Get to Know Eddy’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill Owners
Writer & Photographer / Pat Carlini
Eddys Neighborhood Bar & Grill, located on Geist Reservoir, recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, and the popular, quaint neighborhood spot where everybody knows your name changed hands once again in 2020.
Geist businessman James Jallal and wife Michele acquired Eddys from Dave Stringer, who took over the restaurant in 2015.
We are excited to take over Eddys, says James, who retired from Kermans Flooring in 2007. I went into real estate after I retired, but, really my passion was always food and entertaining and now Im involved in something I truly enjoy.
Jamess wife Michele agrees that the decision to take over one of the most popular restaurants at Geist was good for them.
Our kids are grown, and we were talking about downsizing or moving to Florida, she says. But, when this came up we thought we now have the time needed for the restaurant business. Plus, we live close so its easy for James to stay a little later when there are still customers in the dining room or at the bar.
Michele says they would often invite neighbors into their Geist home for summer cookouts.
The house would be full of people and there was James at the grill entertaining everybody, she says. His friends would say, James you need to get out of the rug business and open a restaurant.
So, taking over an established, fun neighborhood spot with a clientele that lives within a five-mile radius was just as good.
Not a whole lot has changed at Eddys but, to begin with, the logo has changed to a lakeside scene with a sailboat on the water and a blue heron in the foreground.
New signage for the outside and some remodeling was done on the inside, too. As far as the food goes, yes, the jalapeño chicken strips are still on the menu, an item that makes Eddy’s one of the best restaurants on Geist Reservoir.
But, Chef Andy Waldon now prepares some healthier choices and more fish dishes have been added to the menu. Fresh bread is delivered three times a week and many new wines have been added to the menu. Eddys will continue to offer dockside service for the boaters as well. The menu features plenty of variety including soups, salads, sandwiches, steak, seafood, Italian and barbecue.
The Jallals invite everyone to Eddys at Geist to enjoy the new food and drink items on the menu and the great outdoor dining on the patio this summer.
Eddys Neighborhood Bar & Grill is open daily and located at 11693 Fall Creek Rd right near Geist Reservoir. You can give the restaurant at 317-849-0925 or visit them online at eddysatgeist.com for more information.
*Related Stories: Eddy’s Celebrates 20 Years
