Restaurateur to ‘Slow Our Pace,’ Close R Bistro

(Image Courtesy of R Bistro.)

Fans of a mainstay in the Indianapolis local food scene will have until the end of the month to visit. R Bistro, which opened in 2001, is closing. Founder and Executive Chef Regina Mehallick said Monday that she and her husband Jim were "looking to slow our pace a bit."

R Bistro has helped Mehallick garner national recognition, including three consecutive semi-finalist nods for the prestigious James Beard Award.

One of the earliest and most highly-regarded entries into the Indianapolis local food surge is closing. R Bistro, which was founded by Executive Chef Regina Mehallick, will close at the end of the month. The restaurant opened in 2001 and has helped Mehallick garner national recognition, including being named a James Beard Award semi-finalist three times.

In a statement on Facebook, Mehallick called the decision difficult and said "the hardest part will be missing all of you, our many dear customers and friends who have supported us through the years. You are truly like family to us. Jim and I are looking to slow our pace a bit."

Mehallick opened the restaurant on the far north side of the Mass Ave Cultural District and became a cornerstone of the growing community at a time when other high-profile local businesses were choosing to locate elsewhere. She says the nearby R2GO Specialty Market will remain opened. Mehallick and Sous Chef Erin Kem will continue to teach cooking classes as well.

The restaurant’s final day is slated for February 27.