If you°®¶¹app™ve been cruising around Fort Wayne hoping to snag the new SpongeBob promotion at Wendy°®¶¹app™s, you might be in for a surprise. Several neighborhood Wendy°®¶¹app™s restaurants have closed their doors.
Among the restaurants that have closed are those on Broadway; at Coldwater and Washington Center roads; at Crescent Avenue and North Anthony Boulevard; and in New Haven.
However, eight locations remain open in the city.
In May, Wendy°®¶¹app™s announced that it plans to close 100 restaurants nationwide in 2024. Twenty-seven locations closed in the first quarter alone. Yet, the company also revealed intentions to open 250 to 300 new locations.
There are more than 7,200 Wendy°®¶¹app™s locations worldwide.
The closure of the restaurant on North Anthony holds particular significance for Wendy°®¶¹app™s history in Fort Wayne. This location is near the site of the former Hobby House restaurant where Wendy°®¶¹app™s founder Dave Thomas began his career in the food service industry.
Thomas, who died in 2002, had strong ties to Fort Wayne. He worked at the Hobby House as a young man, eventually becoming assistant manager at the Hobby Ranch House at Anthony Boulevard and Crescent Avenue. It was here that Thomas met Colonel Harland Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, who frequently visited to promote his chicken.
In 1998, Thomas returned to Fort Wayne to visit a then-new Wendy°®¶¹app™s built on the site of the old Hobby Ranch House. During this visit, he reflected on his humble beginnings and the importance of mentorship in his career.
°®¶¹appœI°®¶¹app™m not a celebrity,°®¶¹app Thomas said at the time. °®¶¹appœI°®¶¹app™m a hamburger cook.°®¶¹app
Two-EE°®¶¹app™s Lounge
Two-EE°®¶¹app™s Winery in Huntington has expanded its offerings with the grand opening of The Lounge, a newly renovated space designed to enhance the wine-tasting experience for visitors.
The intimate area features velvet chairs and plush couches, complemented by gold accents, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Five chandeliers, each adorned with hand-hung jewels, serve as centerpieces in the luxurious setting.
The Lounge is available for private events such as bridal showers, birthday parties and company meetings. When not reserved, it welcomes all visitors to enjoy its cozy ambiance.
The Lounge is now open to the public during regular winery hours. Reservations for private events can be made through the Two-EE’s Winery website at or by contacting its events coordinator at 260-672-2000.
Cakes on W. Main
A new bake shop is bringing something sweet to West Main Street.
Caking at Midnight, 1202 W. Main St., will host its grand opening from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
The shop will offer a variety of confections, including cake pops, cake slices, cupcakes and cookies.
To celebrate the occasion, customers who arrive in costume will receive a free cookie. Adding to the festive atmosphere, the 250 Hair Bus will be on-site, providing a braid bar and hair tinsel services for attendees.
Raising awareness
The Women°®¶¹app™s Fund has partnered with 45 local bars and restaurants for a campaign raising awareness about domestic and sexual violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Participating establishments are distributing coasters with QR codes throughout October. The codes link to , a website connecting survivors to local resources.
The No Matter What campaign emphasizes that domestic violence is never the survivor°®¶¹app™s fault. In 2023, it connected 312 individuals to local resources.
Establishments offering the coasters include 07 Pub, Bistro Nota, Club Soda, Mad Anthony Brewing Co. and Tolon.
The Women°®¶¹app™s Fund provides the coasters free of charge to interested businesses.
Church°®¶¹app™s bake sale
The St. Nicholas Women°®¶¹app™s Guild is busy preparing for its fall bake sale, which will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 16.
The offerings this year include baklava, assorted breads, pitas and a variety of delectable desserts. One of the highlights will be handmade pierogies, filled with a blend of potato, onion and cheese. These frozen, vacuum-sealed dumplings will be on sale for $10 a dozen, complete with cooking instructions provided at pickup.
Pre-orders are currently being accepted through Nov. 6 by emailing stnicholasfwguild@gmail.com. Be sure to include your name, contact information and desired quantity (sold by the dozen). Orders can be picked up at St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral, 3535 Crescent Ave. Please note that only cash or checks are accepted.
Eat, watch debate
Acme By Full Circle, 1105 E. State Blvd., will host a free watch party for Indiana°®¶¹app™s gubernatorial debate from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 24. The 7 p.m. televised debate features candidates Mike Braun, Jennifer McCormick and Donald Rainwater.
Pre-debate games are included. Attendees buy their own meals. For information, call 750-9013. Free tickets available on Eventbrite.
The Dish features restaurant news and food events and appears Wednesdays. Fax news items to 461-8893, email kdupps@jg.net or call 461-8304 at least two weeks before event or desired publication.
