Steve Wilkos figures he has a prime spot for a new restaurant.
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is scheduled to open at 110 W. Main St., Suite 125, in the Carmel Arts & Design District in late February or, at the latest, the first day of spring.
“We’re super excited about it. It should be great right off the Monon Trail,” said Wilkos, whose store will have a pick-up window.
Wilkos signed the lease in mid-December for the 1,200-square feet space, formerly occupied by Huntington Bank.
Wilkos, a Westfield resident, moved to Indiana approximately three years ago to work as a sales executive for Finish Line, where he retired at the end of 2018. Prior to that, he worked as executive for Nordstrom for several years in the Seattle area.
“This is our family business,” he said. “My wife, Sue, and two sons are all going to be running it. Carmel is our first location. We are hoping to have one or two in Westfield and then Noblesville as well. We love the area. We want to be here forever.”
The couple’s sons, Steven and Tyler, both attend Westfield High School. Steven is a junior and Tyler a freshman.
The other Rita’s store in Indiana is in Fishers.
In the 1980s, Wilkos said he was in a restaurant and catering business with family members in New Jersey.
“So, I know the food business well.” he said.
