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Promenade Park, nestled in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a vibrant and picturesque urban oasis that offers visitors a retreat from bustling city life. With its meticulously designed landscapes, enchanting waterways, and a host of engaging activities, Promenade Park has become a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. A Fort Wayne Riverfront Gem Situated along the banks of the St. Marys River, Promenade Park provides a stunning backdrop of natural beauty. The park spans over 4 acres and features a picturesque riverwalk that meanders through the park, offering visitors breathtaking views of the water and surrounding landscapes. The meticulous design and careful attention to detail make it an inviting space for relaxation and recreation. Promenade Park Engaging Features Promenade Park boasts a range of amenities and attractions that cater to diverse interests. One of its prominent features is a large, interactive fountain that not only captivates visitors with its displays but also serves as a splash pad during the warm summer months. Additionally, the park offers a state-of-the-art amphitheater, providing a venue for live performances, concerts, and community events. Visitors can also explore various art installations scattered throughout the park, adding an element of culture and creativity to the experience. Recreation and Entertainment For those seeking outdoor activities, Promenade Park offers an array of recreational opportunities. The park features kayak and canoe launches, enabling visitors to embark on leisurely river excursions and enjoy the scenic beauty from a different perspective. Walking and biking trails wind through the park, inviting individuals to take a stroll or bike ride while taking in the tranquil surroundings. A large park for children to play at with unique jungle gyms and musical installments. In addition, the park hosts a range of community events, including yoga classes, fitness programs, and seasonal celebrations, providing ample opportunities for socializing and engaging in healthy activities. Culinary Delights Fort Wayne's vibrant culinary scene offers an array of excellent dining options nearby. Just a short distance from the park, visitors can find charming cafes, bistros, and restaurants that cater to various tastes and preferences. Additionally, food trucks often make appearances near the park, serving up a delectable array of street food specialties. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, the surrounding area provides plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. Community and Connectivity Promenade Park serves as a hub for community gatherings and events, fostering a sense of togetherness among Fort Wayne residents. Its central location in downtown Fort Wayne makes it easily accessible to both residents and visitors, creating a sense of connectivity within the city. The park's design incorporates ample seating areas, picnic spots, and open spaces, encouraging social interaction and creating a welcoming atmosphere for individuals of all ages. Promenade Park in Fort Wayne, Indiana, stands as a testament to the city's commitment to providing residents and visitors with a unique and enjoyable outdoor experience. With its scenic riverfront views, engaging features, recreational activities, delectable dining options, and community-oriented ambiance, Promenade Park has rightfully earned its reputation as a premier destination in Fort Wayne. So, whether you seek relaxation, entertainment, or a taste of the vibrant local culture, a visit to Promenade Park is sure to leave you with cherished memories and a longing to return. Next Fort Wayne Entrepreneur story Josh and Lindsey: J and L Pickin' Patch

How Josh McNeal's passion for growing vegetables, Lindsey McNeal's love for all things fall and christmas, and their beautiful wedding would inspire them to create Fort Wayne's very own picking patch on their 75-acre farm. Josh and Lindsey McNeal grew up right here in Fort Wayne, Indiana. They met in 2007, and at that time, Josh was working a full-time job as the Director of Operations for a large franchise, and Lindsey was a full-time Sales Manager. Neither ever imagined they would become farmers and start their own company, at least not until the opportunity presented itself, but we'll get there. First, we'll need to go back to when Josh was a child; he spent much of his time at his grandparent's farm in the summer months with his brother, swimming in the pool and running around the fields. The farm had been in his family for generations. Still, by the time he was old enough to start helping out and learning about everything that goes into maintaining 75 acres of land, his grandparents had started renting out space to other local farmers to grow their crops. Although Josh never had the chance to learn a lot about growing crops as a child, when he and Lindsey purchased a home with 2 acres of land, they decided to start growing a garden. Throughout that time, Josh became very interested in the concept of market gardening, which is growing fresh fruits and vegetables in a small space but still producing a lot of produce. Then in 2017, Josh and Lindsey were presented with the opportunity to purchase his grandparent's farm and become the 5th generation owner. After many discussions, they decided to make the leap from their current 2-acre micro farm to the beautiful, multigenerational, 75-acre farm off Nuttman Avenue in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After taking ownership of the property in 2017, they needed to do a total remodel on their home. Still, over the next couple of years, while their house was being renovated, they spent every weekend at the farm working in the fields, preparing it for when they moved in. Over time, they have discussed several ideas about what to do with the property, from growing a U-pick blueberry patch, showcasing their love for going to Michigan together to a local farm, bringing the berries home, and making jam together. To talking about growing apple trees, from Josh's experiences as a teen working at an apple orchard. But soon, they settled on three main things; growing pumpkins and christmas trees for Lindsey's love of Fall and Christmas and planting vegetables to continue Josh's passion for growing produce. So they planted a few acres of pumpkins, various christmas trees such as furs and scotch pines, and an array of vegetables. In the fall, even though they were not living in their home yet, they decided they wanted to start selling their pumpkins. They wanted to start gaining the experience of selling what they were producing on their farm. Since they didn't have the ability to have someone physically there to help customers, they chose to handle things based on an honor system. This method is done by trusting the honesty, honor, and integrity of others to follow the rules and regulations set by the owners without supervision. This process went well for them, so they continued to do it over the next few years until they could officially move in. In 2018, Josh and Lindsey got married at their farm, surrounded by a 2-acre sunflower field and decorated with various flower arrangements selected from the flower fields they grew that summer. On the weekends they'd spend at the farm before their wedding, they noticed that a lot of people were randomly pulling over onto their property to take pictures within the sunflower fields. Seeing this gave Josh and Lindsey the idea to add a u-pick flower arrangements experience to the business. So, over the next few years, they continued to grow and expand their flower fields to prepare for this new service once they opened to the public. In 2020, Josh and Lindsey moved into their home and officially opened J&L Pickin' Patch. When we spoke with Josh, we asked if they were ever nervous about opening their land to the public, and he told us, "Yeah, I mean, whenever you invite the general public to your property, there are certain concerns and liabilities that come with that. Thankfully Indiana is a good state for agro-tourism businesses. There are laws in place to protect us as long as we are not being negligent and we are always ensuring the safety of everyone on the property." He continued, saying, "We were also worried that word would travel too quickly, and we would become one of the horror stories you hear about in other places that open flower fields. The ones that unexpectedly have tons of people showing up and cars lining the streets, causing the police to come out and help manage the traffic. It's just Lindsey and I working the stands, so we wouldn't have been able to manage hundreds of people at once." Thankfully that didn't happen to them; they opened their business and were able to manage the steady flow of people coming to visit and pick their flowers. So far, since they've been open, their biggest challenge has been primarily due to the weather. When it is raining, they're unable to open, and if it rains too much, they have to wait for the ground to dry out a bit because it creates a risk of people getting hurt or cars getting stuck. So right now, it's all about finding a balance and developing ways to remain consistent with the public so everyone knows when they will be open. Over the last few years, Josh and Lindsey have been steadily growing, learning, and innovating. It's still just the two of them managing everything, but as they continue to grow, they hope to offer employment opportunities to the community one day. J&L Pickin' Patch is almost ready to open for the 2023 season! They hope to have their finalized hours ready by mid-July. The best way to know when they are officially open and see their hours is through their social media pages @JandLPickinPatch. At the start of the season, they will have the U-pick flower fields and some vegetables available for purchase! They will be open mostly on evenings and weekends but plan to drastically increase their hours once the pumpkins come out in September. Once the fall season hits, they will be open most weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday through the end of October for people to select pumpkins and continue taking pictures in the sunflower fields. Although the Christmas trees have been growing since 2017, They will not be ready for purchase for a few more years. They've been growing steadily at about a foot per year, but Josh is confident they'll be ready within the next 3-4 years. As for pricing, vegetables will be sold individually or by container ranging from $0.50-$5.00. The flowers are sold based on the size of the Small, Medium, and Large picking containers, ranging from $15.00 to $40.00. For those interested in walking through the flower fields, there is a $5 admission fee, but it is free for children four and under. If you would like to hire a photographer for professional photos, you will need to rent out the space. Josh and Lindsey have worked very hard to design the land to create beautiful backdrops for people to do this, so they highly encourage photographers to utilize this opportunity and contact them for dates and pricing inquiries. Pumpkins and gourds are charged by size ranging from $.50-$20, and the giant pumpkins are priced by weight on the date of purchase. They accept cash, all major credit/debit cards, and Apple, Google, and Samsung pay. As for the Future of J&L Pickin' Patch, they're excited to start offering christmas trees within the next few years and hope to one day add activities to their fall experience. Entrepreneur Josh and Lindsey have created a new Fort Wayne destination for locals and tourists visiting our city. It's only a short distance away from downtown, so it's easy to intertwine this destination into a date night or to get the family out to create new memories that'll last a lifetime. Find the time this summer and fall to go out to J&L Pickin' Patch, located at 3522 Nuttman Ave, Fort Wayne, Indiana, to experience it for yourself! Check out their website at jandlpickinpatch.com to find their hours, FAQ page, list of items for sale throughout the season, and much more. Fort Wayne Business Journal If you're an entrepreneur with a story, email us at fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com

Many people start their careers without the intention of becoming a business owner. Until one day, when the opportunity presents itself, they decide to take the leap and follow a new path. This was true for Pamela, owner of Hair Today off Jefferson Blvd. Pamela Zehr (Gephart) grew up in Fort Wayne and is a Carroll High School alumni. Throughout high school, she was a part of the band playing the clarinet. After graduation, she immediately went to beauty school at Rudae’s and received her cosmetology license in 2002. Ready to start her career as a stylist, she set out to find a salon and came across an ad in the newspaper for Hair Today. She was able to lock in an interview and get the job! Throughout the next few years, she never imagined that she would own her own business. She loved what she did and intended to stay a stylist until she had a family of her own and could stay home with her children. One day, Charlie, the founder of Hair Today, who started the company in 1965, mentioned he was considering selling the business. This sparked something in Pam she never thought of before. She loved Hair Today, the salon, the company Charlie created, the people working there, and their clientele. She knew she didn’t want anything to happen to it or for it to disappear and become an entirely different business, so she told Charlie whenever the day came that he was ready to sell, she wanted to buy it. She wanted to preserve his legacy and carry it forward. Pam married and had two boys over the next few years, but her mind never changed; she wanted to buy the company. When the time came that Charlie was finally ready to sell, on October 1st, 2022, Pam became the new proud owner of Hair Today. Since she’s taken over ownership, things have been relatively smooth. Charlie is still around, so she has a great mentor to ask questions and bounce ideas off whenever she needs to. She has plans to paint the salon soon and hopefully update other things throughout the next few years. She still intends to keep the same vibe and culture within the salon. During our conversation, she said, “We want people to know that you can come in and feel welcomed. We can do trendy things as well as do things that are outside the box. We want people to know that we’re not stuck in the 2000s. We are ready to move forward but will always maintain that welcoming family environment.” Hair Today has six stylists who have worked together for over seven years. Pam says everyone that works there is like family. They’ve all attended many hair expos together, and some have been working side by side for over a decade. All the stylists strive to stay “in the know” of all the trending hairstyles and color palettes, and they’re trained to cut, style, and color hair for all ages. They will soon be on the hunt for new stylists to join their team, so if you or someone you know wants to be a part of this growing business and join the Hair Today family, keep an eye out for the job listing! When we asked Pam what the most challenging part of transitioning into this new role was, she said it was learning to balance her time between being behind the chair for her clients, doing the back-end work for the business, and spending time with her family. What she enjoys most about becoming a business owner is seeing the numbers daily, ordering products, and learning all the behind-the-scenes roles required of business owners when she’s not behind the chair. Pam is passionate about Hair Today, her employees, and their clients. She is ready to continue the legacy and welcome anyone who enters their doors. If you or anyone you know needs a fresh haircut, new hair color, or cute style for a special event, check out Hair Today at 3942 W Jefferson Blvd or call them at (260)432-2269 to book an appointment; all of their stylists would love to help you! Fort Wayne Business Journal 6435 W Jefferson Blvd #157 Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Fort Wayne, Indiana, is emerging as a vibrant hub for startups and entrepreneurial endeavors. With a thriving startup ecosystem and a range of educational opportunities, the city is fostering the growth of innovative businesses. This article explores the educational landscape at the high school and college levels, highlights business funding options, and showcases key websites that contribute to Fort Wayne's entrepreneurial spirit. Educational Opportunities: Equipping Students for Success Even at the high school level, Fort Wayne offers an array of business classes designed to equip students with practical knowledge and skills. These classes include Personal Financial Responsibility, Social Media Marketing, Introduction to Accounting, Business Math, Principles of Business Management, Marketing Fundamentals, and Introduction to Entrepreneurship. Through these courses, students gain a solid foundation in key business disciplines, setting the stage for future entrepreneurial pursuits. Nurturing Future Business Leaders: Fort Wayne's Esteemed Educational Institutions Fort Wayne boasts several esteemed educational institutions that provide exceptional business programs. These colleges equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the competitive business landscape. Institutions such as Indiana Tech, Purdue University Fort Wayne, and the University of Saint Francis offer comprehensive business curricula, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experiences. These programs often incorporate internships, networking opportunities, and mentoring to provide students with real-world exposure. Fueling Startup Success: Funding Options for Fort Wayne Entrepreneurs Securing funding is a crucial factor in the success of startups, and Fort Wayne presents a range of opportunities for entrepreneurs to access financial support. Noteworthy organizations like CDCNEIN and Elevate Ventures play active roles in the funding landscape. CDCNEIN offers alternative financing options tailored to small business owners, while Elevate Ventures provides investments and valuable resources to high-growth startups. Additionally, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its localized resources, including the sba.gov website, serve as valuable hubs of information, providing insights into funding opportunities, loans, and grants. Connect, Collaborate, Succeed: Key Websites Empowering Fort Wayne's Entrepreneurs ● Start Fort Wayne (startfortwayne.com): A prominent business incubator offering flexible coworking spaces, networking opportunities, and access to professionals from various industries. ● NIIC (niic.net): The Northeast Indiana Innovation Center, providing support, mentoring, and a range of resources specifically tailored to startups, with a focus on technology commercialization and business incubation. ● CDCNEIN (cdcnein.org): Offers alternative financing options to small business owners, actively contributing to Fort Wayne's funding landscape. ● Elevate Ventures (elevateventures.com): A venture capital group in Indiana that supports high-growth startups through investments and resources. ● Small Business Administration (SBA) (sba.gov): Provides valuable information about funding opportunities, loans, and grants, supporting entrepreneurs through their localized resources, including the sba.gov website. Thriving Ecosystem: Fort Wayne's Recipe for Startup Success Fort Wayne's startup ecosystem is thriving, thanks to a combination of educational opportunities, funding options, and supportive websites. High schools in the region provide students with essential business knowledge, while local colleges offer robust business programs to nurture future entrepreneurs. Funding organizations like CDCNEIN and Elevate Ventures support startups, while websites like Start Fort Wayne and NIIC provide invaluable resources and connections. As Fort Wayne continues to foster innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, the city's startup ecosystem is poised for continued growth and success. Next Entrepreneur Story On The Way! Check out Fort Wayne Discover Yoga, Chelsea Vona. Learn how she got started in her entrepreneurial journey! Chelsea Vona - Discover Yoga If you have a entrepreneurial story email us! fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com 6435 W Jefferson # 157, Fort Wayne 46804

Get ready for the shopping event of the year as the Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale returns to the prestigious Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this highly anticipated sale is back and better than ever. Fashion enthusiasts from near and far will gather at this iconic venue from Wednesday, June 14, to Sunday, June 18, for an unparalleled shopping experience. Spanning over 100,000 square feet, the coliseum will be transformed into a shopper's paradise, offering up to 70% off retail prices on Vera Bradley handbags, purses, totes, luggage, stationary, and accessories. Prepare to immerse yourself in a world of vibrant designs, exceptional discounts, and a captivating atmosphere as you indulge in the Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Navigating Access to the Vera Bradley Outlet Sale Wednesday, June 14th 2023, to Friday, June 16th 2023, attendees can enjoy four shopping sessions daily, each spanning two and a half hours. The schedule for the ticketed sessions is as follows: 1. Session 1: 7:30 am – 10 am 2. Session 2: 11 am – 1:30 pm 3. Session 3: 2:30 pm – 5 pm 4. Session 4: 6 pm – 8:30 pm Non-Ticketed Sessions On Saturday, June 17, and Sunday, June 18, the sale opens up to the public without the need for tickets. During these two days, shoppers can explore the event from 8 am to 8 pm on Saturday and from 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday. It's important to note that arriving early is recommended to secure the best selection of products. Convenient Options for Parking For visitors arriving by car, the General Lot offers convenient parking at a rate of $8.00 per vehicle, regardless of free admission days. Please note that there are no in/out privileges with this parking option. Buses or RVs have designated parking available for $16.00. If you prefer a more accessible parking option, the Preferred Parking lot, located east of the Paul Shaffer Drive traffic light, is available for $12.00 per vehicle. Please ensure that you have cash on hand, as only cash payments are accepted. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) To make your shopping experience at the Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale even more enjoyable, here are some answers to frequently asked questions: What products will be available? The Sale offers a treasure trove of primarily retired and overstock items. You'll find yourself perusing row after row of thousands of fantastic finds, including handbags, travel items, accessories, and more, all at unbeatable prices. The element of surprise adds to the excitement of discovering hidden gems among the vast selection. Have to purchase a ticket? Tickets are required for the first three days of the Sale, from Wednesday, June 14, to Friday, June 16. However, the Sale opens to the public without the need for tickets on the last two days, Saturday, June 17, and Sunday, June 18. It is advisable to plan your visit early in the week to have access to the widest range of products. Is food and drink available? Concessions are available for purchase at several locations within the venue. Whether you need a quick snack to refuel or a refreshing beverage to keep you energized throughout your shopping spree, there will be options to cater to your needs. Is there a shopping limit at the Outlet Sale? To ensure fairness and accommodate all shoppers, there is a shopping limit of $3,500 per person for the duration of the Annual Outlet Sale. It is important to note that this limit applies to the entire event and not on a daily basis. Upon arrival, you will be provided with a shopping bag to use throughout your time at the Sale. However, please refrain from bringing outside shopping carts, bags, or rolling shopper totes, as they are not permitted within the venue. Prepare to indulge in a shopping experience like no other at the highly anticipated Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With its iconic designs, and unbeatable prices, this event has become a must-visit for fashion enthusiasts and Vera Bradley fans alike. From ticketed sessions for early access to non-ticketed days open to the public, the Sale offers something for everyone. With thousands of retired and overstock items, including handbags, travel essentials, and accessories, shoppers can uncover hidden treasures at up to 70% off retail prices. Mark your calendars and join fellow fashion enthusiasts for a shopping extravaganza that will leave you captivated by the vibrant world of Vera Bradley. For more information: Annual Outlet Sale – Vera Bradley Fort Wayne Business Journal fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com 6435 W Jefferson Blvd #157, Fort Wayne 46804 Our newsletter will keep you informed on Fort Wayne entrepreneur stories and upcoming events near you.

Looking for fresh and unique products? Fort Wayne has many farmer's markets to visit with friends/family this summer, but make sure to check out these three! 1. YLNI Farmers Market on Barr Street: Happening every Saturday from May 6th to September 30th, this market offers a fun outdoor shopping experience and connects the community with local vendors. Customers can find select produce, baked goods, crafts, jewelry, honey, and so much more! Interested in getting involved? Check out their website to sign up to be a vendor, volunteer, or performer. 2023 Market Details - YLNI: Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana 2. Ft. Wayne's Farmers Market in Dynamo Alley: Enjoy a variety of producer-only vendors at this market! From farm and garden, homemade food, natural products, and crafters, there is a good mix of food and products for your shopping needs! Starting in May, it will be open on Saturdays from 9am-1pm and on Wednesdays from 4pm-7pm. There are two hours of free parking available. Fort Wayne Farmers Market at Dynamo Alley | Union Street Market 3. Allen County Marketplace: Looking for a market that happens monthly? Then visit the Allen County Marketplace, located at 1010 Carroll Road. It takes place on May 13, June 10, July 8, August 12, September 9, and October 14, from 9am-2pm. You can find local produce and vendors at this market. Allen County Farmers Market Don't miss out on supporting local farmers and businesses while enjoying the summer weather! Visit these great markets and find fresh and delicious products. Next Fort Wayne Business Story: Discover Yoga Local business owners or starting your business journey? Sign up https://www.businessjournalfw.com/share-business-story 6435 W Jefferson Blvd #157, Fort Wayne, IN 46804

This story is not about a Fort Wayne Resident but rather a story of an entrepreneur that has never given up on her dreams. We will be sharing the story of Stacy Brown, the founder of Chicken Salad Chick. We have heard tons of stories from founders, CEOs, and leaders but Stacy Brown’s story stuck out to us when we heard it for the first time several months ago. When we found out that Chicken Salad Chick was coming to Fort Wayne we knew we had to share her story with all of you. Stacy Brown has had quite the entrepreneurial journey leading her to where her company is today. In 2006, in Auburn Alabama, Stacy Brown had become a single mother of 3 children all under the age of 6 after her husband walked out on their family. With a drive to still be able to stay home and take care of her children, and a passion for cooking, she decided to use her skills to create the greatest chicken salad and sell it door-to-door. At this time her only goal was to make enough money to make ends meet for her family but she had no idea how to run a business. This was when she decided to enlist the help of a family friend and entrepreneur, Kevin Brown. With his help, she was able to set up a more structured business and was off to the races. Her chicken salad became popular quickly and within a few months, someone called her into the health department. She soon found out that making food out of an unlicensed kitchen and selling it to people was illegal and she was shut down immediately. Throughout the first few months in business, Stacy created such a large client base that even after being shut down people were still inquiring about getting her famous chicken salad. She did not want to sell anything illegally so with the encouragement to continue and the help of Kevin, they opened a small 800-square-foot restaurant with a drive-through window, where she could continue selling her chicken salad, legally. On their very first day in business, all of their family and friends showed up to support them but when she looked around she realized they didn't have any actual customers. After being consumed by thoughts of doubt, a customer finally walked through the door! Soon after they had customers showing up one after the other, and within 2 hours they were completely sold out. Day after day they were continuously selling out no matter how prepared they felt they were. They were working tirelessly to keep up with the demand but they were not making any money. After doing this day in and day out Kevin finally stopped Stacy and told her they needed to shut it down but she was relentless. Kevin realized nothing was going to stop Stacy from pursuing this passion so he took it upon himself to create a better process to ensure they could reach profitability. Within a year they were making money and with that money, they opened 2 more restaurants in Auburn. Another exciting thing happened in that first year as well, Kevin and Stacy fell in love. They got married in November 2008 and were now a blended family with 3 children and 3 restaurants to run. Kevin and Stacy were constantly being approached by people with hopes of franchising their restaurant but they never felt very confident with the idea so they continuously placed it on the back burner. This was until 2010 when they finally decided to start working on the documents and plans to start franchising. They soon realized they had no idea how to franchise this company properly so they started looking for someone that did. They were introduced to another husband and wife who were familiar with this process and they made the decision to partner with them. The catch was that the other couple wanted 51% of the business. After several conversations, Kevin and Stacy decided to take the deal. Soon after partnering they realized they made a terrible mistake and things started rapidly going downhill. Kevin and Stacy approached their partners and told them they wanted to dissolve their partnership. The husband responded by reminding them that he and his wife own 51% of the business and that they could actually fire them if they wanted to. After this conversation Kevin and Stacy went to the Board of Directors and the board told the couple that they needed to at least give Kevin and Stacy the opportunity to buy them out since they were the founders of the business. They agreed and presented them with a buyout price that was 3 times the amount that they had originally bought into the business only 4 months earlier. This number was 1.3 million dollars and they gave them 30 days to meet their terms. So, Kevin and Stacy went out and pitched to any investor that would listen. With only 2 days left on their 30-day clock, they were able to find an investor. After regaining control of their business and with the help of their new investor they were able to hire people that could build the infrastructure to franchise the company and soon after they were able to open their first franchise in Montgomery, Alabama. After opening several franchise locations Kevin and Stacy wanted to hold a conference for all the franchise owners. During this conference, Kevin was experiencing major pain but pushed through until he could get into his doctor when they returned home. Sadly, at the age of 38, Kevin was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that metastasized to his liver. After a few days, Kevin approached Stacy and told her about his next mission, creating a foundation to help those who where also fighting against this disease. This was when the Chicken Salad Chick Foundation was created. He was determined to raise money to help with Colon Cancer research and wanted to put on a concert where all proceeds would go straight to the cause. His vision was that it would be held at Jordan Hare Football Stadium in Aurbun, Alabama with Kenny Chesney as the headliner. He accomplish just that, but sadly Kevin lost his battle with colon cancer on November 21st, 2015, 5 months before the event. The concert was held in April 2016 and 50,000 people showed up to support the cause and the foundation was able to donate $200,000 to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. His legacy continues as the Chicken Salad Chick Foundation is still a large part of the company. Today, they’ve expanded their mission, and alongside trying to find a cure for cancer they are also making strides to help fight against hunger in America. The Chicken Salad Chick Foundation has teamed up with all 225+ Chicken Salad Chick locations throughout the US and make frequent donations to local food banks and charities in their areas. We are thrilled that Chicken Salad Chick has decided to open up a location right here in Fort Wayne with a location near the Jefferson Pointe Shopping Center, sharing a building with Chipotle. 1715 Apple Glen Blvd Suite 103, Fort Wayne, IN 46804. They will be opening their doors on April 26th and we couldn't be more excited. With options ranging from spicy to sweet, fruity to nutty, and special names picked out for each one of them, named after people Stacy loves, there is a chicken salad flavor for everyone to enjoy. We want to give all thanks to How I built this for inspiring us to listen and share her story. To hear more check out the NPR podcast: How I Built This : NPR Fort Wayne business stories coming soon: Hair Today Discover Yoga Have a business story you would like to share: fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com or mail us at 6435 West Jefferson Blvd #157 Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804

National small businesses week ends today. We would like to give some recognition to the business community. Supporting small businesses in the Fort Wayne community is needed for our city's growth and local economy. With small businesses, we get more of a variety of products and services at our convenience, which is always an economic gain. Small businesses and mom-and-pop shops bring innovation to manufacturing, technology, health care, distribution, education, retail, service businesses, etc. Fort Wayne small businesses are thriving more than ever right now. You don’t want to miss out. Support your favorite local small business this weekend by purchasing something or leaving a comment saying thanks! We also want to thank our local small businesses because we know how hard it can get mentally, emotionally, and physically in life and business. Thank you for taking the chance and risk to provide for the community in hard times. Keep on working hard. Sunday Story: Hair Today - Pam taking on the business Business and Entrepreneurial story? Fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com Mail us: 6435 W Jefferson Blvd #157, Fort Wayne, 46804

As our company gets organized and we look into more categories, new businesses, and the core values we bring to the table we would like to take the time to say, thank you. Thank you to everyone that supports this new business. We are going to keep working hard for you so we can innovate, inspire, encourage, and help make a difference in our local Fort Wayne community. Next Business Story: Hair Today (Pam) Sign up today to stay in the loop! https://www.businessjournalfw.com/sign-up-form Fort Wayne Business Journal Starting a business and would like to learn more? Have a entrepreneurial story you would like to share? Email us: fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com 6435 W Jefferson, Fort Wayne Indiana, 46804

Jefferson Pointe, the open-air shopping center in Fort Wayne, is continuing to expand with four new tenants joining the roster. Whether you're in the mood for bubble tea, Cajun-Creole style cuisine, or Southern-style favorites, you're in luck because Kung Fu Teas, Yats, and Chicken Salad Chick have set up shop. If you're in need of tech repair, the one stop-shop Techy will be opening this summer. Yats, known for its delicious Cajun-Creole-style cuisine, has recently opened in a 2,037-square-foot space across the street from Eddie Bauer. Kung Fu Tea, which has been referred to as “The Starbucks of bubble tea” is also open now. Meanwhile, Chicken Salad Chick, a fast-casual restaurant with Southern-style favorites is set to open its doors in late April. And those with electronic repair needs can look forward to Techy's opening later this summer. In addition, Carters, a children's clothing store, is bound to open in May. But that's not all that's new at Jefferson Pointe. Tenants are also relocating; the Chipotle that used to be next to Von Maur, has upgraded to a building with a drive-thru and is now located across the street from Subway. For fashion-conscious shoppers, Mainstream Boutique, a women's apparel and accessories franchise, new to Fort Wayne will be coming in May and will be located next to GameStop. Red Mango, a smoothie and yogurt shop, will also open in May near Starbucks. Star Nails, a specialty beauty salon offering nail technician services, is located next to GameStop. It's important to remember that Jefferson Pointe is not just adding new businesses but also home to many existing popular retailers and restaurants. Von Maur, a high-end department store, is one of the anchor tenants of the shopping center and offers a wide range of clothing, beauty products, and home goods. Trader Joe's, a grocery store that specializes in organic and gourmet foods, is also located at Jefferson Pointe and is a favorite of many foodies in Fort Wayne. DeBrand Fine Chocolates, a local chocolatier known for its handmade confections, has a storefront at Jefferson Pointe where visitors can indulge in delicious treats. Additionally, Vera Bradley, the fashion and accessories brand that started in Fort Wayne, has a store at Jefferson Pointe where visitors can shop the latest collections. With all these new additions, Jefferson Pointe has become an even more exciting shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. And don't forget about the upcoming Fort Wayne Arts Festival at Jefferson Pointe, featuring works from over 40 local and regional fine artists. It's also worth noting that Jefferson Pointe is not just a shopping destination but also a community hub. Many of the businesses are locally owned and operated, and the shopping center supports local charities and organizations through various initiatives. In conclusion, Jefferson Pointe has something for everyone. Whether you're in the mood for a delicious meal, a refreshing drink, or a quick tech fix, you're sure to find what you're looking for at this vibrant shopping center. So why not plan a visit today and discover all the wonderful things it has to offer? If you or someone you know is interested and joining the Jefferson Pointe Shopping Centers line up, here are some places ready for new businesses! If you have a locally owned business email us to get your stories heard fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com or mail us at 6435 West Jefferson Blvd #157 Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804.