Local restaurant to reopen as Mucky Duck grill

A Center Grove area restaurant was sold and will get a new name, owner and a revamped menu. 

Louie’s Bar and Grill, at 2800 S. State Road 135, is becoming Mucky Duck Bar and Grill.

Louie’s closed this week, but the new owner expects to open the new restaurant by the end of the month.

Todd Johnson, a Center Grove area resident, bought the property and expects Mucky Duck to open Oct. 28 or 29.

Expect some changes if you stop in for a bite to eat.

Work has begun to remodel the restaurant, including adding a char grill, expanding the bar and doing other updates inside. Johnson also plans to take over empty space next door in the shopping center. That space will be remodeled into a family dining room and is planned to open by Thanksgiving, Johnson said.

Johnson also owns a Mucky Duck restaurant and bar in the Southport area that is for adults 21 years old and older. The new Center Grove area location will welcome families, he said.

Part of the remodeling will add a kids area with games and a picnic table for youngsters.

A weekend breakfast buffet is being added.

“This is going to be a family friendly joint,” Johnson said.

Some favorite menu items from Louie’s Bar and Grill will be kept at Mucky Duck, such as fried green beans, but the menu will be revamped to include other fare, Johnson said. 

Johnson grew up in the Center Grove area, graduating from Center Grove High School in 1984, and has wanted to expand and own a restaurant in White River Township.

Johnson also owns a Scotty’s Brewhouse in Southport and hopes to open a third Mucky Duck location in central Indiana by the end of the year.

“We were looking for another location,” Johnson said. “I have been looking to grow our brand, and Center Grove was on my map.”