Another familiar staple has bowed out of Indy’s dining scene.
Mimi Blue, renowned for its generously sauced meatballs and other classic American fare, closed its original and last remaining location at 870 Massachusetts Ave on Jan. 30.
“While we understand this news may come as a surprise, please know that it is with heavy hearts that we have made this decision,” the restaurant said in a statement signed by the Mimi Blue family.
Owner Gary Kosene cited rising operational costs for the closure.
“It worked for a long time, and it just doesn’t work anymore,” he said.
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Kosene opened Mimi Blue on Mass Ave’s northern tip in 2015 in a collaboration between his Kosene & Kosene development company and Sangiovese Ristorante proprietor Chris Evans.
The restaurant quickly became popular in LGBTQ+ circles, regularly hosting drag brunches. Kosene said he will mourn the loss of a gathering space for all Mimi Blue customers, particularly the LGBTQ+ community.