Cunningham Restaurant Group Opens Shin Dig, Their 45th Restaurant: A Conversation with Mike Cunningham

Mike Cunningham, the visionary behind the Cunningham Restaurant Group (CRG), isn’t just building restaurants—he’s creating spaces that connect people and celebrate the communities they serve. With 45 restaurants under their belt, including favorites like Bru Burger, Livery, and the newly launched Shin Dig, CRG works to create experiences and delight guests in the communities they serve. 

Edible Indy recently sat down with Cunningham to talk about the group’s latest ventures, his passion for building unique dining experiences, and what’s next for CRG.

Shin Dig: A Neighborhood Hangout for All Ages

CRG’s newest concept, Shin Dig, brings a lively, family-friendly atmosphere to the North Mass Ave. area. Cunningham shared his inspiration behind the name when he attended a blues and jazz concert where Buddy Guy referred to the event as a “shindig.” The restaurant lives up to its name, offering a place for families and friends to gather, eat, and play.

The menu, crafted by executive chef Jonathan King, features from-scratch offerings like wings in creative sauces, mouthwatering pizzas, breadsticks (they’re addictive, Cunningham said), and burgers. For health-conscious diners, options like eggplant hummus, fresh salads, and a caprese sandwich provide a lighter take on comfort food classics.

Shin Dig isn’t just about the food. The restaurant will unveil a massive outdoor space in spring 2025, complete with cornhole, fire pits, and ping pong, making it a prime spot for movie nights and community events. And with ample parking after 5 p.m., it’s a stress-free option for families looking to enjoy an evening out.

CRG isn’t new to combining food and experience. Part of the Pacers Sports & Entertainment Complex known as Bicentennial Unity Plaza, Commission Row upgrades pre-game dining. While the three-story steakhouse boasts an upscale menu and a speakeasy, Commission Row embraces a “come as you are” vibe, making it accessible to both sports fans and fine dining enthusiasts.  

“It thrills me when people come in wearing jerseys before a game,” Cunningham shared. 

The combination of elevated food with an inviting atmosphere exemplifies CRG’s knack for blending sophistication with approachability—a hallmark of CRG.

A Look Ahead: New Projects on the Horizon

CRG isn’t slowing down. The group currently has a few projects under construction including:

• A new Stone Creek Dining (Greenwood): A new iteration of their classic dining experience.
• A new Bru Burger (18th location): The group’s beloved burger concept continues to expand.
• A new concept called The Lawrence (West Lafayette): In partnership with Purdue Research Foundation, CRG is reconstructing a barn to create a 130-seat farm-to-table restaurant with a 200-seat event space.

“I love finding uniqueness in the restaurants we build,” Cunningham said. 

28 Years of Excellence

CRG’s journey began 28 years ago with Boulder Creek Dining Co., and it’s been a remarkable ride. With each new concept, Cunningham has stayed true to his core vision: “In the communities we serve, we will be the restaurant of choice for delighting our guests.”

As CRG celebrates the opening of Shin Dig, their 45th restaurant, it’s clear they’re not just feeding communities—they’re inspiring connection, fostering creativity, and staying at the forefront creating consistent, creative, dependable dining experiences.