22

Press Release

Commission Row, a Cunningham Restaurant Group concept, opens today at 110 S. Delaware Street. Commission Row is a partnership with Pacers Sports & Entertainment that includes 30,000 square feet of dining and entertainment space in downtown Indianapolis. The project includes a basement-level speakeasy, Mel’s at Commission Row, as well as the street-level chophouse and seafood restaurant and an upper-level private event space, Above at Commission Row.

“We aim to create a larger-than-life experience right in downtown Indy,” said Mike Cunningham, Founder and CEO, "Commission Row is not your average steakhouse, and we want our guests to have an unforgettable experience from the moment they walk through the door."

True to the area’s historical roots, the restaurant will offer guests the highest quality steaks, chops, and fresh seafood artfully curated by CRG’s culinary team. Guests can enjoy classic dishes like filet mignon and lobster tail, as well as more unique options like Wagyu beef and a selection of Raw Bar items, including a curated caviar service.

Located below the steakhouse, guests can enjoy some libations at Mel’s speakeasy. This space will showcase gourmet bar bites, a vintage ambiance, and an extensive cocktail menu featuring modern twists on classic drinks, wine, and barrel-aged spirits.

On the top floor, guests will find Above, the ideal venue for private dinners, weddings, and other special occasions. Guests will experience a beautifully elegant atmosphere and capacity for more than 250 guests, with a fully customizable menu.

“The momentum in our downtown is real and exciting, and amenities like Commission Row, in the heart of our city, not only add to our vibrancy but pay tribute to Indy’s rich history, as well,” said Rick Fuson, Pacers Sports & Entertainment Chief Executive Officer.

The name Commission Row is itself a reference to the colloquial nickname first given to Delaware Street in the mid-nineteenth century when the Wholesale District helped Indianapolis evolve into a center for trade and commerce. Delaware Street became a crossroad for farmers selling their wares to those making their way to and from the West. More recently, the Wholesale District has become recognized as a hotspot for the intersection of sports, arts, dining, and entertainment. The name Mel’s at Commission Row pays tribute to Melvin Simon who, together with his brother, Herb, purchased the Pacers in 1983 and whose business and philanthropic investments helped shape the city.

First announced in April of 2022, Commission Row is located in Bicentennial Unity Plaza, just steps from Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The space was constructed and designed by Shiel Sexton and RATIO Architects and Design.

Commission Row will be open seven days a week, Sunday through Thursday 11:00 am-10:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday 11:00 am-11:00 pm. Menu and location details can be found on the Commission Row website.

Indianapolis-based Cunningham Restaurant Group has become one of the region’s most successful restaurant groups, with a long track record operating many of the most celebrated and recognizable brands here and across the region. CRG owns and operates a wide variety of concepts with locations in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, including Mesh, Livery, Boulder Creek Dining Company, BRU Burger Bar, Charbonos, Union 50, Vida, Nesso, Provision, RIZE, Tavern at the Point, Marquee at the Landing, Modita, CRG Event Center & CRG Grow Greenhouse. The group opened 13 new locations in the last five years, including seven new concept brands, making their total 42 restaurants across three states.

Photos of the project can be found here.

About Cunningham Restaurant Group

Since 1997, Cunningham Restaurant Group (CRG) has been committed to creating unforgettable dining experiences. CRG owns and operates locations in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. Visit www.crgdining.com to see all locations, make reservations, or explore private dining opportunities.

Media Contact:

Lauren Schregardus, Lauren@barcommunications.com, (317) 416-7246

Brad Rateike, Brad@barcommunications.com, (317) 508-8419