Restaurants from Chicago and Indianapolis entering local dining scene

Cincinnati’s restaurant scene isn’t just exploding with locally owned eateries, as restaurateurs from other major cities are taking an interest as well. In the next few months, two new restaurants — Indianapolis-based BRU Burger Bar and Chicago favorite Giordano’s — are coming to the area.
 
Neither restaurant has a concrete timetable for opening, but foodies should expect a new burger place and new Chicago-style deep-dish pizza by early next year.
 
BRU Burger Bar, popular in Indianapolis and Lexington, Ky., will open downtown. Owners Tom and Mike Cunningham, Cincinnati natives who operate Cunningham Restaurant Group, have signed a letter of intent for a 4,400-square-foot space at Sixth and Walnut streets, the former home of Cadillac Ranch.
 
BRU’s menu includes a number of burgers as well as a chili appetizer, fresh salads and sandwiches.
 
Giordano’s is expanding beyond its current base of Illinois, Indiana and Florida, adding locations in Cincinnati as well as Phoenix and Minneapolis. The company, which is known for its deep dish pizza, plans to open at least two restaurants in Cincinnati and is scouting sites in Kenwood, Liberty Township and downtown.