Episode 19: Ed Rudisell

This episode was the most intense interview I’ve done, to date! Ed Rudisell is one of Indianapolis’ best-known restaurateurs and entrepreneurs, and I have known him for over a decade. Ed has spent over two decades in restaurants and hospitality, launching successful restaurants including Siam Square, Black Market, Rook, and the Inferno Room. He is one of Indianapolis’ great ambassadors, as the host of the national podcast Shift Drink, in which he interviews innovators in the wine & spirits industry. He also hosts the new podcast A440, in which he profiles independent musicians in various heavy metal genres.

Ed has documented his struggles throughout COVID-19, which resulted in his decision to close two of Indy’s beloved restaurants, Black Market and Rook. In this conversation, Ed talks about what happened, what we have learned about independent restaurants, and how all of us can support the restaurants that have made a difference in our neighborhoods.