INDIANAPOLIS — As the city of Indianapolis prepares to welcome potentially thousands of college sports fans to the city, there is also a push to get Hoosiers back downtown to support local businesses.
Pizzeria Futuro is the newest place hoping to welcome customers.
"We are down here doing 4 different styles of pizza," said owner Luke Tobias.
Pizza is what they do and they do it well, but they need Hoosiers to keep it going, Tobias said.
"We have a thriving restaurant scene that is made up of people like us," he said. "Just real people that do this as a way to make a living."
Tobias is opening the pizzeria alongside his wife, Sarah, who is co-owner. The restaurant on East Market and Cruse streets is the definition of a mom-and-pop shop. He said whether the customer is from Indy, Greenwood, Carmel or someplace further Tobias says every dollar spent on a local business is a way to make sure the restaurants open today are still here tomorrow.
"At the end of the day, Wendy's isn't going to close their business because you decided to come to Futuro that day. Futuro could close if you decide to go to Wendy's that day," Tobias said.
As downtown Indy becomes the center of the college sports world all month-long, Futuro is ready to serve customers with either pick up, delivery and depending on the weather possibly outdoor dining. Either way, Tobias said spending money with actual Hoosier business owners is the easiest way to help small businesses who fought through a year like no other.
"All of the small businesses, restaurant or not, appreciate every dollar you can spend," Tobias said.
Pizzaria Futuro could open any day now. They are just waiting for final approval from the health department which is expected to happen before fans and athletes arrive in central Indiana.
