So Long, Sunflower

And the sign comes down. (Photo from Neal Brown.)

Sunflower Markets Closing

Friday, specialty retail publications broke the news: Parent SuperValu is closing all five of its Sunflower Markets including the one in Indianapolis'
Broad Ripple. Four other stores are located in Ohio and Illinois. The chain was designed to be a lower-priced, neighborhood alternative to more expensive organic/natural food markets such as Wild Oats and Whole Foods. Sunflower, on Broad Ripple Ave just east of the Monon Trail, will close the week of February 18.

SuperValu says they're closing the chain due to poor performance even though last year they announced plans to expand the concept nationwide. However, analysts say SuperValu has had stock problems all year after acquiring the Albertson's drugstore chain. Others speculate the Sunflower market concept, while unique, was too far away from the core business to continue sustaining lower-than-expected margins, let alone a costly expansion.

Rumors began flying late last year that the chain was in trouble when stores began scaling back inventory replacing deep selections in the natural food area with house brands. Competitor Wild Oats, on the other hand, expanded inventory and their pre-made food selection last year as a result of a corporate merger with Whole Foods. (Hat tip to reader Kevin who reminded me to check on this.)

Tidbits Tidbits

New Chains in the North: IBJ is reporting two new concept restaurants will open on the Northside. Look for Z's Oyster Bar and Steakhouse to open "along Interstate 465" in a building "that once housed The Wharf." (I have no idea where that is.) This will be the second location for the Louisville-based Z's specializing in upscale aged steaks and seafood. It should open mid-June to early July.

Also, look for a new concept restaurant from Darden who owns Red Lobster, Olive Garden, and the fine, fine Bahama Breeze. (I hope you read the irony here.) The the second location of Rocky River Grillhouse is set to open in March by Castleton Mall in the building formerly housing Smokey Bones. News like this always makes me so happy I don't live on the northside.

House Brands Take Over: On Sunday, I popped into Sunflower Market in Broad Ripple and headed to the tea aisle. They've always carried a full line of great medicinal and herbal teas as well as hard to find TAZO flavors. My favorite? A great sample box of TAZO teas with 5 different green teas as well as Calm and Passion flavors. Sadly, the entire aisle of interesting and diverse teas has been entirely replaced by their Nature's Best house brand. They seem to be switching the store over to house brands where possible which would explain the coupons I keep receiving for free jars of their Nature's Best peanut butter and jam. Whatever happened to variety? I inquired and was told they won't be carrying any additional brands again at least with the teas. Whole Foods! Hurry!

Fresh Market Makes Progress: Speaking of hurrying, work is moving fairly quickly on the Fresh Market going in at 54th and College in the former Atlas lot. Buildings have been knocked down, ground has been broken, and signs are up. They can't open fast enough for some of us in the area. Here's to progress!

Tidbits Tidbits Tidbits

Puck's Out at IMA? Possibly. Based on an article in a recent IBJ, the museum eatery was late on a catering assignment for the museum two weeks ago and the IMA has put them on notice that they may terminate their contract. Puck's denies there was a problem, but it may be that museum officials are looking for reasons to get out of their relationship with the expensive enterprise. Rumor has it that the restaurant has been losing money (or not making minimums) for months and the museum has paid extensive sums to fulfill contract commitments. It's no surprise the restaurant's location and pre-packaged meals fresh from their corporate center haven't been a draw for diners or chefs. Word is that several caterers in the city are eager to take over the IMA's event contracts. Look for some changes in the next few months.

Hardesty Represents! Star columnist Susan Guyett reported Sunday that Element's chef Greg Hardesty will represent Indianapolis in the annual Taste of the NFL in Florida on Superbowl Sunday. Chefs representing NFL team cities prepare a tasting sample every year for this hunger relief charity event. Hardesty will prepare 3000 portions of carpaccio with Fischer Farms beef and Trader's Point Creamery cheese.

The Chef's Academy: I recently spent two afternoons with Chef Tony Hanslits, director of culinary education for the new Chef's Academy on East Washington downtown. The state-of-the-art new facility is setting a new bar for full-time culinary students and will be ramping up their next classes and pastry program in the coming weeks. If you get a chance to visit their school, part of the Indiana Business College, make sure you do!

Sometimes It's the Small Things: Hey, did you notice? Sunflower Market finally put handles on their paper bags! Paper bags lugged the old fashioned way was my least favorite part of this quick little market. Thanks!

There's Always a Catch: While I love R Bistro, I find my opportunities more limited each time they send out one of their menu announcements. On New Year's Eve, they made it clear they would be asking people from the first seating to leave if they delayed the next round of diners. Now for Valentine's Day, they've announced a special menu but with the caveat -- two-tops only! Since I almost always dine in larger groups -- with or without a date, it sounds like we'll be skipping RBistro on Wednesday, February 14.