Kahn's sells Downtown location

Big Red Liquors has purchased Kahn's Fine Wine and Spirits' Downtown location.

"Consumers have an emotional attachment to that location," said Matt Bell, a spokesman for Big Red Liquors, one of Indiana's largest alcohol chains. "And we're absolutely thrilled to be in downtown Indianapolis."

Big Red intends to maintain Kahn's "great bourbon wall," Bell said. The store is currently under renovation and will reopen under the new ownership Thursday, Bell said.

Last month, Kahn's closed its store at 86th Street and Township Line Road, citing concerns that operating in a big shopping plaza was becoming too large of a burden. At the time, Kahn's owner, Jim Arnold, said his other two locations — Downtown at 25 N. Pennsylvania St. and the super store at 5341 N. Keystone Ave. — were operating successfully and would remain open.

"When I told you I was keeping the Downtown location, I meant it," Arnold said Tuesday. "The sale had nothing to do with poor performance. I'm friends with the guys at Big Red, and they made me a great offer."

Arnold said he will now be able to focus on the superstore location on Keystone Avenue.

The sale of the Downtown store included the bicycle that Kahn's used for booze deliveries. Arnold said he is hopeful Big Red will continue that tradition.

Contact Star reporter Michael Anthony Adams at (317) 444-6123. Follow him on Twitter: @MichaelAdams317.