Iconic Indianapolis westside restaurant closes after 70 years of pan-fried chicken dinners

Bradley Hohulin, Indianapolis Star
·1 min read
The Iron Skillet, which opened in 1953, is seen here in 2016. After recently celebrating its 70th anniversary, it has now closed.
The Iron Skillet, which opened in 1953, is seen here in 2016. After recently celebrating its 70th anniversary, it has now closed.

The Iron Skillet has pan-fried its last piece of chicken — at least for now.

After temporarily closing the restaurant last week, owner Ronald Torr told IndyStar he does not plan to reopen. Torr, 74, cited his age, difficulty finding staff and the ongoing construction on the nearby 30th Street bridge for the closure.

"It's been real difficult for us," Torr said. "Of course, I'm 74 years old. It's time to retire."

The Iron Skillet opened in 1953 at 2489 W. 30th St. after Charles Kelso purchased the property, which had previously served as a private home and a clubhouse. In 1996, Kelso sold the restaurant to Torr, who has owned and operated it since. Known for its skillet-fried chicken, steak, fish and biscuits, the Iron Skillet is synonymous with family-style, home-cooked food for many Indianapolis residents.

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Torr said he hopes to sell the restaurant — he did not specify a timeline — and that he hopes Iron Skillet fans will return to the eatery under new management.

Contact dining reporter Bradley Hohulin at bhohulin@indystar.com. You can follow him on Twitter/X @BradleyHohulin.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Iron Skillet closes after 70 years, owner hopes to find new proprietor