Holly V. Hays

holly.hays@indystar.com

Local doughnut shop Rocket 88 has closed its doors.

The announcement was posted by owner Patrick Burtch to the restaurant's Facebook page Monday night, effective immediately. Both locations, one in Fountain Square and the other in South Broad Ripple, are closed.

"I want to personally thank all the wonderful customers and employees who have made the last couple years such a great experience," Burtch said in the post. "It's been a crazy learning experience."

Burtch will focus energy on a new business venture, according to the post: Square Cat Vinyl, a record store and bar that will be home to live music performances. The store, located at 1054 Virginia Avenue in Fountain Square, is expected to open in roughly a month, Burtch said.

"It just felt like the right time for me to bid farewell to Rocket 88 in order to allow me to focus my time on my dream business Square Cat," Burtch told IndyStar. "I've always wanted to own a record store, and this opportunity arose earlier this year."

Burtch said the intention was to keep Rocket 88 open while working on Square Cat, but decided he needed to dedicate time and energy to only one of the projects.

Rocket 88 opened its first location in Dec. 2014, featuring a menu of doughnuts and more made from primarily local, organic ingredients. Music was a focal point at the doughnut shop, as well: Burtch named Rocket 88 for a 1951 song music historians say is the first rock 'n' roll song ever recorded.

IndyStar food and dining reporter Liz Biro contributed to this story.

Call IndyStar reporter Holly Hays at (317) 444-6156. Follow her on Twitter: @hollyvhays.

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