May 15, 2024

Today’s Forecast

A real-life candy land 🍫

Signage welcoming the Sweets & Snacks Expo in downtown Indianapolis

The Sweets & Snacks Expo has returned to Indianapolis after relocating to the city in 2021. | Photo by INDYtoday team

If you step into the Indiana Convention Center this week, you’ll be hit with bright colors and candy cravings. The 2024 Sweets & Snacks Expo, a premier event for the confectionery and snack industry in the US, opened downtown yesterday with record-breaking numbers.

The expo was temporarily relocated from Chicago to Indianapolis in response to the pandemic in 2021, and Hoosier hospitality was on full display. Because of that, many involved in the show recognized Indy as a perfect fit and jumped at the opportunity to return.

INDY_Sweets & Snacks Expo_Oreo display_MAY2024 — The Sweets & Snacks Expo features everything from big name brands to smaller startups.
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Photo by INDYtoday team

The Sweets & Snacks Expo will feature 1,000 exhibitors across more than 250,000 sqft of show floor. It’s expected to draw 16,000 attendees to the Indiana Convention Center and generate $12 million in economic impact for the city and the state.

Local love

The Sweets & Snacks Expo is bringing people and brands from all over the country and the world to Indianapolis, but City Editor Nicole wanted to hear from one that originated right here in Indy. Meet Revival Food.

INDY_Revival Food booth at Sweets & Snacks Expo_MAY2024 — Rachel Klein stands at her booth for Revival which is featured in the Indiana Pavilion of the show floor.
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Photo by INDYtoday team

Founder Rachel Klein is a mother of three who lives right here in Indianapolis. It all started back in 2014 when she was looking to revive a healthier lifestyle, but found it challenging to find an almond butter that was both healthy and tasty. She came up with her own recipe and had a regular spot at the Broad Ripple Farmers Market for years. Since then, Revival has become a retail partner with Walmart, and has landed on grocery shelves in 48 states.

“It’s really special to be here because it is in our hometown [...] so being here is a huge opportunity for me. I know that there are about 16,000 people attending, so I see that as 16,000 opportunities,” Klein said.

The expo is here through Thursday, May 16 — but unfortunately you can’t satisfy your sweet tooth here, as it’s not open to the public. Learn more about attendee qualifications.

Events

Wednesday, May 15

Indianapolis 500 Practice | Wednesday, May 15 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis | $25 | Enjoy the sights and sounds of May while seeing your favorite drivers push their cars to the limit to prepare for the Indy 500.
Indy Hambone’s Trivia | Wednesday, May 15 | 7 p.m. | Sun King Brewery, 135 N. College Ave., Indianapolis | Free | Test your knowledge on a variety of topics from sports, music, science, geography, television, nature, and movies for all ages.

Thursday, May 16

Indiana Fever vs. New York Liberty | Thursday, May 16 | 7 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis | $19+ | Cheer on Caitlin Clark and the Fever during the team’s official home opener.
Project Reteach x Hot Walk Indy: Evening Rocky Ripple Hike | Thursday, May 16 | 7 p.m. | Hohlt Park in Rocky Ripple, 840 W. 53rd St., Indianapolis | $25 | Join an evening trail walk on the Butler Cross Country trails and across 100 Acre Park — participants will get a small goodie bag and map of the area.

Friday, May 17

I Made Rock ‘N’ Roll Pre-Show | Friday, May 17 | 7 p.m. | The Vogue Theatre, 6259 N. College Ave., Indianapolis | $10-$20 | Rising stars and family affair The New Respects perform danceable fusions of pop, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll.

Saturday, May 18

Indianapolis Indians vs. Toledo Mud Hens | Saturday, May 18 | 6:35 p.m. | Victory Field, 501 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis | $13-$32 | Catch the stars of tomorrow for Prospects Weekend and get autographs from your favorite Indianapolis Indians — players and coaches will sign from 5-5:45 p.m.

Sunday, May 19

Spring-Palooza Peony Festival | Sunday, May 19 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Avon Gardens, 6259 E. County Rd. 91 N., Avon | Free | Celebrate the second ever Spring-Palooza Peony Festival with blooms, local art, food + drinks, live music, plant sales, and more.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Development

The City of Westfield announced that a $6.4 million high-end steakhouse is set to open early next year near Grand Junction Plaza. H Steakhouse will seat 200+ and have a year-round patio. The menu will include USDA Prime beef, free-range chicken, fresh seafood, handmade pasta, wine, and cocktails. (IBJ)

Playoffs

The Pacers are running the risk of elimination after the Knicks cruised to a Game 5 victory in New York, beating the Blue and Gold 121-91. The series comes home for Game 6 on Friday. (IndyStar)

Closed

The restaurant and bar at Kan-Kan Cinema in Windsor Park is temporarily closed after a car crashed into the building. Thankfully, everyone is okay + the theater will still be open for business as usual.

Sports

The NFL is expected to release the 2024 schedule today. In addition to the AFC South teams, the Colts will host Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Miami, and Pittsburgh at Lucas Oil Stadium. Single game tickets will go on sale immediately following the official schedule release at 8 p.m. (WTHR)

Arts

Thanks to the Space (Strategic Plan for the Advancement of Creative Entrepreneurs) program by Pattern, Frida’s Flowers is the latest local business to move into The Stutz. The program allows creatives to operate for free out of a studio space for six months + helps them with administrative tasks. Learn more. (WRTV)

Sports

Before the Indiana Pacers’ Game 5 in New York last night, Locked On host Tony East was joined by Jonathan Macri from Knicks Film School to break down what it would take for the Pacers to win the series + what the Knicks would try to do next. Hear what they had to say.

Number

50 million. That’s how many pounds of food Second Helpings has rescued as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce waste + fight hunger in the community. Want to join in aiding the effort? Volunteer with the food rescue team. The organization is looking for drivers, driver companions + food sorters, Monday-Friday.*

Home

Did you know you could finance your fixer-upper with home equity? You could get up to $50K with a HELOC — calculate your payment.*

Wellness

Cornbread Hemp’s CBD Sleep Gummies are available in two strengths and made with high-quality USDA organic CBD extract. Get 30% off with code CBDSLEEP30.*

Development

🏨 Come stay awhile

INDY_Peachtree_Tempo_hotel_rendering_MAY2024

A rendering of the planned Tempo by Hilton hotel. | Rendering via The City of Indianapolis

Just as Gainbridge Fieldhouse is preparing for bigger crowds that will make their way to the venue thanks to an exciting new Indiana Fever roster, an Atlanta-based development firm is planning to build a new hotel right across the street.

Peachtree Group’s plan calls for a 10-story, 167-room Tempo by Hilton property on the 0.28-acre parking lot across from Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 102 S. Pennsylvania St.

According to IBJ and documents filed with the city, the hotel is expected to feature a cafe, a bar, and private meeting rooms on the first floor, plus a 1,000-sqft fitness center on the second floor in addition to the rooms.

Initial development plans have been filed with the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission because the project is located within the historic Wholesale District. IHPC will review it on Wednesday, June 5.

The Buy

Graduation gifts. Celebrate the end of the school year with graduation gifts for the recent grad in your life.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Nicole

From the editor

I was overwhelmed walking around the show floor at the Sweets & Snacks Convention. I saw every brand I could possibly think of, plus many interesting ones I’ve never seen before. Some Indiana brands there that you might recognize: Frittle Candy, BeeFree Inc., Albanese Confectionery Group, and The South Bend Chocolate Co.

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