A “For Lease” sign hanging in front of the space where Darn Good Soup had been located before closing recently. Photo by Rodney Margison

When the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic on March 11, many local businesses were forced to close their doors. Now, as Indiana eases lockdown restrictions, some of those doors will not reopen. Below is a list of such businesses, which Bloom will continue to update.

UPDATE: The Pourhouse Cafe

In October, the Pourhouse announced it would close its doors semi-permanently at the end of the month.

“In order to remain a viable business, we will be shutting our doors, entering an ‘inactive’ state as a business, and beginning to search for a location to call our future home, where we hope to re-open when the market and state of things has resumed some semblance of normalcy,” the business said in a Facebook post. “We have absolutely loved serving Kirkwood and Bloomington as a whole, and we cannot wait to announce our ability to begin serving once again in new ways and old.”

Blue Heron Woodworking Supplies

Blue Heron closed its doors on July 31 after five years in Bloomington.

“I have decided to close Blue Heron and retire to my home in Brown County. Serving the Bloomington and Central Indiana woodworking community has been a great honor and a pleasure,” said owner Michael Evans in a post on the shop’s website. “I am sad to have made this decision but I believe it is time for me to move on. I hope to maintain contact with all of the friends I have made during my tenure as proprietor of Blue Heron. It has been a good ride.”

Darn Good Soup

On April 21, Darn Good Soup owner Nels Boerner announced that the downtown restaurant would be closing indefinitely due to the pandemic.

“Thank you all for the support over the years, we’ve made a lot of friends,” Boerner wrote in a Facebook post announcing the closure. “We might be back in a new location at a time unknown. We will miss feeding you.”

The Highland Lounge

Located on Curry Pike near Bloomfield Road, the Highland Lounge prided itself on its close-knit community of regulars and laid-back atmosphere.

T-Swirl Crepe

National chain T-Swirl Crepe offers naturally gluten-free, Japanese-style crepes. The Bloomington location on Kirkwood has closed permanently.

La Vie en Rose

La Vie en Rose owner Stephanie Laparre announced on June 2 that the café would close its doors on June 28. 

“I hope to see you then and to have a chance to say our goodbyes,” Laparre wrote in a Facebook post.

Monroe County Martial Arts

After nearly 30 years in Bloomington, Monroe County Martial Arts, 223 S. Pete Ellis Dr., closed its doors on June 30.

“When we opened in November of 1991, our mission statement was to provide Monroe County’s citizens with safe, affordable, and fun training in the martial arts. After considering the safety precautions available for re-opening in the present pandemic, we cannot with any confidence see how we can maintain a single one of the three facets of our mission statement,” said owners Steve and Linda Scott in a Facebook post.

Opie Taylor’s

Long-time Bloomington restaurant Opie Taylor’s has closed. A popular dining and drinking spot for Indiana University students, Opie Taylor’s served beer and bar fare. On Tuesday, August 11, the restaurant, located on the downtown Square, sported signs in the windows announcing its permanent closure.

Pygmalion’s Art Supplies

After more than 48 years in Bloomington, Pygmalion’s Art Supplies closed on June 30. In a statement released on June 1, owner Nancy Crenshaw explained that the store’s building was sold earlier this year and that it had become too costly to maintain the business in the current economy.

“This was not an easy decision to come to,” Crenshaw wrote. “My brother [former owner] John Wilson loved Bloomington and he loved the art community. My full intention after he passed away was to keep his business continuing as one of Bloomington’s iconic businesses. I simply cannot see that happening in our current situation.”

Rocky’s Pizza

The staff at Rocky’s Pizza, located on College Avenue, announced on July 28 that the restaurant would be permanently closing its doors.

“We want to thank all of our customers for their loyalty and support,” the Facebook post says. “Thanks everyone, it was a great ride.”

Tandoor & Tikka

Tandoor & Tikka, 250 S. Washington St., has closed. The build-your-own entree Indian restaurant, which opened in February 2019, was part of a chain that aims to introduce modern Indian fare to Midwestern communities.

Vance Music Center

After 72 years in Bloomington, Vance Music Center has announced it would be permanently closing on August 30.

“We want to thank all of our loyal customers and friends we have met over the years,” the shop said in a Facebook post.


See a list of new businesses opening in Bloomington here.