Avon Magazine March 2024

DOUBLE DELICIOUS

CHICK-FIL-A SERVES UP SECOND AVON LOCATION

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MARCH 2024

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RUN FOR IT

Alex Baker Becomes a Marathon-Level Runner to Benefit Charities and Honor His Late Wife

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TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599 PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011 PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK

Meet Nikki Reed, Co-Host of the “Smiley Morning Show”

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HELPING YOURSELF TO A HEALTHY DIET

Insights From a Dietician

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COUNTYWIDE COMMEMORATION

Chick-fil-A Serves up Second Avon Location

BOLD VOICE, BIG HEART

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DOUBLE DELICIOUS

CHICK-FIL-A SERVES UP SECOND AVON LOCATION Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Amy Payne

T

hey’re known for their waffle fries, mac and cheese, and of course a variety of fried and grilled chicken, but Chick-fil-A has made a name for themselves in more ways than just the menu.

The Town of Avon is celebrating a second Chick-fil-A location in Avon - or, as the staff members call it, Beechwood Centre - at 7606 East U.S. Highway 36, and OwnerOperator Chris Tincher is at the helm.

6 | March 2024 | TownePost.com

Tincher is well-known throughout the community for being the face of the popular chain. He’s the one handing out free chicken sandwiches at events across town, volunteering at a local nonprofit, or partnering with Avon Community School Corporation.

Tincher began operating a Chick-fil-A location in the Castleton Square mall in 2002. He took ownership of the Avon location in 2009, and after 21 years in the

business he’s now one of very few owneroperators with a second restaurant.

“Since I was 15 and working at a local Holiday Inn, I’ve always enjoyed hands-on hospitality, serving others and giving back,” Tincher said. “That’s part of my DNA and I thoroughly enjoy it.”

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“WE WANT TO HAVE A POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON ALL WHO COME IN CONTACT WITH CHICK-FIL-A.” per year. It’s not up to franchisee owners where the next location might be. However, if an existing location will be impacted by the new restaurant, the closest owneroperator is given the opportunity to apply to operate the new location.

“They make all the deals and decisions, but when I found out about this in December of 2021, I was very excited,” Tincher said.

“We had seen extraordinary growth at our original restaurant and I interviewed for the new location in November of 2022, got the news that we were selected, and they began building in March of 2023. The process went very quickly.”

The Beechwood Centre team celebrated the grand opening in October of vthe same year.

Tincher said the new location is right on target regarding business expectations.

When opening a new restaurant, there’s typically a certain amount of risk. However, the new spot is seeing more customers

8 | March 2024 | TownePost.com

from Brownsburg, Danville and other communities who may have found the original restaurant a bit too far.

“Both restaurants are doing really well,” Tincher said. “I’ve got great leadership teams at both locations that really manage the day-to-day operations and I get to have fun. I get to encourage, support, cast vision, and I’m just available to jump in if needed.”

Who knew, when Samuel Truett Cathy started the business in Atlanta, that it would become so successful?

Not only did Cathy have a keen business sense, but he was also a philanthropist and a Christian, instilling principals the franchise still values today.

For example, fans of the chicken breakfasts, lunches and dinners know not to make the trip on a Sunday, as they’re closed.

“For us, it starts with our corporate purpose which is to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all entrusted to us,” Tincher said.

“Secondly, we want to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A. It’s a foundational principal that make this a strong organization.”

That influence extends from management to team members to the customers in the restaurant or drive-through, and it’s often what people refer to first. The personal attention, the friendly attitudes and the kind spirit many customers enjoy come from valued employees and a work culture that resonates within the company.

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“Culture is very important because we want team members to feel like they have a purpose when they come to work,” Tincher said. “We all need jobs. We all have needs that need to be met. Hopefully this goes a little beyond that and our team members find joy in the day to day.”

At Chick-fil-A, Tincher takes time to provide clarity for each position, so team members know exactly what they will be doing and what is expected of them.

With 220 team members on staff between both restaurants, most don’t realize there are often 35 to 45 employees working during peak times, and success requires each person to know their specific direction in order to give guests the best experience.

“Our guests are at the forefront of everything we do,” Tincher said. “We want to build that trust and give them a great experience. We have to be on our game every day. We don’t want to disappoint. Of course it will happen sometimes because we’re human. We

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make mistakes, but we want to be able to take care of our guests to the best of our ability.”

It’s that expectation that perhaps adds pressure.

you know we’re going to get you through as quickly as possible.”

Tincher said Chick-fil-A is increasing in popularity as an option for family dinners and grabbing something for the kids. While it’s true that others can try to duplicate the food or create their own products, he believes it’s the trust between team members and the community that keeps people coming back.

Tincher has lived in Avon since 2009 with his family, and has a desire to be engaged with various organizations and give back as often as possible.

“When you come to Chickfil-A, you know what you’re getting and we’re meeting that expectation,” he said.

“We’re focused on the quality of the food, cleanliness, and fast and accurate service.

Trust comes when we hit all of those markers. When you pull up and there’s a long line,

10 | March 2024 | TownePost.com

Another principal of Chick-fil-A’s business plan requires the owner-operator to be present.

“If it’s possible, we try to say yes and help as many organizations as we can help,” Tincher said.

Not only do many in the community know him and the company’s generosity, but Chick-fil-A locations also often join together for the greater good. Just last fall, all Chick-fil-A locations in central Indiana raised $20,000 for Outreach Inc. in Indianapolis, an organization serving homeless youths.

At the local level, they sponsored a tree for Avon Community School Corporation’s Mary Lee Maier Community Pantry at Ash & Oak’s Festival of Trees event this past holiday season. “It’s personal for me,” Tincher said. “It’s a big part of who I am and our family, but I think for our team members too. We want to give them an opportunity to see the bigger purpose here.

They are a part of this. It’s not just me and not just Chick-fil-A. Every single sandwich they produce gives them an opportunity to connect and help others in the community.”

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Village of Avon A CONTINUUM OF CARE COMMUNITY

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BOLD VOICE, BIG HEART

MEET NIKKI REED, CO-HOST OF THE “SMILEY MORNING SHOW” Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne

NIKKI & HUSBAND, NICK & DOG MARBLES

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f you’ve ever woken up to the sound of belly laughs and the joyful voice of Nikki Reed on 99.5 WZPL and wondered, “Why is she so chipper?” it could be because she truly loves her job.

The silly stories, the awesome music and the playful banter among

her “Smiley Morning Show” co-hosts, Dave Smiley, Toni Williams, and Will Pfaffenberger, make for fun weekday mornings. Besides, it sure beats the summer job she had growing up working at a marina as a dock girl in Michigan.

TownePost.com | March 2024

“Pumping gas is fun,” she says. “Pumping out toilets, not so much.”

Reed, the middle of three children, studied theatre at UIndy where one of her classmates was acclaimed actor Adam Driver.

“Adam was pure talent, but I thought, ‘I’m not going to make a living from this,’” says Reed, who considered pursuing a career in TV news until her professors suggested radio instead. She couldn’t deny that it was the more natural fit, as it allowed her to perform and still be her authentic self.

Reed started as an intern at WZPL, then worked in Seymour and Columbus doing morning traffic. In 2011 she landed a job at WZPL, first doing the afternoon shift before transitioning to the “Smiley Morning Show.” Reed’s favorite part of her job is meeting listeners, whether it’s at an event like Smiley Prom, the Indy 500, or the radio’s annual Make-A-Wish Request-A-Thon.

“I like making people’s day better,” Reed says.

Radio has changed quite a bit over time with the advent of podcasts and social media.

ACHIEVING GOALS ON & OFF THE FIELD

“Changing with technology is important,” Reed says. “So is changing with the audience. You can’t assume they’ll stay. We have to always do a better job of meeting them where they are, as many households don’t even have radios. We need to be on smart speakers and have apps. We need to make our morning show into a podcast so that listeners can consume it the way they want.”

In 2018 Reed was chatting with Michael Kaltenmark, who at the time was the bulldog handler at Butler University. He needed a new kidney, so they interviewed him on the “Smiley Morning Show” to give him more exposure. In doing her research for the segment, Reed’s interest in organ donation piqued. When she reached out to the transplant center to inquire about testing, she was told they already had found a match for Kaltenmark.

“I remember feeling disappointed because I was psyched up to do something impactful,” Reed says. That’s when she decided she’d donate a kidney to a stranger.

“I thought, ‘If I can save someone’s life, why not?’” she says.

Her family wasn’t sold on the idea.

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“I told my dad that statistically speaking, I was in greater danger driving to work each day than donating a kidney,” Reed says. “He couldn’t say much. He likes to skydive!”

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It took a year to get through all of the testing to determine if Reed’s body could handle the procedure. There’s blood work, MRIs and chest X-rays. Plus, all along the way, doctors repeatedly asked her if she had changed her mind. Once she was approved, she waited.

“I told my dad that statistically speaking, I was in greater danger driving to work each day than donating a kidney,” Reed says.

“He couldn’t say much. He likes to skydive!”

Reed donated a kidney in February 2020.

She was shocked by how seamless the surgery was. Post-surgery also wasn’t bad.

“It was mostly just a lot of napping and sore muscles like I’d done a million situps,” she says. “It was so easy that I’d do it again, but I’ve run out of kidneys!”

When one donates to a stranger, it’s up to the recipient to decide if there will be a meeting between donor and recipient.

Reed never met the woman her kidney went to.

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“It’s altruistic donation,” she says. “I knew going in I may not meet the person. All I wanted was for her to be OK. I know she’s healthy now. I don’t need a big thank-you.”

Just a few months prior to her surgery, a college friend suggested that Reed meet one of his buddies, Nick, who was a cop. Reed was hesitant, but her friend described Nick as “the best person I know.” The two proceeded to text for the next three weeks.

“I said, ‘If this guy is anywhere close to good looking, I’m done, because he’s funny and fantastic,’” Reed says. When they finally met in person, they each knew that they had found their person.

It didn’t take long for the pair to tie the knot. Marrying Nick meant becoming a stepmom to his three children and a cat named Luna. Reed brought to the relationship her dog, Marbles.

“I’m so grateful to have my husband,” says Reed, who admits that she was terrified to move to Hendricks County and become a stepmom. But it’s been fantastic.

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Nikki & the Smiley Morning Crew

As for the future, Reed favors wanderlust like her parents, who are currently sailing around the country in their 30-foot sailboat. Reed and her husband went to Greece for their honeymoon where they ate gelato twice a day. They recently traveled to Boston and Philadelphia for sightseeing and creepy ghost tours. At home, Reed likes to take long walks in nature and concoct recipes in the kitchen.

“I hate wasting food, so I play ‘Chopped’ and see what meal I can make with what I have in my refrigerator,” Reed says. “I’ve had some massive failures, but Nick is a former marine so he can eat anything. And I’m improving!”

As for Reed, she couldn’t be happier as a wife, stepmom and radio personality.

Her dock-girl days are officially behind her, and it’s smooth sailing ahead.

Fun Facts About Nikki Reed

Best bit of advice: Don’t date where you work.

“If you keep your career separate, your career can be your escape,” she says.

Bucket-list items: To stay in a hut that hovers above the ocean, and do a dogsled adventure in Iceland.

A guilty pleasure: Trash TV - “Vanderpump Rules.”

Favorite season: Fall. “I’m big into Halloween,” Reed says.

TownePost.com | March 2024

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HELPING YOURSELF TO A HEALTHY DIET INSIGHTS FROM A DIETICIAN Writer / Joni Fiscus, Clinical Dietician at IU Health West Hospital Photography Provided

M

aintaining a healthy diet isn’t just about shedding pounds; it’s a commitment to nourishing your body with the right nutrients to support overall well-being. People often have misconceptions about what constitutes a healthy diet. Let’s delve into the fundamentals to guide you toward a balanced, sustainable eating plan.

PRIORITIZE VARIETY & BALANCE A key principle in nutrition is variety. Aim for a colorful plate filled with a diversity of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats. This ensures a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants essential for optimal health.

MINDFUL EATING Slowing down during meals allows for better digestion and helps to recognize fullness cues. Practice mindful eating by savoring each bite, appreciating flavors, and being attuned to your body’s hunger and satiety signals.

PORTION CONTROL While quality matters, so does quantity.

Portion control is crucial. Be mindful of serving sizes to avoid overeating. Utilize smaller plates and read food labels. Practice portion estimation to manage intake.

HYDRATION IS KEY Water is fundamental for bodily functions. Aim for at least eight glasses a day and adjust based on activity levels and climate. Water aids digestion, regulates body temperature and promotes healthy skin.

PLAN & PREPARE Meal planning saves time and fosters healthier choices. Designate a day for meal prep, incorporating a variety

of nutritious ingredients. This minimizes the temptation for fast food or unhealthy snacks during busy periods.

LIMIT PROCESSED FOODS & ADDED SUGARS Processed foods often contain excessive sugars, unhealthy fats and preservatives.

Minimize intake by opting for whole, unprocessed foods. Be vigilant about added sugars in beverages, snacks and condiments as they contribute to various health issues.

READ LABELS WISELY Understanding food labels empowers informed choices. Focus on the ingredients list, prioritize whole foods, and be wary of hidden sugars, unhealthy fats and high sodium content.

MODERATION, NOT DEPRIVATION Deprivation often leads to cravings and binge eating. Embrace moderation by allowing occasional treats while maintaining a predominantly nutritious diet. This approach promotes a sustainable lifestyle rather than a short-term restrictive diet.

Maintaining a healthy diet is a journey that revolves around balance, mindfulness and informed choices. By embracing these principles, you can cultivate a sustainable, nourishing relationship with food that supports your overall health and well-being.

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RUN FOR IT ALEX BAKER BECOMES A MARATHON-LEVEL RUNNER TO BENEFIT CHARITIES AND HONOR HIS LATE WIFE Writer / Melissa Gibson Photography Provided

Alex Baker of Brownsburg had it all - a wife of eight years and a 3-year-old son.

Then tragedy struck.

Baker’s wife, Amanda, was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, and after chemotherapy, radiation and 16 months of excruciating pain, she passed away in February of 2019.

“You never expect this to happen in your mid-30s,” Baker said.

“You should never have to tell your 4-year-old that their mom has died.”

As a young single dad, Baker went through many of the struggles expected when losing a loved one. He had been the primary caregiver for Amanda and was left trying to figure out how to care of his son, Riley, in the best possible way.

Baker admittedly set aside his own needs. He wasn’t exercising, eating healthy or taking care of himself.

After a friend told him, “You don’t move on, you move forward,” Baker took the first step toward creating the life he wanted for himself and Riley.

Exercise Inc in Brownsburg offers a 20-minute workout once per week, and Baker thought he could surely find 20 minutes.

“I told the gentleman at Exercise Inc that my son shouldn’t lose another parent because I can’t find time to exercise, eat right or make better choices,” Baker said.

They inspired him by creating small benchmarks each week.

“It’s just a lot of little changes,” he said. “This week, drink more water. Next week, eat more vegetables. You look up 20 weeks later and you’ve changed all these habits. It worked for me, and I had stopped eating fast food and drinking soda.”

He lost an initial 25 pounds and was on a forward-thinking path, and then the pandemic hit, slowing everything down for everyone.

“I became sort of stagnant and really needed to get out of the TownePost.com | March 2024 | 21

ALEX & SON, RILEY, AFTER RECENT RACE

house, so I started walking,” he said. “I started small and added a little more each day. The Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge had begun that summer. I decided I was going to do it and I just focused on walking a mile each day, building up to several miles per day.”

He completed the challenge and didn’t stop there. “I thought, ‘If I can walk 500 miles, could I run?’” he said. “It’s something I could never do. There was no way.”

world: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City.

“I did the full marathon in New York in November of 2023,” Baker said. “I’m scheduled for the one in Boston in April and the one in Chicago in October. My goal is to finish the U.S. ones by the time I’m 40, and then complete the remaining international ones in the coming years after that. Only 12,000 people have completed all six.”

He found another challenge - run 100 miles In honor of Amanda, Baker wants to give over the course of one month - and did it again. back too. He raised $6,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the “As we moved into 2021 I started hiking, New York City Marathon, and will raise running 10 miles at a time, and coming up funds for charity again for the Boston and on the second anniversary of Amanda’s Chicago marathons. passing, I decided I’d run a half marathon,” Baker said. “It was something I never While Baker has lost weight, is physically fit thought was possible for me.” and continues to meet the goals he sets for himself, the mission is larger than just the It hasn’t been without setbacks. physical benefits.

ALEX, AMANDA & RILEY - 2018

“It was painful and terrible to watch,” Baker said. “Amanda died a week after our 10-year anniversary. Losing your mom at 4 years old forever changes you, but through this we’re able to remember, we tell stories about her and we never forget.”

The daily runs have reminded Baker to take time for himself. They’ve also reminded him that he can undertake hard tasks, and he’s an example for his son that Amanda would be proud of.

“I think Amanda would have been a fantastic cheerleader for me,” he said. “She knew if I set my mind to do it, I’d be dedicated. She’d encourage and push and help me get there, Baker credits Athletico Physical Therapy for He became aware throughout his journey but five years ago if you told her this is what getting him back on his feet after a running of the many people listening and watching - I was going to do, she would have laughed injury. They gave him a “tune-up” and the people on the sidelines cheering him on. at you. The personal growth has been so relieved the pain for someone putting 20 to important. For some it’s reading or learning 40 miles on their feet each week.

“I’m told it’s inspiring,” Baker said. “So a new skill. For me, running has been so many of us struggle with grief and loss. We instrumental to who I am today, I don’t He ran that half marathon, and since then struggle to get out of bed or move forward, expect it to go away any time soon.” has completed four half marathons. That and I do this in honor of Amanda. She loved accomplishment led to completion of the the song ‘Strong All Along’ by 311 and I had It’s hard to say what his next steps will be Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, which some wristbands made with that saying. I’ve after he completes the marathons, but he hopes is a full marathon, and Baker hired a running had temporary tattoos put on my arm with to continue sharing the message of hope and coach to help with future plans. her handwriting to remind myself I can get perseverance through difficult times. through this.”

Today Baker has a new goal in mind, and Visit linktree/alexanderdbaker to donate he’s joining an elite group of marathoners.

Riley is now 9 and is proud to see the toward Baker’s marathon fundraising accomplishments his dad has made. He event. Up next, he will be raising $10,000 The Abbott World Marathon Majors knows the marathons are in honor of his mom, and running for the Dana-Farber Cancer consists of the six largest marathons in the and in a way it keeps her memory alive.

Institute.

22 | March 2024 | TownePost.com

ALEX & RILEY WITH HIS NEW WIFE LINDSEY & HER DAUGHTER, PEARL

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TownePost.com | March 2024 | 23

COMING SOON:

COUNTYWIDE COMMEMORATION

HENDRICKS COUNTY BICENTENNIAL SHAPING UP TO BE FULL OF FUN AND FESTIVITIES Writer / Josh Duke Photography Provided

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endricks County residents have something extra special to celebrate in 2024. We’ll wish a happy 200th birthday to the county, and many are already thinking about events and projects to commemorate the bicentennial.

The bicentennial steering committee hopes civic groups, municipalities, businesses and all members of the community will be inspired to create bicentennial projects that leave a legacy for future generations, as well as events both current and new that include some kind of bicentennial or historical element.

The committee is working on a 50 Tree Trails project, planting native Indiana trees in a local park for the entire county to enjoy.

Other examples came during the state’s bicentennial celebration in 2016 when Town of Plainfield leaders created Bicentennial Plaza

24 | March 2024 | TownePost.com

near the Oasis Diner, and the Danville Rotary Club created Jack Willard Community Park.

Six countywide events have been officially endorsed by the Hendricks County bicentennial steering committee, with (hopefully) many more to come.

The committee hopes you will not only get in the spirit by coming up with a bicentennial project or event, but will also let them know about it when you do, so they can officially endorse it.

The first official bicentennial event of the year was the Bicentennial Birthday Bash at the Washington Township Pavilion Center, celebrating New Year’s Eve with music, snacks and fireworks for the entire family.

Submit your project or event on the bicentennial website at Hendricks200. com to receive endorsement. Upon approval, applicants will have the use of all bicentennial logos, a listing on the bicentennial website, and additional support via a press release sent to local media.

OTHER ENDORSED EVENTS THIS YEAR INCLUDE: • Dancing with the Hendricks County Stars, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on May 4

The bicentennial steering committee exists to support and encourage the Hendricks County community in their efforts to celebrate our community’s past, present and future. For more information, visit Hendricks200.com or email Hendricks200th@gmail.com.

• Children’s Day at the Hendricks County Historical Museum, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 1 • Hendricks County Rib-Fest & BBQ, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on June 29 • Hendricks County 4-H Fair, from 8 a.m. on July 14 to 10 p.m. on July 20 • Celebrating Avon Festival, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on September 28, with the Avon Washington Township Public Library.

The community can begin planning their event or project now. The committee is looking for ideas that are open and accessible to the public, create a legacy for the erfuture, engage and inspire Webstare youth, educational and tied ebster e e W u q i n h iqu to the Teccelebration Techn ed of the bicentennial.

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JORDAN & STEPHANIE YANT

STEPHANIE & TREVOR BERNHARDT

GET THE AXE GROUP OF LOCAL SMALL-BUSINESS OWNERS BRING LUMBERJAXE TO PLAINFIELD Writer / Melissa Gibson Photos by Amy Payne & Nate Crouch Photography

F

our local small-business owners have come together to bring Hendricks County something truly unique - axethrowing venue LumberjAXE. Trevor and Stephanie Bernhardt own Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt in Plainfield and Avon, while Jordan and Stephanie Yant own Cabin Coffee Company in Avon, with an upcoming Plainfield location.

increments. You can also walk in and if there’s a lane available.

Some visitors simply want to hang back, check it out and decide if it’s something they might want to try.

“It’s only dangerous if you’re not following the rules,” Jordan said. “We have fencing, so there’s not enough bounce-back to cause injury. The targets are made of cottonwood, which helps the axe stick. There’s a safety The couples met through their newly sheet that we explain each time you visit and launched businesses in 2019, leadership classes, chamber meetings and other events. we’ll show you how to throw. Once you see the space and watch some others do it, you Over time they became friends, and began see you can do it too. Plus, you don’t have to talking about working on a new project together if the opportunity ever came about. own your own equipment.”

“Hendricks County doesn’t have a lot of entertainment,” Jordan said. “We always go to the north or south side for things like this. None of us are professional axe throwers but we thought we could offer a fun, family environment.”

Customers can reserve their throwing lane ahead of time online for one- or two-hour

In addition, owners have added some unique features you might not find at other axe-throwing venues.

“We have projected targets in each lane, so instead of throwing at the traditional painted target, you can also play different games like Connect Four, tic-tac-toe and others,” Jordan added. “It also automatically

keeps track of points for you.”

The young ones in your party can play too. For those under 10, they have bristle targets and plastic axes so the entire family can get in on the fun.

The team is counting on customers catching the axe-throwing bug. Once you’ve tried it, they say, it’s as fun as any other competitive sport.

“I think it’s just the natural competitive nature,” Trevor said. “It’s similar to golf or bowling. There are axe-throwing leagues and worldwide throwing tournaments. You start to get better and then you want to do it more.”

Some say it’s a stress reliever and others

TownePost.com | March 2024 | 27

THE OPTIONS SEEM ENDLESS.

credit the rebellious nature in many of us.

“There’s a taboo factor - ‘I shouldn’t be doing this,’ or ‘I’m not allowed to do that but I can do it here,’” Trevor said.

The VIP room offers two axe-throwing lanes, couch seating, and a service window Contrary to from the bar directly to the party. It’s perfect their name, for birthday parties, family get-togethers LumberjAXE and company events, and can hold up to 15 is so much people. more than axe throwing. The goal is to provide a location that has a There is a little something for everyone. pool table, darts, “I’ve seen families there all day,” Stephanie televisions Y. said. “We’ve had groups with a 2-year-old, airing a few teenagers and a bunch of adults, and sporting it’s just really cool to have this environment. events, and Then on a Friday night, you might naturally a VIP room have more of a bar vibe. It’s after 9 p.m. and for parties you have an older crowd there. It’s great to and other have that flexibility.” events. They’ve partnered with TouchTunes so visitors can play the music they want to Stephanie B. agreed. “There’s not a lot of hear. places both adults and kids can enjoy their time,” she said. “You usually have to pick There’s also a bar and some delicious twists one or the other. Here, everyone can enjoy on what Stephanie B. calls “elevated bar food.” it. All ages are allowed and anyone can pick it up pretty quickly.”

“We have traditional pretzels and fries but tried to make them unique in a way,” she Their official opening date was December said. “There are large, 24-ounce pretzels that 6, 2023, and with just a few months under come in a pizza box. A lot of people like to their belts, the four are still developing and share those. There are funnel cake fries for dreaming up future plans, offerings and dessert topped with raspberry and other improvements. flavors. We have fried pickles, boneless chicken bites and Buffalo chicken rangoons.”

They’ve partnered with Creation Cookies Café in Danville to make skillet cookies, and they’re partnering with Beasley’s Orchard, featuring their custom cider in the Johnny Appleseed cocktail.

Many people have stopped in to simply enjoy a bite to eat, or have a drink at the bar with options like beer, wine, and signature cocktails including the Bury the Hatchet and the Jaxe & Cola.

“We really wanted to have good food and drink options, so people feel comfortable coming in to dine and they don’t have to throw,” Stephanie Y. said. “We see that every week. They like to come in, get some drinks

28 | March 2024 | TownePost.com

and hang out. Of course when they do that they often end up throwing, but we like that there’s the option there.”

“I think we might form leagues in the future,” Trevor said. “Several people have asked about a yearlong membership throwing card, so there’s an interest there and we’re tossing that idea around.”

They’ve also received requests for mobile axe-throwing events, bringing the game to you. While that poses some challenges, the couples are considering the idea.

New events are on the horizon. Look for weekly trivia nights or themed nights soon.

With big-screen televisions and the bar, game-night events are bound to happen.

“We’d like to try to do more with companies and team-building ideas too,” Stephanie B. said. “When you get a whole group of people together to do something unique like this, it’s just a natural way to build relationships with co-workers and others.”

The options seem endless.

TownePost.com | March 2024 | 29

“The biggest thing is that we’re family friendly,” Jordan said.

“We can do a lot of different things here. We can be part sports bar, part family entertainment, and we’re able to appeal to everyone.”

LumberjAXE is located at 351 Marketplace Mile, Suite 140 in Plainfield. Call 317-742-7207 or visit lumberjaxeindy.com for more info and to make reservations.

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