New Owners Bring Fresh Ideas While Preserving the Spirit of a Beloved Geist Staple
For Diana Miller and Ryan Hockemeyer, stepping into ownership of Eddy’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill wasn’t just a business decision — it was a heartfelt commitment to community, hospitality and continuity. The beloved Geist-area staple has long been a local favorite, and the new owners are determined to preserve its welcoming spirit while bringing fresh energy and ideas to the table.
“We fell in love with the place,” says Hockemeyer, who grew up in the area and recalls eating at Eddy’s as a kid. “It’s the kind of spot where everyone knows your name. It just felt like home.”
The pair’s partnership evolved naturally. Hockemeyer’s professional background includes 22 years in the food industry, focusing on distribution and operations, while Miller’s expertise lies in customer service and sales. The two became close through their families, with Miller’s husband and Hockemeyer working together for more than a decade. Eventually, they began looking for the right opportunity to go into business together. When they learned through a mutual friend that previous owners James and Michele Jalall were considering selling Eddy’s, it felt like fate.
The Jalalls were ready to retire, and selling the restaurant was a significant part of the plan. They say they cannot begin to thank all of their devoted customers and staff.
“When taking over Eddy’s almost seven years ago, we had no idea how hard it would be to let it go,” the Jalalls say. “That being said, we found two people to carry it forward and make it better. Eddy’s will always be the Cheers of Geist Reservoir.”
But buying the restaurant wasn’t a quick transaction — it was a thoughtful one.
“James spent seven months getting to know us,” Hockemeyer says. “He told us he wasn’t going to sell to just anyone. He wanted to make sure the next owners valued what Eddy’s means to this community.”
Miller says James made it clear he didn’t want someone to come in and change everything or turn it into a commercial chain.
“He saw in us that we respected the heart of the restaurant and wanted to build on that, not replace it,” she says.
And build they have. Since taking the reins, Miller and Hockemeyer have made subtle but impactful updates, starting with a new point-of-sale system to streamline operations and improve customer service. They’ve also introduced themed weekly specials like Taco Tuesdays, Half-Price Wine Wednesdays paired with pasta, and Kids Eat Free Mondays. A seasonal rotating menu and the long-awaited return of brunch are in the works.
“Any changes we make are meant to complement the core of Eddy’s, not change it,” Miller says. “We’ve spent the first few weeks just listening to customers and staff, and asking what they love and what they’d like to see.”
Staff retention has been a top priority, and the results speak for themselves.
“We had zero turnover,” Miller adds. “The team here is amazing, and we’re so thankful to have inherited a staff that’s not only skilled but genuinely cares about the customers and the restaurant.”
The pair plans to bring back beloved community events like trivia, karaoke and euchre night, and they’re exploring opportunities for local partnerships and sponsorships, drawing on past involvement with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville.
And there’s more to come — including dockside service for boaters on Geist, DoorDash delivery and a grand opening celebration with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the spring.
“We’re calling it our ‘revamp season,’” Hockemeyer says.
Through it all, the duo remains focused on fostering a fun and inclusive environment, both for guests and employees.
“We have a no-tolerance policy for negativity,” Miller says. “We want our team to love coming to work — because when they’re happy, it flows out to our guests.”
As longtime fans of the restaurant themselves, the new owners understand what makes Eddy’s special — and they’re honored to be entrusted with carrying it forward.
“We’re not trying to reinvent Eddy’s,” Hockemeyer says. “We’re here to help it grow, evolve and stay a place where everyone feels welcome.”
Eddy’s is located at 11693 Fall Creek Rd. For more information, visit eddysatgeist.com.
