15 Businesses That Should Come to Evansville in 2024

The city of Evansville has been growing and expanding fairly consistently for the last several years and shows no signs of slowing down in 2024. We routinely see announcements about proposed new businesses coming to town - some never come to fruition, but many do. And while we will undoubtedly see a handful of businesses close this year, I fully expect us to see several more open. The question is, what new businesses would YOU like to have in Evansville?

We recently asked our listeners to answer that question for us and we've compiled their answers in the list of 15 Businesses That Should Come to Evansville in 2024 below. A majority of responses are for a variety of restaurants, while a few are for other types of businesses. One response, which I had to include, hopes to resurrect a popular restaurant that has been gone for a long time (and will probably never come back).

A&W

Some folks may not realize that A&W is more than just yummy root beer - their restaurants also offer some yummy burgers and fries to go along with it.

Bass Pro Shop

I think Pro Bass Shop is on lists like this for any city that doesn't already have one.

Buc-ee's

Is there a brand that's gained more popularity in the last few years than Buc-ee's? If there is I can't think of it. Buc-ee's is taking the world by storm, just not in Evansville.

Cheesecake Factory

With more than 250 items, the Cheesecake Factory menu is one of the biggest you'll find. Is that overkill - too many choices? Customers sure don't seem to think so.

Dollar General

I am pretty sure (I am hoping) that whoever suggested we need another Dollar General in Evansville was just being silly. We already have 19 DG locations, but I guess an even 20 isn't the worst thing in the world.

IKEA

I'm a little surprised that we haven't gotten an IKEA yet. It looks like the Hoosier state's only IKEA is located in Fishers.

Kmart

I thought I'd look and see where the nearest Kmart is located, figuring there would be some within a few hours of Evansville. Come to find out there are just a handful of stores left in America. Kmart has become a primarily online store.

Kroger

There may not be any Kroger grocery stores in Evansville, although there are several locations of Kroger's sister store, Ruler Foods.

Meijer

You might be thinking, "Wait a minute, there already is a Meijer in Evansville," and you would be correct. This particular request was to get a Meijer store a few miles east in Newburgh, IN.

Portillo’s

I had never heard of this Chicago-based restaurant chain, but after seeing its menu, I would love to see one in Evansville myself. Burgers, dogs, Italian beef, fries, and shakes? Yes, please!

Sir Beef

This request/suggestion was purely nostalgic, and you should not get your hopes up that Sir Beef is coming (back) to Evansville. I mean, anything is possible - technically - but let's keep it real, Sir Beef is gone for good.

Smoothie King

What world am I living in? How have I never heard of this place? Smoothie King has been around since the 1970s and has more than 1,000 locations in America. Is Evansville the only city that doesn't have one yet?

Torchy's Tacos

Shhhh...you had me at tacos. Right now the closest Torchy's location is in Jeffersonville, IN, not far from Louisville.

Trader Joes

There is a Trader Joe's location in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, which are Indiana's largest and second-largest cities. You know, Evansville is the third largest city in the state. I'd say we're due.

Whole Foods

There are just a handful of Whole Foods locations in Indiana - a few around the Indy area, and a couple way up north. To be honest, I don't see a Whole Foods coming to Evansville anytime soon.