Binkley’s Kitchen and Bar is under new ownership as of last November. Courtney Whistler, a long-time employee of the Broad Ripple restaurant scene is the new owner. She was ready to roll up her sleeves and dive into this new adventure and whatever challenges it would bring but did not expect to face a pandemic. The new year ushered in the need to get creative as she re-opened Binkley’s.

Before taking ownership of Binkley’s, Courtney worked just across the street at the Ambrosia restaurant for almost 15 years. Courtney also founded a catering company with her husband aptly named Whistler Catering. She still runs the catering business with her husband and both jobs have helped her to gain much knowledge and experience for the food industry.

Over the last few years, Courtney and her husband have tried to purchase other restaurants, but none fell into place, until the deal for Binkley’s . It was such a perfect opportunity that it seemed like the next natural step in her career. The sale just seemed to work out well for all involved.

Courtney and her staff used the pandemic shutdowns to capitalize on and benefit from time to make some improvements to the interior of the restaurant. Everyone took the “down time” from only fulfilling carry-out orders to pick up a handy job and get renovations done through the spring and summer.

There is now an entrance to the room between both sides of the bar so that both sides are connected. The bar area has received a total makeover with a new granite bar top and a new face to the base of the bar. There is also new pendant lighting over the bar. All of the tables have been repainted including the outdoor tables, The floors were refinished in the dining room, and all of the walls have a fresh coat of paint. There are now windows between the bar and dining room so that the entire restaurant is visible creating the feel of a bigger space and better flow.

Right now the menu is a paired down version of what was previously available due to the pandemic. Customers can order truffle fries, wings, salads, pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and a few entrees including fish and chips and chicken pesto tortellini. Courtney plans to make some small changes to the full menu when she is able to offer it again.

She doesn’t plan to overhaul the menu and change it over a period of time, but there is a plan for more specials and an upgraded wine list and drink menu. Courtney also plans to bring in Whistler Catering as a presence in the future, which specializes in sushi.

Despite all of the above changes Courtney is most excited for the quality of staff she has retained to serve at Binkley’s. The staff is full of experienced food service industry workers all trained under the same people. The energy and service this team will provide is going to help set a great tone for the new Binkley’s

There are many reasons to love the Broad Ripple neighborhood including the locally loved restaurants and hangouts.

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