Owner Michele Isenhower
Night on the Bricks
New Event Invites Residents to Safely Dine on Main Street This Summer
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Michael Durr
In late April, the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce polled their membership to gauge interest in a street dining opportunity. Seventy percent of the membership responded, “absolutely!” They proposed offering “Night on the Bricks Al Fresco Evenings” in which each Thursday throughout June and July from 5–9 p.m. residents can order food and drinks from local restaurants, sit at a table on Main Street and relax with family and friends while safely socially distancing. They can also visit retailers lining the Brick Street. “We had seen it done in Italy in their attempt to reopen restaurants,” says Allyson Gutwein, Zionsville Chamber Executive Director. She
talked to Mayor Emily Styron. The Town of Zionsville was on board as everyone had the same goal in mind — to do something that benefited the restauranteurs and retailers given that everyone has been hit hard economically this year.
patronizing local businesses.
“The idea of this event is to provide a bright spot during a challenging time for local restaurants,” Mayor Styron says. “This is a chance for the community to come together socially, let our restaurants spill onto the Brick Street and support our local restaurants and retailers.”
The event, which is sponsored by CENTURY 21 Scheetz – Laura Heigl, runs through July 30, with a chance it could be extended if the budget allows.
Gutwein, who was in small business for a number of years, knows firsthand how tough it is. That is why this is not meant to be a block party where people bring their own coolers but rather a chance to socialize while atZionsville.com / JULY 2020 / ZIONSVILLE MAGAZINE / 15
“We want people to get outside and shop and dine so we get as much influx of financing into our businesses as possible to keep them strong and solid,” Gutwein says.
“We would have to figure out how to get it done,” Gutwein says. “But if we can figure out how to put this event together in two-weeks’ time, I’m sure we can find a way to extend it. People have already asked us about next year.” The Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Zionsville is also doing all they can to host
