INDIANAPOLIS — Opening a business in general is a tough feat. Opening a business in 2020 presented even more obstacles.
It wasn't just the coronavirus pandemic that upended people's lives in 2020. There was also a racial uprising and an unprecedented presidential election to tack on top of all of our daily lives.
Despite all odds — and we know there were many — many local business owners still managed to keep their establishments open and running.
In celebrating the businesses still standing, WRTV also wants to acknowledge some of the area's new businesses that opened this year.
PREVIOUS | New businesses that opened around Indianapolis during the pandemic|
Call it ambition, luck, or having a lot of heart — here are the Indy businesses that first opened their doors in 2020:
317 BBQ: Soon after the Burger Fuel franchisee left the space at 6320 Guilford Ave in Broad Ripple, this new barbeque joint moved in. They opened toward the end of the year with first with carryout orders and worked their way up to in-person dining.
Amberson Coffee & Grocer: In June, a new specialty coffee shop and neighborhood grocer opened in downtown Indy's Fletcher Place. Amberson Coffee & Grocer is open every day and has a jar program that is sure to please the most sustainable of environmentalists.
Apocalypse Burger: Apocalypse Burger is the latest addition to the Patachou, Inc.'s restaurant gang serving up "spite fries" and "revenge burgers" on the north side of Indianapolis in the Meridian-Kessler neighborhood. The burger joint opened in July.
Bae Latin Food: In Carmel, this new restaurant celebrates Latin culture with dishes like steak pepito, nachos, tacolanos and arepas.
Bubbatown Burrito Co.: If you've been trying to get a breakfast burrito delivered to your front door — now is your time. Bubbatown Burrito is a pre-ordered heat-and-serve breakfast burrito joint that offers delivery and curbside pickup.
Command Coffee: Where College Avenue and Fall Creek Trail meet you'll find Indy's latest coffee shop. Once a Starbucks, Command Coffee has seating space and a drive-through.
Dad's Kitchen: Right next to what used to be the late-night Qdoba spot is now Dad's Kitchen (just a few steps from the aforementioned 317 BBQ). In the heart of Broad Ripple, the tiny family-owned cafe promises to taste "like home."
Exchange Whiskey Bar: Patrons of the whiskey bar can try more than 180 whiskeys and craft cocktails in one of Mass Ave's oldest buildings. The speakeasy opened in October.
Goldleaf Savory & Sweet: The latest SoBro establishment features what all of your favorite community hangs encompasses — espresso, small plates, beer, and wine. Goldleaf opened in June.
Invy Nightclub: INVY Nightclub opened in the building that formerly housed Revel Nightclub on Meridian Street under new ownership.
I Heart Mac & Cheese: After a successful opening of the state's first "I Heart Mac & Cheese" in Westfield in June, three more are planned for Downtown Indianapolis, Avon, and Plainfield.
Leviathan Bakehouse: Voted the state's top breakfast sandwich with only mere months under its belt, Leviathan Bakehouse is not just a bakehouse, but an eatery that serves all of your comfort favorites right outside of Mass Ave.
Mori Sushi: Indy's latest Japanese restaurant serving ramen and sushi opened right at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Mori Sushi is housed in the Fletcher Place neighborhood and has quickly become a favorite among Indianapolis residents, according to Yelp.
Peppy Grill: Peppy Grill has been around for literal decades in Fountain Square, but the brand new location near the IUPUI campus opened in June.
Rabble Coffee: After the original owner announced its closure, but offer to sell to the right people — this beloved east side gem is back up and running with new, local owners.
Rose and Lois Cafe: A new Carmel cafe opened at the beginning of the coronavirus shutdowns, in April.
Seraphim: The new Asian grill opened up in Broad Ripple in June and has taken the cuisine and cocktail worlds by storm with its drink pouches.
Slapfish: Slapfish's Mass Ave location is the latest addition to the restaurant chain.
MORE | Farewell to these central Indiana businesses that permanently closed in 2020|
