Pat Sullivan, Owner at Sullivan Hardware and Garden
From an alley-wide, 130-foot-long garden center along the street side of Sullivan Hardware in 1993, Pat Sullivan began a journey to build one of Indianapolis’ largest independent garden centers. Since then, Sullivan Hardware became Sullivan Hardware & Garden and expanded from ¾ of an acre to 5 acres, containing a nursery selection of plants, pots and décor.
But the garden center’s activities don’t stop with plants. He’s developed a business plan that has turned Sullivan Hardware and Garden into a destination for entertainment, family events and more.
- The Sully’s Grill restaurant frequently hosts special dinners, such as food and wine pairings and Valentine’s Day dinners, cooking classes and private events.
- Sullivan hosts Remembering Rita the Longest Day to raise money for Alzheimer Foundation, the disease his late mother Rita suffered. Food and entertainment are part of the fundraiser. The fundraiser raises and donates about $35,000 a year.
- For 15 years, the Indy Big Green Egg Food Fest has drawn about 1,500 people a year from throughout the Midwest. Visitors pay $35 to visit 40 food stations manned by volunteers and chefs and vote on their favorites.
- Slaw Fest: A Celebration of Cole Slaw draws about 300 visitor each year. Mac-and-cheese is the villain in what Sullivan calls “a quirky event. I love the quirky events.”
- Turkey Fest, where chefs cook turkeys on Big Green Eggs, Traeger and Weber grills and, of course, the trash can version. The public – about 1,200 a year – is invited to dine at no charge. (Donations are accepted.)
- What started as one holiday train in 2015 has grown to six four-car trains that take families to the North Pole. Along the way they travel through a village of shops with animated, lifelike characters in the windows. Besides Christmas, the trains are part of other special occasions, such as Valentine’s Day trip to a dinner and show.
- Developed the Yellow House as its own destination on the garden center’s grounds. The retail shop carries clothing, jewelry, soaps and herbal products, accessories and other items.
Sullivan Hardware was founded in 1954 by Pat’s late father Robert Sullivan. Pat took over ownership in 1990. Still family owned, Sullivan Hardware and Garden is member of the Do-It Best cooperative, where Pat served as board chairman 2011 to 2012. The company’s 2022 revenue was $33 million, including $1.2 million from train rides. There are 280 full-and part-time employees.
Pat has had a weekly regular radio program since 1990 and for several years has taped a weekly how-to segment for a local television station. Voted Indianapolis’ Best Garden Center several times, the Sullivan company has four stores – two smaller neighborhood outlets, and Allisonville Home and Garden by Sullivan. He purchased the Allisonville location in 2020. Since then, he’s added the restaurant Maggie’s Bistro and about 12,000 square feet, including a greenhouse. The shop has six Pumpkin Town trains to help with Halloween celebrations.