22 •
PROGRESS
I
n the last year, Kokomo has seen a number of new businesses either migrate into the
city or open the doors on a new local establishment.
Here are a few notable examples:
WINGS ETC.
Wings Etc., a sports-themed restaurant and pub based throughout the Midwest,
announced its intentions earlier this year to move downtown and open a location at 113 E.
Sycamore St. by late September.
Largely due to recent downtown revitalization and the lack of a sports bar on the
courthouse square, the restaurant, located at the former home of the Laugh House comedy
club, was determined to be a good fit for Kokomo, said franchisee Trent Terry, who owns
two Wings Etc. restaurants in Lafayette.
“One, we felt this area was underserved for a restaurant like us,” he said. “We felt like our
concept was a really good fit with Kokomo.
“And with everything going on downtown, the new stadium, the new YMCA, we were
really excited to be a part of the rebirth of downtown.”
It’s a niche Terry saw as available in downtown Kokomo, a spot where patrons can watch
sports in a place focused on providing the best possible fan experience.
Overall, Terry said the restaurant will seat roughly 140 people, including outdoor seating
in the alley between Wings Etc. and Kokomo Toys, and bar seating. Overall, 20 beers will
be available on tap and a menu that includes barbecue and seafood, along with its staple –
wings.
“We felt like it would be a good fit for us. While there are places you can watch sports, it
will be a different vibe at Wings Etc. We are focused on sports.”
THE WILDCAT
The Wildcat, located just below The Coterie on West Sycamore Street and owned by the
same people, is a farm-to-table restaurant. All the meat and produce comes from local,
Indiana producers, according to its owners.
“It’s nice knowing where your food comes from, and it’s a lot healthier for you,” said Seth
King, chef and bartender at The Coterie and kitchen and floor manager at The Wildcat.
According to Kyle Gibson, one of the restaurant’s owners, the restaurant prepares a wide
variety of food – as much locally acquired food as possible.
New businesses open throughout Kokomo
Story by George Myers and Cody Neuenschwander
Cheyenne Johannes, 17 (right), gets help from
her friend, 15-year-old Bailey Snow, with
picking which shoe to buy at Rack Room Shoes
in Markland Mall July 28, 2016, for Johannes'
senior portrait session. Kelly Lafferty Gerber |
Kokomo Tribune
OPEN
