Business Details
47 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Fresh Catering & Handmade Meals in Indianapolis
Since 1979, Illinois Street Food Emporium has been a cornerstone of Indianapolis' culinary scene, dedicated to crafting meals with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Our scratch kitchen approach ensures every dish reflects decades of tradition and expertise, serving the community from our iconic location in the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood. Under new ownership since August 2025, we remain committed to preserving the legacy established by founders Ernie and Sue Kobets while maintaining the same beloved menu and team that have defined our success. Our expertise spans catering for events of all sizes, wholesale food distribution, and daily operations as a neighborhood cafe and bakery.With over 40 years of experience, we combine time-tested methods with modern convenience through online ordering and delivery services. Our authoritativeness stems from being recognized as Indianapolis' premier scratch kitchen, trusted by generations of residents and businesses alike. We uphold the highest standards of quality control, using no preservatives or shortcuts in our food preparation. Our team's collective experience includes decades of service, with staff members who have dedicated 10+ years to perfecting our craft. We maintain transparency in our operations while continuously adapting to meet evolving customer needs through innovative service options.
Services
Catering
Online Ordering
Wholesale Delivery
Bakery
Deli
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience serving Indianapolis
- Our team uses only high-quality, fresh ingredients
- We offer catering, wholesale, and online ordering options
- Our menu features handmade pastries and meals
- We are committed to preserving our community legacy
Services
Catering Services
We provide full-service catering for weddings, corporate events, and private parties with our signature fresh, handmade dishes. Our experienced team handles breakfast, lunch, and dinner events of all sizes with delivery and pickup options available. Clients benefit from decades of culinary expertise and a menu featuring both classic favorites and seasonal specialties.
Online Ordering
Our convenient online ordering system allows customers to purchase fresh meals and pastries for quick pickup at our Indianapolis location. This service provides access to our full menu of scratch-made items including daily specials and holiday pre-orders. Customers enjoy streamlined ordering while maintaining the quality of our traditional in-person service.
Wholesale Delivery
We supply offices, schools, and businesses across Indianapolis with fresh, handmade food products through our wholesale program. This service extends our quality ingredients and popular menu items to commercial clients while maintaining strict freshness standards. Partners benefit from reliable delivery schedules and consistent product quality developed over decades of operation.
Bakery
Our bakery produces daily fresh breads, pastries, and desserts using traditional scratch methods. The menu features both classic staples and seasonal specialties including holiday pies and celebration cakes. Each item is made with quality ingredients following recipes perfected over our 40+ year history in the community.
Deli
Our neighborhood deli serves made-to-order sandwiches and prepared meals in a casual dining environment. The menu showcases fresh, locally-sourced ingredients combined with time-tested recipes. Customers enjoy daily service from early morning through afternoon hours in a setting that has welcomed generations of Indianapolis residents.
People
Matthew Williford
Owner
Local entrepreneur and long-time patron who acquired the Emporium in 2025 to preserve its legacy while ensuring operational continuity.
Sherry Culp-Perpper
Team Member
21-year veteran of the Illinois Street team, dedicated to maintaining the kitchen's quality standards and traditional methods.
Zachary Hawkins
Team Member
10-year team member specializing in bakery operations and quality control for the Emporium's fresh food production.
Frank Clyde
Team Member
Experienced kitchen staff with a decade of service, contributing to the consistent quality that defines the Emporium's offerings.
Jody Hart
Team Member
4-year team member supporting daily operations while upholding the standards established during the Emporium's 40-year history.
Questions
What catering services do you offer?
We provide full-service catering for weddings, corporate events, and private parties with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options available for pickup or delivery.
Do you offer wholesale food supply?
Yes, we supply offices, schools, and businesses across Indianapolis with our fresh, handmade food products through scheduled wholesale delivery.
What are your regular business hours?
We're open Monday 7 AM-3 PM, Tuesday-Friday 7 AM-5 PM, Saturday 7 AM-2 PM, and closed on Sundays.
Can I order food online?
Yes, our online ordering system allows you to purchase fresh meals and pastries for quick pickup at our Indianapolis location.
What makes your food unique?
We use fresh, high-quality ingredients with no preservatives or shortcuts in our scratch kitchen approach developed over 40 years of operation.
Are you available for special events?
Yes, we handle special events from small gatherings to large celebrations with customized menus and service options.