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Kelly Wilkinson, Indianapolis Star
The long-awaited, full-service Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria opens in Broad Ripple on Nov. 1.
The pizza brand, beloved amongst many Chicago deep-dish pizza enthusiasts, will usher in diners at 6320 Ferguson St.
It’s the third Lou Malnati’s in the area, but the first where customers can enjoy pizzas at their restaurant. Stores that opened in Carmel in October 2020 and at 2902 W. 86th St. in Indianapolis in March are carryout and delivery only.
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“This will be the first one that you can actually have the pizza right out of the pan at a table, so we’re really excited about his opening,” Peter Conway who oversees Indianapolis operations, told IndyStar.
With the full-service operation comes a more extensive menu — with more appetizers, pastas, sandwiches and pan chocolate chip cookie and ice cream dessert that’s popular at the Northbrook, Ill.-based chain.
“That’s something that you only have when you’re sitting in our dining room, which is our most popular dessert,” Conway said. “There are additional offerings that we’re excited to offer to all the Hoosiers.”
Amusement park theme
The 5,600-square-foot Broad Ripple store, located in a former doctor’s office and adjacent to the Fresh Thyme Market, will have a full-service bar, offering up beer, wine and cocktails.
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The decor there is themed for a 1900’s Broad Ripple amusement park with photos, murals and roller coaster references.
“We’re paying homage to it; so it’s kind of a fun thing,” Conway said. “There’s a couple different things that are kind of all tied together and give that feeling of being part fun family outings. And that’s who we are. So it all ties together very nicely.”
The 50-year-old, family-owned chain has more than 60 locations in the Chicago area, Arizona, the Indianapolis area and Wisconsin; only recently moving into the latter two areas.
“There’s a lot of Hoosiers who are familiar with us from visits to Chicago or who’ve had our shipping program before,” Conway said. “The food culture in Indianapolis is something that we’ve been watching for years and really wanted to be a part of.”
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Additionally, owner Marc Malnati, son of the founder, is an Indiana University graduate.
The Broad Ripple restaurant will seat about 160 guests between the dining room, bar area and an outdoor patio.
A separate entrance will be available for carryout customers. The restaurant also will have curbside pick-up, no-contact delivery, and drop-off catering services.
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About 140 people will work at the Broad Ripple restaurant, with positions still being filled through online and open interview events at the store. Candidates can apply online at loumalnatis.com/careers or by texting “Lous” to 242424.
The store at 6320 Ferguson St. opens at 4 p.m. Nov. 1. Restaurant hours will be available online at loumalnatis.com/indiana.
Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on Twitter: @cherylvjackson.
