ll want to confirm: Participation varies, as the saying goes.
Liberty Diner, 2929 Goshen Road, is open from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and Lakeside Cafe, 1040 Coliseum Blvd. N., is open 6 a.m.-2 p.m.
In Decatur, the Back 40 Junction is serving from to 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Reservations are required and they are going fast.
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.
