Good Wednesday Morning. New year, same newsletter.

This issue is 1,485 words, a 7-minute read.

Kelsey Murphy, winner of FOX’s MasterChef: Legends, opened a new restaurant this past weekend called Clutch Kitchen. The restaurant is taking over the three restaurant spaces in Sun King Fishers.

📍9713 District N Drive, Fishers, IN

While the new restaurant is open, it will be going through some transitions and renovations over the next several months as they merge the three kitchen spaces into a single full-service restaurant.

The current limited menu is comfort food elevated and consists of appetizers, sandwiches, wings, pizza, and more. Watch for a full lunch and dinner menu and grand opening later this spring.

Check out everything Kelsey has to say about her new restaurant here.

If you’re someone like me that enjoys being active outdoors, you’ve probably found yourself on the Nickel Plate Trail this year. Biking, running, or walking to your favorite restaurant or coffee shop, there is something for everyone, and more is coming in 2026.

Delaware Township is developing a new pocket park along the NPT near 131st Street. It will include:

Opening soon is the pedestrian bridge over 96th Street, connecting the Fishers side of the NPT to the Indianapolis side. Eventually you will be able to take the trail south to 42nd Street in Indianapolis and connect to the Monon Trail.

At the last Redevelopment Commission Meeting of 2025, they discussed acquiring these spaces along the trail which could potentially lead to a new trailhead.

I just got back from the Rose Bowl in Pasadena where it was a rainy, muddy, beautiful mess. I figure we keep this train rolling with the Peach Bowl up next. The Hoosiers will play the Oregon Ducks at 7:30 p.m. down in Atlanta. Below is a list of IU watch parties happening around the city where you can watch the game with other Hoosiers.

George’s Neighborhood Grill
6935 Lake Plaza Drive, Indianapolis, IN

Curry Pizza House
13588 Bent Grass Lane, Suite 103, Fishers, IN

Saxony Pizzeria
13578 E 131st Street, Fishers, IN

Joe’s Grille Fishers
11640 Brookschool Road, Suite 700, Fishers, IN

Tom’s Watch Bar Indy
140 S. Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN

The Goat
220 2nd Street SW, Carmel, IN

Throwing a party at home? Download this Peach Bowl celebration kit with games, décor, and more.

Also, Taylor’s Bakery has a fun dessert box you can pick up and is totally on theme for the Peach Bowl.

Foodies, get excited! Two new restaurants were just announced as Flower Child and Cunningham Restaurant Group both signed leases at The Union at Fishers District.

Flower Child is a fast-casual restaurant that focuses on healthy options like wraps, bowls, and salads. See their full menu here. They are owned by the Cheesecake Factory and also have a location in the Nora area.

Cunningham Restaurant Group has local favorites like Bru Burger, RIZE, Livery, Vida, and more. They are still finalizing the concept of this new restaurant but it will be unique to Fishers. They have leased a two-story building with the upstairs planned for fine dining and a bar offering small plates on the ground floor.

Other restaurants and businesses that have been announced previously to go in at The Union are Dot Sugar, The Oakmont, Piedra, Kitchen Social, Niku Sushi.Kitchen.Bar, everbowl, Racha Thai, Renova Aesthetics, Sweathouz, Unplug Soy Candles, and a jewelry store.

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Roman & Leo has brought boy’s trend-setting apparel and accessories to the Fishers community and beyond for 12 years, but this month owner Ang Castelli will be closing the doors.

Her three boys were always the inspiration behind the store and as they are getting older and busier she decided it was time to close this chapter. You can hear all about her decision on the Aligned Life Podcast.

Wednesday, Jan. 28 is the last day to shop in store.

This is a brand new segment where I’ll highlight someone in the community doing cool things, giving back, or making a difference. I’ll add this in from time to time so you can get to know people living or working right here in Fishers.

Meet Andrea Strehler. She is the Youth Services Librarian at the Hamilton East Public Library in Fishers, where she serves children and families through early literacy programming and youth services.

If you’ve ever taken your littles to story time at the library, that’s all Andrea. She plans and leads story times that combine reading aloud, singing, movement, rhymes, crafts, and play. And if you haven’t utilized this free service, I highly recommend it.

Beyond story time, she curates book collections, recommends reading materials tailored to each child’s interests and abilities, and helps caregivers feel confident supporting learning at home. She designs programs that spark curiosity, creativity, and imagination, such as Junior Chef and Wonder Lab.

Her favorite part about what she does is connecting with kids and families and watching children grow in confidence and curiosity over time, knowing that she’s helping lay the foundation for a lifelong love of reading and learning. It’s really inspiring to meet someone who is so passionate about what they do and where they work.

“I truly believe libraries are essential community spaces, and I’m grateful to work in a place where families feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to grow together,” said Andrea.

If she had a free day in Fishers she would spend it outdoors walking the Nickel Plate Trail with a friend and petting all the dogs. Then she would stop by a local coffee shop, like the Qahwah House with a good book, and end the day by getting lost in IKEA or perusing Target.

🧘‍♀️Free Yoga Wednesdays – Billericay Park – 1/7 Wednesday at 9 a.m. – Bring your own mat for a free, hour-long yoga session led by Roots & Wings Yoga Wellness. Details & Schedule

❄️Fort Ben Winter Market – Lawrence Community Park – 1/8 Thursday from 4 – 7 p.m. - Shop local and support small businesses as you browse a variety of unique vendors offering handmade items, gifts, and treats. Details

🎂The Garage Food Hall Birthday Celebration – The Garage Food Hall – 1/9 Friday from 5 – 9 p.m. – The Garage is turning 5 and you’re invited. The night will be filled with live music, giveaways, food/drink specials and more. Details

🚶‍♀️Speed Friending + We Walk Indy – IKEA – 1/10 Saturday from 10 a.m. – Noon – Come meet your new besties and go on scavenger hunts and walks at IKEA. Details & Register

🤠Professional Championship Bull Riders – Fishers Event Center – 1/10 Saturday at 7 p.m. - The best bull riders take on the rankest bulls in a heart-stopping showdown, plus blazing-fast cowgirl barrel racing. Details & Tickets

🎵Brunch & Live Music – Courthouse Club – 1/11 Sunday from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Enjoy a brunch menu, cocktails, and live music by Jake Towe. Details

🏀Open Gym – Fishers Junior High – 1/11 Sunday from 1 – 5 p.m. – It’s cold outside, so come enjoy some family activity time inside. You can play pick-up basketball, pickleball, and more for free. Details

🤠Professional Championship Bull Riders – Fishers Event Center – 1/11 Sunday at 2 p.m. - The best bull riders take on the rankest bulls in a heart-stopping showdown, plus blazing-fast cowgirl barrel racing. Details & Tickets

Quick headlines and things to know from all around 🌐

Check out the City of Fishers weekly construction update for the week of Jan. 5 here.

Fishers High School graduate writes and directs his first film that will be ready for film festivals this fall. (Current)

On Dec. 30, the Hamilton Southeastern Board of School Trustees approved the 2025–26 teacher contract by a vote of 7-0, completing the collective bargaining process for the upcoming school year. (HSE Schools)

Fishers doctor Hannah Maxey was honored for helping find a solution to the statewide nursing-shortage. (Current)

Fishers Fire Department, at Station 92, honored FF/PM Steve Delwey during his walk-out ceremony. After 20 years of service, Steve leaves a lasting impact on our department and community. (X)

IU Health Fishers welcomes first baby of 2026. (The Reporter)

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