Blake Shelton’s Ole Red restaurant coming to downtown Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Country music star Blake Shelton is bringing his restaurant chain to the Circle City.

On Wednesday, Shelton announced plans to open his newest Ole Red restaurant in downtown Indianapolis. Joining Shelton were officials from Boxcar Development, an entity controlled by Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon, and Opry Entertainment Group.

The 37,000-square-foot venue, which is expected to open in late 2027, will be located at 231-235 S. Meridian Street in the Fieldhouse District. That’s just a few blocks from Gainbridge Fieldhouse and the newly announced Ritz-Carlton Indianapolis.

“Man, the energy in this place is just unreal. Every time I come through, I catch myself thinking up reasons to hang around a little longer,” Shelton said in a news release. “You put a city together that loves sports and country music this much, well, that’s about as good as it gets for me. Here we come, Indy!”

The Indianapolis Ole Red will feature a main dining area, indoor bar, two performance stages, and a covered rooftop bar overlooking downtown.

The menu and experience are inspired by Shelton’s 2001 hit “Ole Red,” combining made-from-scratch food and drinks with concert-quality live music. Existing Ole Red locations operate in Nashville, Las Vegas, Orlando, Gatlinburg, and Shelton’s hometown of Tishomingo, Oklahoma.

Ole Red is part of ongoing investments in the Fieldhouse District, an expanding entertainment hub anchored by Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

“Partnerships and investments around Gainbridge Fieldhouse, just like this one, are exciting steps as we create one of the most bold and ambitious sports-anchored entertainment districts in the country,” Herb Simon said in a release. “We are proud to partner with Opry Entertainment Group and Ryman Hospitality Properties to bring this world-class brand to downtown.”

Earlier this year, Boxcar Development announced plans for the Ritz-Carlton Indianapolis and a Live Nation event venue at Pennsylvania and Georgia Streets. Other major projects underway include the Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center, the Signia Hotel by Hilton, and the expansion of the Indiana Convention Center.

Construction on the Ole Red Indianapolis venue is expected to begin later this year with a restoration of the building’s historic façade.

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