But they also had to buy into the entire brand, including our philanthropic causes,” said Wise. “I needed someone to believe in the growth of the company. So when Due North Holdings, a private equity group based in Scottsdale, Arizona, shared Wise’s vision for growth and impressed him with their proven track record of growing restaurant brands, the business owner was on board. Even with nearly 20 restaurants, Wise still wanted to see the company grow. The company grew by adding another restaurant name, Thr3e Wisemen with locations in Broad Ripple and Muncie, under its umbrella.
Scotty’s first expanded beyond its roots in college towns, finding a place in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, along Carmel’s busy streets, and as far away as Punta Gorda, Florida-while still being a favorite in Muncie. “We say ‘protect the fort’-the fort being our home state of Indiana, and then growing from there and then slowly expanding into other states that makes sense,” Wise said. Part of this is the hospitality that Indiana is known for, and so as Wise expands the business he is starting close to home. At each of his restaurants, he shares with them his company’s story.īeyond the food, lighting, music and technology that have played into the popularity of the restaurant, an environment that has championed teamwork and collaboration can be felt when walking into one of his restaurants. Employees get to know Wise as not only Scotty’s founder, but a fellow team member.