"In 1972, Houlihan's first opened its doors in Kansas City with a progressive, eclectic menu and energetic bar scene. Ferns hung throughout, artifacts cluttered the walls and tapestries made by San Francisco hippies formed the ceiling. Caviar burgers, roasted duck, foot-long hot dogs and fresh carrot juice were just a few original menu items so ahead for its time. It was hot.

Before long, there were a lot of 'casual dining' restaurants opening and call us crazy, but they looked a whole lot like us. We tried to be flattered. Some grew really big, and by the '90s, the whole 'casual dining' landscape was pretty me-too. Instead of watching the consumer, the industry seemed more worried about what competitors were doing. Casual dining lost its way, and in doing so lost its edge.

Fast forward to 2002. That's when we had our 'Aha!' moment (as Oprah would say). New leadership, new ideas, new inspiration. We completely re-imagined ourselves, and got back in touch with the consumer. New menus. New plates. New building design, new soundtrack. Stylish uniforms. And a modern, warm restaurant design with an open kitchen and prominent bar. Today, our company is built entirely around what the progressive consumer seeks in a restaurant + bar experience. And we plan to keep it that way.

Forget 'casual dining.' That's an industry term so out of touch with how consumers eat and drink today. For premium quality and style; fare that's at times familiar and other times adventurous and a laid-back modern setting, Houlihan's is a true original."

-Excerpt from Houlihan's Website

"Shortly after opening its doors in September, 2003, Elements was voted Restaurant of the Year by Indianapolis Monthly magazine. Owners Greg Hardesty and Michael Sylvia have created a sophisticaed and intimate restaurant in the heart of the Mass. Avenue Arts District in downtown Indianpolis serving contemporary American fare using the best produce, fresh seafood and artisanal mead and game from Indiana and around the world. Chef Hardesty creates a daily menu with French, Asian, and Mediterranean influences that showcases his passion for finding the simplicity in great food.

An exceptional wine list, outdoor patio dining, great views of downtown and Massachusetts Avenue, warm and contemporary interior, outstanding service and, of course, the cuisine, all make Elements the perfect dining experience in Indianapolis."
-excerpt from Element's website

"Each Shula's Steak House is themed after 1972's Undefeated Miami Dolphins and their "Perfect Season" - the only team in NFL history to finish a season 17 - 0. The menus are hand painted on official NFL game footballs and signed by Coach himself. At Shula's Steak Houses, one of the featured entrees is the 48-Ounce Porterhouse. Those who finish it join Shula's 48-Ounce Club, which currently has more than 26,000 members."
-excerpt from Don Shula's website

"The dignified, cozy atmosphere of the dining side is balanced by the raucous bar side. From fish and chips to steaks, burgers and hearty stew (winter months only) to huge out-of-the-ordinary salads (try chicken walnut or strawberry chicken) and rich desserts like chocolate seduction cake or Kentucky pie, this pub caters to all appetites--none more than the beer lover's. There are more than 50 specialty beers from which to choose."
-excerpt from Indy City Search website

"Puck's redefines contemporary cuisine in a casual atmosphere at Indianapolis Museum of Art, one of the nation's largest general art museums. Dine and enjoy breathtaking views of IMA grounds, including the famed LOVE sculpture. Art inspired the Puck's concept, and us woven through every aspect of Puck's cuisine and atmosphere."
-excerpt from Puck's website