A new restaurant is making waves in downtown Fort Wayne, and it’s coming from the familiar faces behind Mercado and Papi’s Pizza. Spoke + Ivy, the latest venture by Johnny Perez and Esli Barron, has officially opened its doors on West Main Street, offering a fresh take on upscale dining with a neighborhood feel.
A Culinary Vision Takes Shape
Johnny Perez’s journey in the restaurant industry started at just 14, scrubbing dishes and learning the ropes. Now, alongside his wife Esli Barron, he leads Te Gusto Hospitality, a company known for shaping Fort Wayne’s dining scene.
“The only reason it’s possible is with the team that we’re building with,” Perez said. “Their help and their energy is why we’re able to build something great for downtown Fort Wayne.”
Spoke + Ivy stands apart from their previous ventures, leaning into a refined steakhouse experience. The couple envisions the restaurant as a cornerstone in the ongoing transformation of West Main Street into a culinary hotspot.
Betting Big on West Main
Perez and Barron see huge potential in West Main’s development. While much of Fort Wayne’s growth has focused on a concentrated downtown district, they believe the city is ready for expansion.
“I feel that this street will eventually become another hub for more restaurants, hopefully maybe a small store, cafes, that sort of thing,” Perez said.
Barron echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the location’s historical significance.
“The dynamic of Fort Wayne has changed, and there’s been so much focus on those 99 blocks for a long time, but we’ve outgrown the space in a sense,” she said. “West Main has a lot of historical roots in Fort Wayne, and I just wanted to create a place that would hold the test of time.”
A Restaurant for Everyone
Spoke + Ivy isn’t just about high-end dining—it’s about inclusivity. Perez and Barron aim to create an experience that caters to different budgets and occasions.
“I think this area of the community is great, that’s what I love about downtown in general,” Perez said. “There’s a mixed demographic. You’re serving people from different backgrounds, and I think that’s what makes the restaurants we’re building very unique.”
To ensure accessibility, Spoke + Ivy’s menu will feature varied price points and dining options. Whether customers are looking for a special night out or a casual meal, they want their restaurant to be a go-to spot.
What to Expect at Spoke + Ivy
Spoke + Ivy is setting itself apart with a combination of high-quality ingredients, a sophisticated yet welcoming ambiance, and thoughtful service. The restaurant’s concept aims to blend an upscale steakhouse experience with a warm neighborhood charm.
Key details about Spoke + Ivy:
- Cuisine: Elevated steakhouse with diverse menu options
- Ambiance: Upscale yet comfortable
- Location: West Main Street, Fort Wayne
- Target Audience: A broad mix of diners from across the city
A Sign of Things to Come
The opening of Spoke + Ivy signals a larger shift in Fort Wayne’s dining landscape. As new restaurants continue to push beyond the traditional downtown core, the city’s food scene is expanding in exciting ways.
With a strong track record in Mercado and Papi’s Pizza, Perez and Barron’s latest endeavor is poised to make a lasting impact. Spoke + Ivy is now open for business, welcoming guests Monday through Sunday with varying hours to accommodate different dining needs.
