Scotty’s Brewhouse may be coming to FW

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Restaurant entrepreneur and Scotty's Brewhouse CEO and President Scott Wise has signed a letter of intent with Barry Real Estate to bring a Scotty’s Brewhouse restaurant to The Harrison condo complex in downtown Fort Wayne.

Wise told NewsChannel Friday, the letter of intent details leasing conditions for a 7,500 sq. ft. space on the first floor of the future building.

The restaurant and pub would look like any other Scotty's Brewhouse and be large enough to seat 150 people.

"Anybody that wants good food and good service, I say, is welcome at my place," said Wise.

Despite questions about when construction will begin on The Harrison, Wise isn't too worried. He's been talking to Barry Real Estate officials about a deal for the past 18 months, but never signed on because of the harsh economy. Besides now being the right time, and the right price, the biggest selling point was the property's neighbor: Parkview Field.

"The reason why we chose the location we did, with the Parkview ballpark being brand new. (We) love the idea of locating outside of the left field fence. And you know, you can sit on the patio have dinner with us and catch a game," said Wise.

Barry Real Estate has been talking to other businesses about leasing space at The Harrison. Wise hopes his move will create a domino effect that will breathe more life and interest into the property.

"These past 18 months have not been easy for anybody. And especially developers," explains Wise. "Once you have one person sign I think then you just need one domino and the rest will fall."

Greg Leatherman, Executive Director of Fort Wayne's Redevelopment Commission could not say, Friday, when construction was expected to begin on the project, but hoped it would happen as soon as possible.