Scotty’s Brewhouse fans surprised, disappointed by closings
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Fans of Indianapolis-based Scotty’s Brewhouse say they’re surprised and disappointed in the company’s decision to close multiple locations.
Scotty’s Brand President Chris Martin describes four locations at “not profitable,” including one about a block away from Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
The company also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. In a statement, company leaders said they are focused on growing the brand through franchising.
Indiana Pacers shuffled out of the downtown restaurant before Wednesday’s game.
“I thought the food was very good,” customer Jody Lee said.
“Every time we’ve been here it’s been full. Lots of customers,” Edward Jackson said. “I don’t understand why they are closing.”
By the new year, Scotty’s will also close locations in Carmel; Waco, Texas; and Muncie – the city where Scotty’s started in 1996.
“I was really surprised to hear they’re closing the Muncie location as well because that’s like their signature one,” customer Jen Blattler said.
Former owner Scott Wise announced in 2016 that he’d sold Scotty’s to an Arizona-based company with nationwide plans. Wise did not respond to WISH-TV’s request for an interview.
Scotty’s released a statement saying the closures and filing will “allow us the opportunity to emerge stronger and better position the company for growth.”
“I hate to see that because they have such good food and it’s right close to the stadium,” Jackson said.
The statement said the Chapter 11 filing will allow Scotty’s to “strengthen its balance sheet” and “revisit certain agreements.”
The company declined our request for an interview.
Scotty’s Brewhouses are located across central Indiana and Indianapolis. The company has not said if any other restaurants will close.
WISH-TV reached out to Scotty’s to ask how many employees will lose their jobs and how the company will help them. We have not heard back.
“The process we have initiated today will allow us the opportunity to emerge stronger and better position the Company for growth,” said Brand President Chris Martin via a press release. “We will close locations that are not profitable by the end of this year. Additionally, the company moving forward will focus its efforts on growing the brand through franchising as well as management agreements. These actions will allow us to provide better service to our guests and strategically expand with new locations in the future.”