08/11/2026
🍔 LUCAS BROS IS COMING BACK — AND WE HAVE A NEW HOME! 🍔
While an opening date has not been selected just yet, we are very happy to announce that Lucas Bros will be moving into the Columbus Elks Lodge, located at:
📍 4664 Ray Boll Blvd.
Columbus, IN 47203
We know many of you have had questions about where we’ve been, why we left Nexus Park, what happened with the old Shorty’s building, and where Lucas Bros was going to land next. You’ve supported us through all of it, so we want to be open with you about how we got here.
WHY DID WE LEAVE NEXUS PARK?
When we moved into Nexus Park, we truly hoped the Fieldhouse and surrounding development would generate the foot traffic necessary to make the location successful. Unfortunately, that traffic never developed to the level we needed.
At the same time, our operating costs were extremely high. Our monthly lease was expensive, our electric bill alone was regularly over $800 per month, and we were dealing with older equipment that frequently needed attention and repairs.
Because the foot traffic was uncertain, we remained on a month-to-month agreement rather than committing ourselves to a long-term lease that we weren't confident the business could support.
Eventually, we were asked to enter into an extended lease with increased rent and additional annual increases over the term of the lease. We attempted to discuss and negotiate terms that we believed Lucas Bros could realistically sustain. Instead, we were served an order to vacate.
That wasn't the outcome we had hoped for, but it meant we needed to figure out our next move.
SO, WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE OLD SHORTY'S BUILDING?
Many people know that we own the old Shorty's building, and understandably, we've been asked why we didn't simply move Lucas Bros there.
For quite a while, we didn't push hard on renovating Shorty's because we genuinely hoped the Nexus Park location would take off. Once it became clear that wasn't happening, we hired someone and began framing and preparing the Shorty's building.
That's when we discovered just how much work the building actually needed.
Some of the supporting walls had severe termite damage — bad enough that portions of the existing 2x4 framing could literally be crushed by hand. We began replacing the damaged structure with 2x6 framing so the building would be safe and properly supported.
Because that work constituted a structural change, the City issued a stop-work notice and informed us that the project would require a Construction Design Release through the State of Indiana.
That changed the scope of the project considerably. Instead of simply submitting a floor plan and scope of work, we would need an entire professionally prepared and stamped drawing package before moving forward.
Shorty's hasn't been forgotten. But getting Lucas Bros back open and serving our customers became the immediate priority.
SO, WHY THE ELKS LODGE?
While we were trying to determine our next step, something unexpected happened.
Two local nonprofit organizations reached out to us independently and presented opportunities for Lucas Bros to operate out of their kitchens and dining rooms.
We were extremely grateful that not one, but two organizations saw an opportunity to work with Lucas Bros and help us get back to serving the community.
After discussing both opportunities, the Columbus Elks Lodge was ready for us to move forward now, while conversations with the other organization were still ongoing. The opportunity at the Elks made sense for where Lucas Bros is today, and we felt it was simply too good to pass up.
Operating from the Elks will drastically reduce our overhead, eliminate most of the maintenance burden that comes with operating our own facility, and give us a large, newer, clean space where we can focus on what we do best — serving great food.
There's plenty of parking, including handicap-accessible parking right at the front doors, and we'll have the ability to put our Lucas Bros personality into the space and make it feel like home.
Do you have to be a member to dine in and eat with us?
The answer is no! It is open to the public.
And as for that other nonprofit organization...
Those conversations aren't necessarily over. They are just on hold.
For now, though, our focus is getting our new location at the Elks ready and getting Lucas Bros back open!
WHAT ABOUT THE LOCATION?
We know Ray Boll Blvd. isn't right in the middle of Columbus. We thought long and hard about that.
But we also know something else:
Lucas Bros has some incredibly loyal customers. ❤️
We believe you'll make the drive for your favorite burgers, and we believe there's a great opportunity to serve people from the surrounding schools, airport, businesses, neighborhoods, and everyone traveling through that area.
Most importantly, this opportunity gives us something we've been working toward for a some time:
A chance to get Lucas Bros back open, get back to work, and get back to serving the community that has supported us.
This journey hasn't gone exactly how we planned it. We've had setbacks, unexpected expenses, construction challenges, and some difficult decisions to make along the way.
But Lucas Bros isn't done.
In fact...
🍔 WE'RE JUST GETTING STARTED AGAIN. 🍔
📍 Lucas Bros at the Columbus Elks Lodge
4664 Ray Boll Blvd.
Columbus, IN 47203
📅 Opening date: Coming soon!
We still have some work to do before we're ready to fire up the grill, and we'll announce our official opening date as soon as everything is in place.
We can't thank everyone enough for the messages, questions, encouragement, patience, and continued support.
Now we want to hear from you — who's ready for a Lucas Bros burger again?! 🍔🔥
Please understand that while we appreciate feedback and comments, we are giving zero energy to negativity regarding our new location. We believe that this move will give Lucas Brothers the chance that it needs to remain open and operating.
Please SHARE this post and help us spread the word:
LUCAS BROS HAS A NEW HOME! ❤️🍔
