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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.

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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.