By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
A FOR SALE sign which went up on the Back 40 Junction approximately three weeks ago has been taken down and it appears some negotiations are going on.
The iconic Decatur restaurant closed last Dec. 31.
Midland Atlantic Properties in Indianapolis is handling the property.
Shawn Heffern of Midland Atlantic told WZBD.com he has a client, not named, who has the property under contract but hasn’t yet closed on it.
“We are talking to multiple different parties but aren’t sure how it will shake out,” Heffern said in an email.
“I recommend you check back via email in 60-90 days and hopefully I have more to share.”
When the Back 40 closed on New Year’s Day, owner/operator John Ferrise indicated a sale could happen.
“We’re trying to sell,” he told WZBD.com, “but right now I can’t say anything. We’re hoping…”
Ferrise said health issues were forcing him to close.
He had worked at the Back 40 for 27 years, having been initially employed by Azar’s, a longtime corporate owner who purchased the business from founder Clete Miller.
Ferrise bought the business in 2020. His son, Nathan, was an employee.
The restaurant has been situated on the southwest corner of 13th St. and Washington St./Archbold Road since 1974 and has attracted thousands of visitors from numerous states to eat and to view the myriad of unique additions inside and out.
In the early 1950’s Clete Miller leased a building on the corner off Nuttman and 13th Street (now McDonald’s) which was then called Swearingen Dairy Ice Cream and Malt Shop.
He named it the Fairway Restaurant.
Miller moved the restaurant to its present location, opening in 1974 as the Back 40 Junction.
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