South Broad Ripple’s sweet tooth just got a dedicated pit stop. Pots & Pans Pie Co., the neighborhood bakery known for its mini pies and seasonal menus, has opened The Clubhouse, a walk-up outpost on the Monon Trail at 1049 E. 54th St. The compact, cottage-style stand serves concession classics like soft-serve, popcorn, warm pretzels and hot dogs alongside mini pies, cookies and other sweets for cyclists, families and strollers cruising by. The spot is a modest step beyond the bakery’s College Avenue storefront, giving trail users a year-round place to grab a quick bite on a busy stretch of the Monon. Owners have pitched The Clubhouse as a nostalgic “glorified concession stand” aimed squarely at casual snacks, not sit-down dining.
According to the Indianapolis Recorder, Pots & Pans started as a mobile vendor in 2016 before opening its first brick-and-mortar shop at 49th and College in 2018. The outlet reports that owner Clarissa Morley envisioned The Clubhouse as a small, nostalgic trailside outpost in the blue cottage that previously housed an ice cream vendor and that the company was hiring staff for the new location ahead of opening.
What The Clubhouse Serves
Per Pots & Pans, The Clubhouse operates year-round out of a walk-up window and advertises soft-serve, Dole Whip, hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn and mini pies. The page notes that the stand posts winter hours and lists a phone number for quick questions, so regulars can check in before heading down the trail.
Owner’s Pitch
As the Indianapolis Recorder reported, Morley described The Clubhouse as a place where people could “make memories with their kids or friends” and joked that when asked about her target audience, her honest answer was “me.” The Recorder framed the project as a deliberate attempt to give neighbors and Monon regulars a quick, high-quality snack stop instead of a full-service restaurant.
Why The Monon
The Monon Trail runs straight through Broad Ripple and links parks and neighborhoods across the north side, making it a high-traffic corridor throughout the year, according to Indy Parks. Small walk-up spots like The Clubhouse fit neatly into that landscape, serving families out for a stroll, dog walkers and cyclists who want a fast treat without ducking into a dining room or locking up for a longer stop.
Local Reaction and Timeline
Local coverage indicates The Clubhouse quietly opened in the fall. A restaurant roundup listing new Indianapolis spots that opened in 2025 cited a September 25 opening date for the outpost, per IndyStar. Early write-ups have leaned positive: We Like Indy called it “one of the cutest places” on the trail and praised both the playful menu and the bright, welcoming design…