A Fresh Catch
For some people, success means stability; for others, it sparks a new venture. That is the case for Todd Reisenbigler, owner of Broad Ripple Seafood Market North and Bar, the newest splash on the restaurant scene in downtown Westfield. The coastal-style market and restaurant is an expanded vision of his existing business, Broad Ripple Seafood Market.
His focus is on fresh fish, fresh ingredients and whole food. Reisenbigler intentionally works with small suppliers who source fish sustainably, which is very important to him. He seeks out a variety of fresh fish from U.S. coasts and around the world that are rarely offered in Indiana.
“We are unique because our seafood is fresh, never frozen. It comes in every morning,” he says. “We have a wide variety from locations like Hawaii, Alaska, Florida and as far away as New Zealand. From the wet bar, you can choose your dinner from the case or take something special home. We will even coach you on how to prepare it if you like.”
Each dish is prepared with care from scratch. From lobster, halibut and grouper to a shrimp po’boy and oysters shucked on the spot, there is no shortage of fresh, delicious choices. The seafood chowder has become a signature dish. Based on the success of the Broad Ripple location, the formula is working.
Filling A Need In A Landlocked State
Reisenbigler built a career in the mortgage business and has a history of successful businesses. He also loves to travel the world, enjoy great food and wine, and developed a passion for cooking along the way. His family most recently lived in California, where they could enjoy finding fresh seafood in markets and restaurants on a regular basis. When they moved back to Indiana, they missed that and thought they could fill that void by bringing a coastal vibe and delicious fish to the heartland.
“There are a lot of fish lovers around. They have eaten great seafood in coastal locations and are shocked to find it here. We want the top level of excellence in our food and to engage with the customers. Serving people in the community is the magical part.”
The original Broad Ripple Seafood Market’s vibrant coastal vibe has resonated with locals and beyond, with business quadrupling over the past 2 years. Reisenbigler knew the concept could be expanded successfully and found the perfect spot in growing Westfield.
A Fresh Addition To The Westfield Dining Scene
The Westfield location will have the same feel as the Broad Ripple market on a much larger scale. It will have a full commercial kit
chen and a 3-way bar. With a total capacity of 75, customers can enjoy a Cape Cod or Florida Keys restaurant experience. A large patio will be available year-round, with a stage for live music just off the Midland Trail.
“It will be like an escape to the coast, only in Indiana,” Reisenbigler says.
Reisenbigler lives in Westfield and sees it as the perfect location for his passion project. His family is very connected to the growing community. With no fish markets in Westfield, it fills a niche in that respect while also offering a unique dining experience in the burgeoning dining and entertainment scene.
He has multiple reasons for launching this new adventure.
“People. I love people,” he says. “That fills my tank more than anything else. Hearing how much people enjoy the food and serving them. But ultimately, this is a legacy for my family. I want to be able to hand something off that they can be proud of.”
Broad Ripple Seafood Market North and Bar opened in mid-May, with a grand opening planned for June.
Learn more about Broad Ripple Seafood Market North and Bar by visiting them online at bardalesseafood.com.
