Kimbal Musk Says ‘I Love Indianapolis’
Restaurateur Kimbal Musk says a "phenomenal farm-to-table movement" and "thriving local farm scene" are among reasons his trendy chain of eateries has landed in Indianapolis. "I love Indianapolis," said Musk at Thursday’s VIP opening for Hedge Row, an American Bistro that will open April 3 in the Arts District on Mass Ave. Musk says he’s already established partnerships with local farmers that are key to the success of his farm-to-table model. "We’re all part of making Indianapolis one of the great food towns in the country," said Musk.
Musk tells Inside INdiana Business his time in Indianapolis over the past two years has provided perspective on the city’s emerging food scene.
Hedge Row says its entire menu is sourced from American farmers, with a specific local focus. "For us, real food is quite simply food that you trust," says Musk, "and there’s really no better version of real food than local."
The restaurant is working with local farms including Fischer Farms in Jasper, Lambright Farms in Paoli, Viking Lamb in Morristown, Silverthorn Farm in Rossville and Gunthrop Farms in LaGrange. It is also partnering with Tinker Coffee Co., Mad Farmer’s Collective, Amelia’s Bakery and Smoking Goose Meatery in Indianapolis.
Hedge Row is the 14th restaurant for Musk’s Boulder, Colorado-based The Kitchen Restaurant Group, which Musk and two partners launched in 2004. The group’s 15th restaurant, a Next Door location, is currently under construction near 46th and College on the Indy north side in a former Double 8 Foods grocery store. Next Door is scheduled to open in May.
Both new restaurants are expected to employ up to 60 workers.