In Indy’s 204-year history, a lot of businesses have opened + closed. Ever wondered about some of the oldest ones still in operation? Us, too — so here’s a short list of some of the oldest businesses founded in Indianapolis that you’ll likely recognize.
The Slippery Noodle Inn, 1850
Originally called the Tremont House, Slippery Noodle is Indiana’s oldest continually operated bar + Indianapolis’ oldest standing commercial building. Over its 175-year history and seven name changes, the bar has held many side gigs: As a way station for the Underground Railroad, a bordello, a Prohibition-era distillery, and a slaughterhouse.
Recognize this building? It’s The Slippery Noodle Inn, circa 1940; the brick structures north of the tavern in this picture were demolished between the 1950s and the 1980s.
Photo courtesy of The Indiana Historical Society
Paige’s Music, 1871
This company was founded in Terre Haute. It operated there for a century before opening in Indianapolis in 1976 and eventually consolidating operations here in 1989. It has since acquired + opened many more music stores, becoming one of the most respected retailers in the music products industry.
Flanner & Buchanan Funeral Centers, 1881
Nothing is certain except death and taxes... and the former can keep a business, well, alive for a very long time. Frank W. Flanner, Indiana’s first licensed embalmer, opened his funeral establishment in 1881 on North Illinois Street with funds from his father’s Civil War pension. In its 140-year history, the company has set plenty of industry firsts — as the first mortuary to employ a female embalmer, the first to use electric cars for funerals (in 1903), and the first to own and operate a crematory.
The Workingman’s Friend, 1918
Long lauded as one of the best burger stops in the city, this restaurant + bar was founded by Macedonian immigrant Louis Stamatkin at the age of 19. Originally called Belmont Lunch, the establishment later took on its current name as reference to Stamatkin’s kindness in letting railroad workers who were on strike in 1922 eat on I.O.U.s. Louis’ granddaughter, Becky, currently owns + operates the business.
Curious about other historic businesses in Indianapolis and beyond? Check out the Indiana Historical Society’s Historic Business Register with 500+ entries.
