INDIANAPOLIS, IN – 16 Tech Innovation District announced the first chefs and retail entrepreneurs to locate in the AMP – a new artisan marketplace in the Riverside neighborhood of Downtown Indianapolis. The European-style market, offering local food, drink, retail and entertainment, is located in the district’s innovation hub, HqO, and anticipated to open to the public in March 2021.

Seven concepts announced today are the first in a series of announcements:

• Frankie’s Pizza Parlor: Authentic New York style pizza from Indiana ingredients created by the owners of Turchetti’s Salumeria and Turchetti’s Delicatessen Circle City. Sweets: An all from scratch French and American shop offering a variety of products from croissants, breads, macarons, cakes and pastries.
• Melon Kitchen: A virtual kitchen concept development program for emerging Black chefs and restaurateurs.
• Tinker Coffee: Specialty coffee roaster focused on roasting the finest specialty coffees from around the world and providing visitors with an awesome and educational experience.
• PB&J Factory: A sandwich shop and cereal bar injecting the fun into food with modern nostalgia, operated by co-founder of Code Black Indy and operator of Exotic on the Run.
• Waterway Fish Market: A fish market serving only the finest, freshest fish and seafood available; committed to hiring interns from Second Helpings Culinary Job Training Program.
• Black Orchid: A contemporary barbershop offering traditional services such as hot shaves, customized haircuts, and beard trims.

The 16 Tech Innovation District is also home to Taste Café, which will open in Innovation Building 1, later this year.

“We’re thrilled to welcome these innovative operators to the AMP,” said Chef Craig Baker, AMP project lead and local chef and restaurateur. “These concepts are in line with our vision to create a community-centric, dynamic, and energetic destination for Indy.”

The 40,000 square foot AMP will be home to more than 20 different vendors occupying space in restaurants stalls and shipping containers in addition to an open air bar, full-service restaurant, communal seating and ample event space. The AMP will offer Indianapolis residents, visitors and 16 Tech tenants drink-in, dine-in, and grab-and-go meal/produce options. Additional announcements are anticipated in advance of opening.

In addition to the AMP, HqO will include flexible and private workspace managed by 1776, a global innovator network with eight campuses throughout the country, and Machyne, a membership-based makerspace.

“HqO will serve as the heartbeat of the 16 Tech Innovation District,” said Bob Coy, president and CEO of the 16 Tech Community Corporation. “The AMP will offer an opportunity to connect and collaborate in a vibrant central gathering place.”