Key West Shrimp House

History

Established in 1950.

The first Key West Shrimp opened it’s doors on the south side of Indianapolis on October 27, 1950. C.B. Kendall got the idea on a trip to Key West, Florida. He started serving our original french fried shrimp and twice baked potatoes in the front room of a house on south Madison Avenue. In 1952, Madison Avenue was widened and the Shrimp House was moved across the street and down the block to the location it would be at for more than 40 years. Over the years he opened other Shrimp Houses in Indiana including Gas City, Kokomo, Frankfurt, Bloomington and Madison. The Shrimp House in Indy moved from the south side location in the late 80’s to Union Station in downtown Indianapolis. A few years later, Circle Center opened and hurt all business in Union Station. The Shrimp House closed soon after. However the Shrimp House in Madison has been going strong since 1968.

Meet the Business Owner

Scott K.

Business Owner

In 1958, my mom was hired on as a waitress in the Indy location. Later that year, my dad started working behind the bar. Dad worked hard and was promoted to manager. He ran in Indy store from the mid sixties until 1974. In September of 1974, Dad was transferred to Madison. About that time I started helping when i could around the restaurant. I was 11. By the time i was 14, i was the head cook. I worked in the kitchen until it was time to go to college. I attended Purdue University. Boiler up! I was tired of the restaurant business, so i majored in telecommunications. During that time, My mom and dad bought the shrimper. The next year, A local power plant was shut down and Madison went into a small depression. Mom and Dad almost lost everything they owned. After graduating, I came back to work at the shrimper and Dad taught me all about the front of the house. I’ve been working out front since 1987. In 2001, My wife, my daughter and I bought the shrimper. We hope you enjoy!