Fortvilles Broadway Diner Features a Rich History and Diverse Menu
Photographer / Belinda Russell
Jody Fuchs, owner of Broadway Diner in Fortville, says great food and loyal customers have kept her restaurant in business throughout the years.
Fuchs, the sole owner of the diner who bought the establishment from her father in 2003, says the diner has enjoyed a rich history of good food and friendly staff members.
My family has had a restaurant at the Broadway Street address since 1978, she says. “My husband Michael and I opened the Cottage Kitchen in late 1978. My brother and I also later opened the Junction Inn in the late 80s. Then we both went to work for food distributors.
Fuchs previously worked as a representative for a food distributor, and in that capacity, she was able to observe what made a food business successful.
When I was tired of being on the road, I approached my dad and offered to buy the restaurant, she says.
Fuchs credits the citizens of Fortville with the diners success.
The people in Fortville are amazing, she says. I feel very fortunate to have such loyal customers and friends.
Fuchs says there are several diner regulars who enjoy meeting for breakfast or lunch to catch up.
Other favorites are the beaded tenderloins and broaster chicken, Fuchs says. 80% of our food is handmade. The food comes from my moms recipes. We also still make and cut our noodles.
Broadway Diners Hometown Favorites are also popular according to Fuchs. These include baby back ribs, roast beef Manhattan, country fried steak and other choices.
Breakfast is served with toast or biscuits. Fuchs says the menu includes multiple omelet choices, as well as a popular Sweet Stuff menu with selections like pancakes and French toast.
We really have a wide section of menu options, she says. We really have to keep a lot of food in stock.
Fuchs says the burgers and sandwiches are also consistently popular among patrons.
We are your all-American diner, she says. We have so many different sandwich choices as well as great salads, soups and sides.
Broadway Diner also is well regarded for its homemade pies.
We also get a lot of people come in and get food to go for breakfast and lunch, Fuchs says. We have a great waitstaff that is popular with the customers, and we have good prices too.
Fuchs has a few favorite menu items herself, such as the breaded tenderloins, broaster chicken and sausage gravy.
Fuchs is proud of the fact that Broadway Diner remains a family-operated business, and her son Adam currently serves as manager.
It is almost a rite of passage for all my children and nieces to work here, she says. Broadway Diner is the oldest independent restaurant in Fortville. I love everything about our town.
Broadway Diner is located 426 East Broadway Street in Fortville. For more info, call 317-485-6120 and visit facebook.com/FortvilleBroadwayDiner.
