Bloomington, Indiana – Bloomington and surrounding areas recently bid farewell to three beloved local dining spots as two restaurants and a food truck announced permanent closures, leaving longtime patrons reminiscing about their favorite meals and memories. These closings mark the end of significant chapters in the community’s food scene, from family-run establishments to vibrant mobile kitchens known for their unique flavors.
Wee Willie’s in Ellettsville, a staple of the area for decades, closed its doors on January 11. Troy Lutgens, the current owner, shared the news on Facebook, explaining that he wanted to spend more time with his family.
“Hello! We would like to thank all of our customers over the past 36 years for making our business unique. However it is time for me to concentrate on spending more time with my family. Our family owned business as of January 11th is closed. Thank you so much,” Lutgens wrote.
The Ellettsville location at 4618 W. Richland Plaza Drive had been part of a long-running family tradition. Troy Lutgens is the son of Bill and Brenda Lutgens, who ran the original Bloomington Wee Willie’s at 1724 S. Walnut St. until its closure in April 2015. That location later became part of the city’s popular Switchyard Park. For generations, locals have fond memories of the pies, root beer, and pork tenderloins that were hallmarks of the restaurant’s menu. Following the closure announcement, hundreds of customers shared messages online, celebrating the restaurant’s history and the impact it had on the community. Attempts to reach Lutgens for additional comment were unsuccessful.
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Meanwhile, Topper’s Pizza on Indiana Avenue also closed earlier this month, leaving students and residents near Indiana University Bloomington surprised by the sudden announcement. A sign posted on the front glass windows informed visitors of the closure, ending operations at the 212 S. Indiana Ave. location. The Bloomington store, which opened in 2023, was part of a larger chain known for its late-night service and college-area locations.
Topper’s Pizza offered a menu featuring pizza, breadsticks, wings, and sides such as mac and cheese, catering to both students and the general public. While the Bloomington location’s website is no longer active, the chain continues to operate in other states, including Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, South Carolina, Nebraska, Texas, Virginia, and North Dakota. The nearest Topper’s Pizza for local customers is now in Indianapolis.
In addition to these two restaurants, the Top Shotta Jerk Chicken food truck, a favorite for its authentic Jamaican cuisine, also announced it would close permanently. Owner Taneisha Henline shared the decision with her followers on social media, citing physical strain as the primary reason. “I am writing to share that I have decided to close the food truck permanently. It is time for me to have a steady paycheck but most of all, a job with benefits! Running this business has been a labor of love and a great success thanks to all of you,” Henline wrote.
Henline reflected on her eight years operating the mobile kitchen, describing the hands-on work involved in preparing every meal from scratch, hand-prepping each item, and managing the logistical demands of a mobile business. Despite the challenges, she expressed pride in what she accomplished and gratitude toward her loyal customers. “Coming out of the Customer service and Hospitality field in 2016, to building a brand from scratch and making it a well loved and recognizable one is something that I will forever be proud of,” she said.
Looking ahead, Henline said she is excited to pursue a new professional path that allows her to focus on her health, family, and a steadier schedule. “I also feel a great sense of relief and excitement as I move into a new professional role. I am looking forward to a path that allows me to focus on my health, my family, and a new steady professional pace,” she wrote.
The closures highlight the challenges and transitions many small business owners face in the hospitality industry, where long hours, physical demands, and operational costs can weigh heavily on even the most passionate proprietors. At the same time, these closures mark a moment for communities to celebrate the impact these businesses had—whether through family recipes, late-night slices for college students, or vibrant mobile cuisine enjoyed at local events.
While residents may feel the absence of these establishments, the memories of shared meals and the community connections they fostered will remain. For generations of Bloomington and Ellettsville residents, the closing of Wee Willie’s, Topper’s Pizza, and Top Shotta Jerk Chicken is more than just a business change; it’s the end of an era.
As the local food scene continues to evolve, the stories of these three businesses serve as reminders of the dedication, creativity, and heart behind small, family-owned restaurants and food trucks—and the lasting mark they leave on the communities they serve.
