Indiana Smokehouse fans who have been waiting more than six months for a remodel to be finished need wait no longer.
The business, at 2825 Middle Road, reopened its doors earlier this month after closing its doors since June for improvements that have brought new lighting, additional seating, bathroom upgrades and digital menu boards.
The response from customers has been overwhelmingly positive since the Jan. 2 reopening, said Matt Gatesy, who owns the restaurant with his girlfriend Gloria Sanchez. “It’s been busy,” Gatesy said.
Gatesy has operated the business since 2014 after spending four years in Dallas, where he and Sanchez met in culinary school.
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He arrives at the restaurant at 5 a.m. and typically stays until 11:30 p.m. at night five days a week.
“It’s unique because we cook everything fresh everyday,” he said. “That keeps the quality high.”
Daily specials are offered each day ranging from smoked salmon to tacos.
Brisket is among the favorite menu items among customers, while turkey remains second, Gatesy said. Customers will no longer find a salad bar inside the restaurant and can instead order salads from two digital menu boards.
The dining area has also been expanded with additional seating for customers with an industrial look.
“We wanted to make things durable and easier to clean,” Gatesy said.
Gatesy, a native of Columbus who graduated from Columbus North High School in 2009, said he and Sanchez were focused on opening up a barbecue restaurant based on their experience living in Texas.
For customers on-the-go, the owners have upgraded the drive-thru which now allows individuals to order by talking to someone, Sanchez said. Previously, customers would have to drive up to a window and place their orders, she said.
Customers who also want something sweet can also indulge by ordering peach cobbler or a s’mores pie, both of which are made in-house by Sanchez.
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Indiana Smokehouse is located at 2825 Middle Road in Columbus and is open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
More information: Call 812-799-0067 or visit indianasmokehouse.com.
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