Indianapolis, Indiana – A fresh new dining option has arrived at the heart of Indianapolis, and it’s bound to become a favorite for library-goers, downtown professionals, and food lovers alike. T Street Eatz Café officially opened at the Central Library on Monday, June 9, offering a diverse range of freshly brewed coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and satisfying lunch choices. The café is designed to cater to a wide variety of tastes, including plant-based and gluten-free options, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The grand opening event, held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., invited the public to experience the new café in all its glory. As a special treat, guests who spent $6.00 or more were offered a 10% discount on their orders, valid only during the opening celebration. For many, this event marks not just the opening of a new café but a new chapter in the Indianapolis food scene, with T Street Eatz offering more than just a quick bite. It promises an experience that combines delicious food with the cozy, intellectual ambiance of the library.
Located in the Atrium at Central Library, T Street Eatz Café serves a variety of visitors, from library staff and downtown workers to students, remote employees, and even travelers seeking a relaxing stop. The café offers quick, flavorful options, ensuring that people don’t have to leave the library to enjoy a great meal. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee between library visits or sitting down for a hearty lunch, T Street Eatz has you covered.
Elizabeth Schoettle, the director of Central Library, shared her excitement about the café’s arrival: “Bringing a café to Central Library has been a priority. T Street Eatz adds so much to our space, giving visitors the chance to enjoy coffee and warm food while taking advantage of our books, programs, and services. T Street Eatz brings a new energy to our beautiful Atrium space along with the smell of fresh coffee. Who doesn’t love a nice cup of coffee alongside a great read?”
The café is the result of the hard work and perseverance of Tasha “Chef T” Claytor and LaMont “Monty” Reeves, Sr., two longtime friends who decided to pursue their passion for food and community. T Street Eatz, a locally owned minority business, started with humble beginnings and has grown into a thriving restaurant and catering service.
Chef T, as Claytor is affectionately known, shared her personal journey that led to the creation of T Street Eatz. “Before the pandemic, we were both working full-time jobs while juggling side gigs like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash to support our family and help our daughter through college,” she recalled. “When Monty became ill around the time COVID-19 hit, everything came to a halt. Like many families, we were left navigating uncertainty, trying to figure out our next steps.”
The turning point for Claytor came when she prepared her grandmother’s final birthday meal, shortly before her grandmother passed away from COVID-19. “I never got the chance to hear from her personally, thoughts on the meal, but a voicemail she had left beforehand—sharing how much she loved my cooking—became a lasting gift and an unexpected source of encouragement. That moment became the quiet spark behind what would grow into T Street Eatz.”
What started as a small pop-up in a shared kitchen eventually grew into the restaurant and catering business now located at the Central Library. But the journey has not been easy. “We operated inside City Market until its sudden and extended closure forced us to shut down. The effects of the pandemic and the loss of our storefront have continued to impact us physically and financially—both personally and professionally,” Claytor said. Despite these challenges, Claytor and Reeves have remained committed to rebuilding their business, which is now serving the community with fresh, high-quality meals.
For those unable to attend the grand opening, Claytor encouraged them to support the minority-owned business by visiting the café at any time or contributing via their donation link. “Your support helps us continue to rebuild and keep serving—one ingredient at a time,” she said.
T Street Eatz is open seven days a week, with varying hours to accommodate the busy schedules of library patrons and the general public. The operating hours are as follows:
• Monday & Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Wednesday through Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Sunday: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
T Street Eatz isn’t just about good food; it’s about supporting local businesses and fostering a sense of community. The café invites patrons to “Eat Local. Shop Local. Love Indy!” and promises to offer a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through its doors.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a relaxed lunch, or simply a great cup of coffee, T Street Eatz at Central Library is ready to serve you with a smile and a plate of freshly prepared food. Make sure to stop by and experience the delicious flavors and heartwarming story behind this beloved local café.
