Brew story: Sun King through the years
In 2009, Sun King became the first full-scale production brewery to open in Indianapolis since 1948.
David Lindquist, david.lindquist@indystar.com
After just two years in business, Sun King Brewery is closing its Broad Ripple tap room at 1021 Broad Ripple Ave. in the next two weeks, a spokesperson for the company said Tuesday.
The last day of operations is Dec. 19.
Elizabeth Belange-Hood, Sun King’s marketing and promotions director, said in an email that the decision is due to several factors that include the location’s lease ending, an expected rent increase, the 2020 street closure and safety concerns about the site.
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“We appreciate all of the hard work and passion that our team put into Sun King’s Broad Ripple Tap Room, and we appreciate the patronage of all of our loyal fans,” she said. “We remain committed to Broad Ripple through community development efforts that donate beer, volunteer time and proceeds from a portion of sales to organizations in the area and throughout Indiana.”
Belange-Hood said the 2020 street closure, which led to redirected traffic, impacted business and slowed foot traffic to restaurants and storefronts on Broad Ripple Avenue.
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Safety has been a growing concern at the location.
“We’ve experienced loitering in our parking lot with people setting up “tailgate” like parties,” she said. “This led to our staff and our patrons to feel uncomfortable, and they were also getting harassed by the partygoers.”
Sun King restructured the tap room’s hours of operation to close earlier in the evening because of the loitering and harassment, Belange-Hood said, adding that nonpaying customers walking into Broad Ripple often used the parking lot.
The pending closure was first reported by the Indianapolis Business Journal. Sun King’s Broad Ripple location, previously a Thr3e Wise Men restaurant, is a full-service tasting room offering beer and spirits.
The brewery opened the Broad Ripple location in Oct. 2019, partnering with outside kitchens for food service, such as the seafood restaurant Offshore and One Trick Pony for hamburgers.
More: Broad Ripple Avenue is getting a $6M makeover next year
Known for its nightlife and entertainment, the Broad Ripple neighborhood will see construction next year as planned street improvements take place. Broad Ripple Avenue, where the brewery is located, is due to receive a $6 million makeover. The Indianapolis Department of Public Work intends to widen sidewalks and address storm drain capacity to reduce flooding.
“There were many factors that went into this difficult decision, and while this location will close, we hope Sun King fans will continue to visit our other locations where they can get our fresh, award-winning craft beer,” Belange-Hood said.
Sun King has five other locations in downtown Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Kokomo and at the Indianapolis International Airport. The brewery is opening a tap room in Mishawaka.
Contact IndyStar reporter Alexandria Burris at aburris@gannett.com or call 317-617-2690. Follow her on Twitter: @allyburris.