Discover something new in Indiana every week. Join the newsletter.

Discover something new in Indiana every week. Join the newsletter.

Father-Son Duo Invests in Real Estate, Opens Restaurants and…Tours Country with Jimmy Buffett?

Tom and Eddie Battista share how they built Bluebeard, Kan-Kan, and more—shaping Indy’s culture through food, art, and smart entrepreneurship.

Podcast Summary

In today’s episode I sat down with two local legends, Tom and Eddie Battista, the dynamic father-son duo shaping Indianapolis' entertainment and food scene.

We explored Tom's fascinating life journey from working with rock legends like Jimmy Buffett and David Bowie to Eddie's path from law school to co-owning renowned eateries.

The conversation delves into the importance of community engagement, taking calculated risks in underdeveloped areas, and their unique entrepreneurial spirit that has helped build some of Indy's most beloved spots, including Bluebeard and Kan-Kan Cinema & Brasserie.

You are going to learn about:

  • Turning Opportunity into Impact

  • Keys to Revitalizing Underdeveloped Neighborhoods

  • How to Become a Successful Entrepreneur

Thank you to our partners:
Roots Realty
JC Hart

Check out these great clips from the show:
01:26 Guests Introduction: Meet Tom and Eddie Battista
02:25 Tom's Journey in the Entertainment Industry
07:29 Building a Career with Jimmy Buffett
10:10 Eddie's Early Life and Career Path
20:29 Launching Bluebeard and Amelia's
34:17 Expanding the Business and Community Impact
36:13 King Dough: A Cool Partnership
37:28 Building the Indianapolis Dining Scene
38:50 Balancing Focus and Opportunity
40:01 The Kan-Kan Cinema Journey
43:09 Revitalizing Indianapolis Neighborhoods
56:04 The Impact of Local Business
01:07:04 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
01:10:58 Hidden Gems and Hoosiers to Watch

Guest(s)

Tom and Eddie Battista

Date Published

June 11, 2025

This podcast is sponsored by

Sweetwater

Sweetwater, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a large music store and online retailer that specializes in musical instruments and pro audio equipment. It's known for its extensive inventory, expert staff, and dedication to customer service.

Sweetwater, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a large music store and online retailer that specializes in musical instruments and pro audio equipment. It's known for its extensive inventory, expert staff, and dedication to customer service.

Related Get IN. Podcasts

ClusterTruck CEO Janet Monroe and first franchisee Joe Curtis talk franchising, the Carmel launch, and the tech behind the kitchen.

Business & Economy

|

01:06:53

text

text

ClusterTruck CEO Janet Monroe and first franchisee Joe Curtis talk franchising, the Carmel launch, and the tech behind the kitchen.

Business & Economy

|

01:06:53

text

text

ClusterTruck CEO Janet Monroe and first franchisee Joe Curtis talk franchising, the Carmel launch, and the tech behind the kitchen.

Business & Economy

|

01:06:53

text

text

N2 Company co-founder Earl Seals shares how he scaled a neighborhood media business to 850+ locations and his involvement with The Chosen TV series.

Business & Economy

|

01:22:38

text

text

N2 Company co-founder Earl Seals shares how he scaled a neighborhood media business to 850+ locations and his involvement with The Chosen TV series.

Business & Economy

|

01:22:38

text

text

N2 Company co-founder Earl Seals shares how he scaled a neighborhood media business to 850+ locations and his involvement with The Chosen TV series.

Business & Economy

|

01:22:38

text

text

Remodel Health co-founders Scott Lingle and Justin Clements share how they're revitalizing Danville and Martinsville through local investment and entrepreneurship.

Business & Economy

|

01:20:57

text

text

Remodel Health co-founders Scott Lingle and Justin Clements share how they're revitalizing Danville and Martinsville through local investment and entrepreneurship.

Business & Economy

|

01:20:57

text

text

Remodel Health co-founders Scott Lingle and Justin Clements share how they're revitalizing Danville and Martinsville through local investment and entrepreneurship.

Business & Economy

|

01:20:57

text

text

Jeff Boone shares how Cowpokes grew from a 1993 startup to Indiana's top Western wear destination, plus his family's auction legacy.

Business & Economy

|

01:14:50

text

text

Jeff Boone shares how Cowpokes grew from a 1993 startup to Indiana's top Western wear destination, plus his family's auction legacy.

Business & Economy

|

01:14:50

text

text

Jeff Boone shares how Cowpokes grew from a 1993 startup to Indiana's top Western wear destination, plus his family's auction legacy.

Business & Economy

|

01:14:50

text

text

High School Hustle helps Indiana teens start real businesses. Hear from a 15-year-old who earned $25K in two months knocking on doors

Business & Economy

|

01:12:29

text

text

High School Hustle helps Indiana teens start real businesses. Hear from a 15-year-old who earned $25K in two months knocking on doors

Business & Economy

|

01:12:29

text

text

High School Hustle helps Indiana teens start real businesses. Hear from a 15-year-old who earned $25K in two months knocking on doors

Business & Economy

|

01:12:29

text

text

Nick Smarrelli shares how Butler University's entrepreneurship program uses student-run businesses and hands-on learning to develop Indiana's next business leaders.

Business & Economy

|

01:31:06

text

text

Nick Smarrelli shares how Butler University's entrepreneurship program uses student-run businesses and hands-on learning to develop Indiana's next business leaders.

Business & Economy

|

01:31:06

text

text

Nick Smarrelli shares how Butler University's entrepreneurship program uses student-run businesses and hands-on learning to develop Indiana's next business leaders.

Business & Economy

|

01:31:06

text

text

Podcast

Share Your Indiana Podcast Guest

Know someone with a great Indiana story? Nominate them as a guest for the Get IN podcast and help us share real Hoosier voices.

Podcast

Share Your Indiana Podcast Guest

Know someone with a great Indiana story? Nominate them as a guest for the Get IN podcast and help us share real Hoosier voices.

Podcast

Share Your Indiana Podcast Guest

Know someone with a great Indiana story? Nominate them as a guest for the Get IN podcast and help us share real Hoosier voices.

A person in casual attire poses with a person in a vibrant red mascot costume wearing a baseball jersey that reads "Indians," both against a blue backdrop with text promoting "Get Indiana" with Nate Spangle.
A person in casual attire poses with a person in a vibrant red mascot costume wearing a baseball jersey that reads "Indians," both against a blue backdrop with text promoting "Get Indiana" with Nate Spangle.